- A
ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)
Correct. ASLR randomizes memory addresses to hinder exploitation.
- B
Stack canary
Why wrong: Stack canaries detect buffer overflows before return address is used, but do not randomize layout.
- C
Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
Why wrong: DEP marks memory as non-executable, preventing code execution but not address prediction.
- D
NX bit (No-Execute)
Why wrong: NX bit is a hardware feature that marks memory as non-executable, similar to DEP.
Question 735 of 1,000
CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security architecture and engineering. 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 software vulnerability allows an attacker to overwrite a return address on the stack to execute arbitrary code. What mitigation technique randomizes the memory layout to prevent the attacker from predicting target addresses?
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
✓
ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)
ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) randomizes the base addresses of executable regions, making it harder to exploit buffer overflows.
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.
- ✓
ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization)
Why this is correct
Correct. ASLR randomizes memory addresses to hinder exploitation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Stack canary
Why it's wrong here
Stack canaries detect buffer overflows before return address is used, but do not randomize layout.
- ✗
Data Execution Prevention (DEP)
Why it's wrong here
DEP marks memory as non-executable, preventing code execution but not address prediction.
- ✗
NX bit (No-Execute)
Why it's wrong here
NX bit is a hardware feature that marks memory as non-executable, similar to DEP.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
NX bit is a hardware feature that marks memory as non-executable, similar to DEP.
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 security team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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.
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Security Architecture and Engineering — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Security Architecture and Engineering — This question tests Security Architecture and Engineering — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) — ASLR (Address Space Layout Randomization) randomizes the base addresses of executable regions, making it harder to exploit buffer overflows.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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