- A
Excessive Data Exposure
Why wrong: Excessive data exposure returns more data than necessary, not unauthorized access.
- B
Mass Assignment
Why wrong: Mass assignment allows binding additional fields in requests.
- C
Broken User Authentication
Why wrong: Authentication is about verifying identity, not authorization.
- D
Broken Object Level Authorization
BOLA/IDOR allows unauthorized access to objects by manipulating identifiers.
Question 286 of 1,000
CCSP Cloud Application Security Practice Question
This CCSP practice question tests your understanding of cloud application security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An API allows users to access their own profile data by providing a user ID. However, an attacker can change the user ID parameter to access another user's data. Which OWASP API Security vulnerability is this?
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
✓
Broken Object Level Authorization
Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), also known as Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), occurs when an API fails to verify that the user is authorized to access the object identified by the parameter.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Excessive Data Exposure
Why it's wrong here
Excessive data exposure returns more data than necessary, not unauthorized access.
- ✗
Mass Assignment
Why it's wrong here
Mass assignment allows binding additional fields in requests.
- ✗
Broken User Authentication
Why it's wrong here
Authentication is about verifying identity, not authorization.
- ✓
Broken Object Level Authorization
Why this is correct
BOLA/IDOR allows unauthorized access to objects by manipulating identifiers.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CCSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CCSP question test?
Cloud Application Security — This question tests Cloud Application Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Broken Object Level Authorization — Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), also known as Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), occurs when an API fails to verify that the user is authorized to access the object identified by the parameter.
What should I do if I get this CCSP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CCSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CCSP exam.
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