The correct answer is disclosure of sensitive files from the server, as the primary risk of an XXE attack is unauthorized file disclosure. This occurs when a poorly configured XML parser processes an external entity that references a local file, such as /etc/passwd, and returns its contents to the attacker. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of application security risks within the Software Development Security domain, where you must distinguish between the primary impact—information disclosure—and secondary effects like denial of service. A common trap is choosing DoS or code injection, but XXE exploits trust in XML input to read server-side resources, not to execute arbitrary code. Remember the mnemonic “XXE = eXternal Entity eXfiltration” to recall that the core danger is data leakage, not system compromise.
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security architect is reviewing a software design that uses a third-party library for XML parsing. The library is known to be vulnerable to XML External Entity (XXE) attacks. The architect recommends replacing the library. What is the primary risk of XXE attacks that the architect wants to avoid?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disclosure of sensitive files from the server
Option B is correct because XXE attacks can allow an attacker to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem or perform SSRF. Option A is wrong while DoS is possible, the primary risk is information disclosure. Option C is wrong because XXE does not typically inject malicious code. Option D is wrong because XXE targets the server, not the client.
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.
✓
Disclosure of sensitive files from the server
Why this is correct
XXE can read internal files like /etc/passwd or perform server-side request forgery.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Remote code execution by injecting malicious XML
Why it's wrong here
RCE is rare from XXE unless combined with other vulnerabilities.
✗
Denial of service (DoS) from entity expansion
Why it's wrong here
DoS is a secondary concern; the main risk is data exposure.
✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS) delivered via XML response
Why it's wrong here
XSS is separate; XXE is server-side.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Disclosure of sensitive files from the server — Option B is correct because XXE attacks can allow an attacker to read arbitrary files from the server's filesystem or perform SSRF. Option A is wrong while DoS is possible, the primary risk is information disclosure. Option C is wrong because XXE does not typically inject malicious code. Option D is wrong because XXE targets the server, not the client.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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