CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
A security analyst is reviewing a web application and notices that it includes a feature that allows users to view their own profile by providing a user ID in the URL (e.g., /profile?userid=123). The application does not verify that the logged-in user owns that profile. Which vulnerability is present?
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
✓
Insecure direct object reference (IDOR)
Insecure Direct Object References (IDOR) occur when an application exposes direct references to internal objects (like user IDs) without proper access control checks. This allows an attacker to access other users' data by manipulating the ID.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Security misconfiguration
Why it's wrong here
Security misconfiguration refers to improper setup of security controls, such as default credentials, unnecessary features, or incorrect permissions on files and directories. While a misconfiguration could contribute to an IDOR vulnerability by failing to enforce proper authorization, the scenario specifically describes the direct manipulation of object references without adequate authorization checks. Therefore, IDOR is a more precise classification of the observed vulnerability than the broader category of security misconfiguration.
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Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting (XSS) vulnerabilities occur when an attacker injects malicious client-side scripts into web pages viewed by other users. These scripts can then execute in the victim's browser, potentially stealing cookies, session tokens, or defacing websites. This attack vector is distinct from manipulating direct object references to access unauthorized resources, as XSS focuses on script execution within a user's browser context rather than bypassing server-side authorization logic for data access.
- ✓
Insecure direct object reference (IDOR)
Why this is correct
Insecure direct object reference (IDOR) occurs when a web application exposes a direct reference to an internal implementation object, such as a file, directory, or database key, and fails to verify that the user is authorized to access that object. Attackers can manipulate these references, often found in URL parameters or form fields, to access or modify data belonging to other users or system files. The scenario directly aligns with an IDOR vulnerability, as it involves bypassing authorization by directly referencing an object.
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Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) is an attack that tricks an authenticated user into submitting an unwanted request to a web application in which they are currently authenticated. This attack leverages the trust a web application has in a user's browser, forcing the victim's browser to send a request without their knowledge. Unlike IDOR, CSRF does not involve the attacker directly manipulating object references to gain unauthorized access; instead, it relies on coercing a legitimate user's browser to perform actions on their behalf.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Security Governance and Principles
Key term
Vulnerability
A vulnerability is a weakness in a system, network, or software that could be exploited by a threat to cause harm or unauthorized access.
Key term
IDS
An IDS is a security system that monitors network or system traffic for suspicious activity and alerts administrators to potential threats, but does not actively block them.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.