The answer is privilege escalation via scope confusion. This attack exploits a misconfigured OAuth authorization server where default permissions, such as 'file:read', are granted without requiring explicit user or client scope assignment, allowing an attacker to obtain unauthorized read access by simply requesting a broader scope than intended. On the CISSP exam, this vulnerability tests your understanding of OAuth scope granularity and the principle of least privilege in access control, often appearing as a scenario where a policy grants excessive default permissions. A common trap is confusing this with CSRF, but CSRF is mitigated by state tokens, not scope policy. Remember the memory tip: "Scope confusion leads to permission diffusion"—if default scopes are too permissive, attackers can escalate privileges by requesting them.
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Privilege escalation via scope confusion
Option B is correct because the default_permissions include 'file:read', which could allow an attacker to obtain read access without proper scope assignment. Option A is wrong because CSRF is mitigated by tokens, not scope policy. Option C is wrong because XSS is a client-side vulnerability. Option D is wrong because injection requires untrusted input to change the policy.
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.
✓
Privilege escalation via scope confusion
Why this is correct
Default permissions can grant unintended access if not carefully scoped.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS is a client-side injection attack, not a policy issue.
✗
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF is not directly related to scope permissions.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection is not relevant to this JSON policy.
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.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
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.
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: Privilege escalation via scope confusion — Option B is correct because the default_permissions include 'file:read', which could allow an attacker to obtain read access without proper scope assignment. Option A is wrong because CSRF is mitigated by tokens, not scope policy. Option C is wrong because XSS is a client-side vulnerability. Option D is wrong because injection requires untrusted input to change the policy.
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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Question Discussion
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