CCSP Cloud Application Security Practice Question
During a security audit, it is discovered that a cloud application's API endpoints are vulnerable to injection attacks. Which defense in depth measure would be most effective in preventing such attacks?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a WAF or input validation is sufficient for injection prevention, but the exam emphasizes that only prepared statements (or parameterized queries) address the root cause by enforcing strict separation of code and data at the database layer.
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
✓
Prepared statements in code
Prepared statements (parameterized queries) are the most effective defense against injection attacks because they separate SQL logic from user input, ensuring that input is treated as data only, never as executable code. This prevents attackers from manipulating query syntax, regardless of the input content. In cloud applications, this is a foundational secure coding practice that addresses the root cause of injection vulnerabilities at the application layer.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Web application firewall (WAF)
Why it's wrong here
WAF can detect and block some injection attempts but does not fix the underlying code vulnerability.
- ✓
Prepared statements in code
Why this is correct
Prepared statements ensure user input is never interpreted as code, preventing injection.
- ✗
Rate limiting
Why it's wrong here
Rate limiting prevents abuse but does not block injection attacks.
- ✗
Regular expression input validation
Why it's wrong here
Input validation is important but can be bypassed; prepared statements are more reliable.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.