CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
During a vulnerability assessment, a security analyst discovers that a web application uses a library known to be vulnerable to Log4Shell (CVE-2021-44228). Which type of vulnerability does this represent?
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
✓
Vulnerable components
Log4Shell is a remote code execution vulnerability in the Log4j library, an example of using vulnerable components (third-party libraries with known vulnerabilities).
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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Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
Why it's wrong here
Server-side request forgery (SSRF) occurs when an attacker tricks a server-side application into making requests to an unintended location, often internal networks or other external services, on the attacker's behalf. This vulnerability typically involves manipulating URLs or request parameters to redirect the server's outgoing connections. A flaw in a logging library, such as Log4Shell, primarily concerns remote code execution through manipulated log messages and JNDI lookups, which is distinct from coercing the server to initiate arbitrary network requests.
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Vulnerable components
Why this is correct
Vulnerable components refer to weaknesses found within third-party libraries, frameworks, or modules that are integrated into an application. The Log4Shell vulnerability (CVE-2021-44228) is a quintessential example, where a critical remote code execution flaw existed within the widely used Apache Log4j logging library itself. Discovering a flaw in a logging library directly aligns with identifying a vulnerable component, as the application's security posture is compromised by a defect in one of its constituent parts.
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Insecure deserialization
Why it's wrong here
Insecure deserialization vulnerabilities arise when an application deserializes untrusted data without proper validation, allowing an attacker to manipulate serialized objects to execute arbitrary code or perform denial-of-service attacks. This exploit vector specifically targets the process of reconstructing objects from a byte stream. A logging library flaw like Log4Shell, however, exploits the JNDI lookup mechanism within log message processing, which is fundamentally different from the risks associated with reconstructing potentially malicious serialized objects.
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Security misconfiguration
Why it's wrong here
Security misconfiguration involves flaws in the setup or configuration of an application, server, network device, or cloud service, leading to exploitable weaknesses. Examples include using default credentials, leaving unnecessary services enabled, or having overly permissive access controls. While misconfigurations can expose vulnerabilities, a flaw inherent to a logging library's code, such as Log4Shell, represents a defect in the component itself rather than an incorrect setting applied by the administrator or developer.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Security Governance and Principles
Key term
Security
Security in IT is the practice of protecting systems, networks, and data from unauthorized access, damage, or theft.
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.
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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.