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ISC2 CC Practice Question: Is designing a DMZ for a web server that must be…
A security engineer is designing a DMZ for a web server that must be accessible from the internet. The web server needs to query an internal database server. Which network security approach best limits exposure?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that placing both servers in the DMZ simplifies security, but the trap is that the database server should never be in the DMZ because it contains sensitive data and must be isolated behind an additional firewall layer to enforce defense in depth.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Place the web server in the DMZ and the database server in the internal network, with a firewall allowing only specific traffic from the web server to the database.
It implements a true DMZ architecture: the web server resides in the DMZ (a semi-trusted zone) while the database server remains in the internal network, protected by a firewall that permits only specific traffic (e.g., TCP/3306 for MySQL or TCP/1433 for MSSQL) from the web server. This minimizes the attack surface by ensuring that even if the web server is compromised, the database server is not directly reachable from the internet, and the firewall enforces strict stateful inspection and access control.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Use a single firewall with rules that allow all traffic from the internet to the internal network.
Why it's wrong here
Allowing all internet traffic to the internal network removes the DMZ's containment entirely, exposing every internal host. A single firewall permitting any inbound traffic defeats segmentation. This would only suit a lab or trusted flat network, never an internet-facing design.
- ✗
Place both servers in the same subnet with a firewall allowing all traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Sharing one subnet with a permissive firewall collapses DMZ separation, letting any web server breach pivot freely to the database. Same-subnet placement suits tiers with identical trust levels. The database needs an isolated internal segment with tightly scoped access from the DMZ.
- ✗
Place the database server in the DMZ with the web server.
Why it's wrong here
Co-locating the database in the DMZ exposes it to internet-facing attack surface, so a web server compromise reaches the data directly. DMZ hosting suits public-facing services only. An internal database belongs behind the internal firewall, reachable from the DMZ via a restricted rule.
- ✓
Place the web server in the DMZ and the database server in the internal network, with a firewall allowing only specific traffic from the web server to the database.
Why this is correct
Segregating tiers by trust level satisfies the constraint of limiting exposure: the DMZ host is internet-reachable, while the database stays shielded on the internal network. The firewall enforces least privilege by permitting only the specific web-to-database traffic required.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Access Control Fundamentals
Key term
TCP
TCP is a connection-oriented transport layer protocol that ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications over IP networks.
Key term
Least privilege
Least privilege is a security principle that means giving users, systems, or programs only the minimum permissions they need to do their job and nothing more.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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