- A
Implement generic error messages to users while logging detailed errors securely.
This mitigates Information Disclosure by not exposing system internals in error messages, while still allowing administrators to diagnose issues.
- B
Implement CSRF tokens for all state-changing requests.
Why wrong: CSRF tokens mitigate Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is a form of Tampering, but the scenario focuses on Information Disclosure and Tampering in transit; TLS already addresses transmission tampering.
- C
Log all user credentials during authentication attempts for audit purposes.
Why wrong: Logging credentials is a security risk; it could lead to Information Disclosure if logs are compromised. Best practice is to log only authentication success/failure without credentials.
- D
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block all incoming traffic from unknown IP addresses.
Why wrong: A WAF helps mitigate certain attacks (e.g., injection, XSS) but does not directly address the STRIDE threats mentioned, and blocking all unknown IPs may not be practical or effective.
- E
Enforce TLS encryption for all data in transit between microservices and the API gateway.
TLS prevents Tampering and Information Disclosure by encrypting data in transit, protecting against interception or modification.
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 security architect is reviewing a web application that handles sensitive financial transactions. The application uses a microservices architecture with an API gateway. During the threat modeling session using STRIDE, several threats were identified. Which TWO of the following are effective mitigations for the identified threats? (Select TWO.)
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
Implement generic error messages to users while logging detailed errors securely.
STRIDE includes Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege. For Information Disclosure (e.g., in error messages), using generic error messages prevents leakage of sensitive details. For Tampering (e.g., data in transit), TLS encryption protects data integrity and confidentiality. Logging credentials would be a security issue, not a mitigation. CSRF tokens prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (a form of Tampering) but are not directly related to the threats described. Input validation helps prevent injection attacks (Tampering) but is less specific to the scenario.
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.
- ✓
Implement generic error messages to users while logging detailed errors securely.
Why this is correct
This mitigates Information Disclosure by not exposing system internals in error messages, while still allowing administrators to diagnose issues.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
Implement CSRF tokens for all state-changing requests.
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tokens mitigate Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is a form of Tampering, but the scenario focuses on Information Disclosure and Tampering in transit; TLS already addresses transmission tampering.
- ✗
Log all user credentials during authentication attempts for audit purposes.
Why it's wrong here
Logging credentials is a security risk; it could lead to Information Disclosure if logs are compromised. Best practice is to log only authentication success/failure without credentials.
- ✗
Deploy a Web Application Firewall (WAF) to block all incoming traffic from unknown IP addresses.
Why it's wrong here
A WAF helps mitigate certain attacks (e.g., injection, XSS) but does not directly address the STRIDE threats mentioned, and blocking all unknown IPs may not be practical or effective.
- ✓
Enforce TLS encryption for all data in transit between microservices and the API gateway.
Why this is correct
TLS prevents Tampering and Information Disclosure by encrypting data in transit, protecting against interception or modification.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Scenario analysis trap
CSRF tokens mitigate Cross-Site Request Forgery, which is a form of Tampering, but the scenario focuses on Information Disclosure and Tampering in transit; TLS already addresses transmission tampering.
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 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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Software Development Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement generic error messages to users while logging detailed errors securely. — STRIDE includes Spoofing, Tampering, Repudiation, Information Disclosure, Denial of Service, and Elevation of Privilege. For Information Disclosure (e.g., in error messages), using generic error messages prevents leakage of sensitive details. For Tampering (e.g., data in transit), TLS encryption protects data integrity and confidentiality. Logging credentials would be a security issue, not a mitigation. CSRF tokens prevent Cross-Site Request Forgery (a form of Tampering) but are not directly related to the threats described. Input validation helps prevent injection attacks (Tampering) but is less specific to the scenario.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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 CISSP 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 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.
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