- A
Input validation using a blacklist of SQL keywords
Why wrong: Blacklisting is ineffective as attackers can bypass it; parameterized queries are the recommended defense.
- B
Parameterized queries with prepared statements
Parameterized queries ensure user input is treated as data, preventing SQL injection.
- C
Output encoding of user input
Why wrong: Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
- D
Using stored procedures exclusively
Why wrong: Stored procedures can still be vulnerable if dynamic SQL is used; parameterized queries are safer.
Question 596 of 1,000
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development 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.
A development team is implementing a web application that allows users to search for products. To prevent SQL injection attacks, which secure coding practice should be applied?
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
✓
Parameterized queries with prepared statements
Parameterized queries with prepared statements (Option B) are the definitive defense against SQL injection because they separate SQL logic from user-supplied data. The database engine compiles the query structure first, then binds input values as parameters, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended SQL command. This approach is language-agnostic and works across all modern database interfaces (e.g., JDBC, PDO, ADO.NET).
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Input validation using a blacklist of SQL keywords
Why it's wrong here
Blacklisting is ineffective as attackers can bypass it; parameterized queries are the recommended defense.
- ✓
Parameterized queries with prepared statements
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries ensure user input is treated as data, preventing SQL injection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Output encoding of user input
Why it's wrong here
Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
- ✗
Using stored procedures exclusively
Why it's wrong here
Stored procedures can still be vulnerable if dynamic SQL is used; parameterized queries are safer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse stored procedures as a silver bullet for SQL injection, failing to realize that the security lies in how parameters are bound, not in the procedure container itself.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, parameterized queries use a binary protocol (e.g., PostgreSQL's extended query protocol or MySQL's prepared statement protocol) where the query is sent as a parse request and parameters are sent separately as bind messages. A subtle behavior is that even if a stored procedure uses parameterized queries internally, calling it with concatenated user input in the EXEC statement still creates an injection vector—this is why parameterization must be applied at every point where user input enters a SQL statement.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
- →
Software Development Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Software Development Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
- →
All CISSP questions
1,000 questions across all exam domains
- →
Certified Information Systems Security Professional CISSP study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
- →
CISSP practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Related CISSP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Security and Risk Management practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security and Risk Management.
Asset Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Asset Security.
Security Operations practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Operations.
Security Architecture and Engineering practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Architecture and Engineering.
Communication and Network Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Communication and Network Security.
Security Assessment and Testing practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Security Assessment and Testing.
Software Development Security practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Software Development Security.
Identity and Access Management practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to Identity and Access Management.
CISSP fundamentals practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP fundamentals.
CISSP scenario practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP scenario.
CISSP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise CISSP questions linked to CISSP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free CISSP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Parameterized queries with prepared statements — Parameterized queries with prepared statements (Option B) are the definitive defense against SQL injection because they separate SQL logic from user-supplied data. The database engine compiles the query structure first, then binds input values as parameters, ensuring that malicious input cannot alter the intended SQL command. This approach is language-agnostic and works across all modern database interfaces (e.g., JDBC, PDO, ADO.NET).
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.