The answer is to upgrade to Apache 2.4.50. This is the most urgent remediation because Apache version 2.4.49 is directly vulnerable to CVE-2021-41773, a critical path traversal and remote code execution flaw in the `mod_cgi` module that allows attackers to read arbitrary files or execute commands using crafted URL paths like `/cgi-bin/.%2e/%2e%2e/bin/sh`. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of vulnerability management and patch prioritization within the Security and Risk Management domain, where the immediate goal is to eliminate a known exploit vector. A common trap is to suggest a workaround like disabling `mod_cgi` or adding access controls, but the exam emphasizes that patching to the vendor-released version is the definitive remediation for a known CVE. Remember the memory tip: “Patch the path traversal first” — if a version number is one step behind the fix, upgrade is the only urgent answer.
CISSP Security Assessment and Testing Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security assessment and testing. 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.
Exhibit
CVE-2023-1234 - Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 - Path Traversal
- Severity: Critical
- Exploit Available: Yes
- Plugin Output: The remote web server is running Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.49 which is vulnerable to a path traversal attack.
Refer to the exhibit. Based on the exhibit, what is the most urgent remediation?
CVE-2023-1234 - Apache HTTP Server 2.4.49 - Path Traversal
- Severity: Critical
- Exploit Available: Yes
- Plugin Output: The remote web server is running Apache HTTP Server version 2.4.49 which is vulnerable to a path traversal attack.
A
Disable directory listing
Why wrong: Disabling directory listing does not prevent path traversal attacks.
B
Upgrade to Apache 2.4.50
Upgrading to a patched version directly removes the vulnerability.
C
Recompile Apache with security flags
Why wrong: Recompilation is not a standard remediation for this known vulnerability.
D
Apply a WAF rule to block path traversal attempts
Why wrong: A WAF rule is a temporary compensating control, not a permanent fix.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Upgrade to Apache 2.4.50
The exhibit shows Apache 2.4.49 is in use, which is vulnerable to CVE-2021-41773 — a path traversal and remote code execution flaw in the `mod_cgi` module. Upgrading to Apache 2.4.50 is the most urgent remediation because it directly patches this critical vulnerability, preventing attackers from reading arbitrary files or executing commands via crafted URL paths like `/cgi-bin/.%2e/%2e%2e/bin/sh`.
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.
✗
Disable directory listing
Why it's wrong here
Disabling directory listing does not prevent path traversal attacks.
✓
Upgrade to Apache 2.4.50
Why this is correct
Upgrading to a patched version directly removes the vulnerability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Recompile Apache with security flags
Why it's wrong here
Recompilation is not a standard remediation for this known vulnerability.
✗
Apply a WAF rule to block path traversal attempts
Why it's wrong here
A WAF rule is a temporary compensating control, not a permanent fix.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a compensating control (like a WAF rule) and a true remediation (like a software upgrade), leading candidates to choose a workaround instead of the definitive fix.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CVE-2021-41773 exploits how Apache 2.4.49 normalizes paths in `httpd` — the server fails to properly validate `../` sequences when mapped to aliases like `/cgi-bin/`, allowing traversal outside the document root. The fix in 2.4.50 adds stricter input validation in `ap_normalize_path()` and disables `mod_cgi` path traversal by default; without this upgrade, attackers can execute arbitrary commands if `mod_cgi` is enabled, as demonstrated in real-world attacks against unpatched servers.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Security Assessment and Testing — This question tests Security Assessment and Testing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Upgrade to Apache 2.4.50 — The exhibit shows Apache 2.4.49 is in use, which is vulnerable to CVE-2021-41773 — a path traversal and remote code execution flaw in the `mod_cgi` module. Upgrading to Apache 2.4.50 is the most urgent remediation because it directly patches this critical vulnerability, preventing attackers from reading arbitrary files or executing commands via crafted URL paths like `/cgi-bin/.%2e/%2e%2e/bin/sh`.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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