The answer is parameterized queries, stored procedures with explicit parameter definitions, and input validation. These three countermeasures prevent SQL injection by ensuring that user-supplied data is never interpreted as executable code by the database engine. Parameterized queries, also known as prepared statements, enforce strict separation between SQL logic and data, while stored procedures with explicit parameter definitions similarly bind inputs as data-only values. Input validation further reduces risk by rejecting or sanitizing harmful characters before they reach the query. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding of application security controls within the Software Development Security domain; a common trap is confusing output encoding or hashing with injection prevention. Output encoding applies to cross-site scripting, not database-layer attacks, and hashing would break query logic by altering the data. Remember the mnemonic P.S.I. — Parameters, Stored procedures, Input validation — to recall the three direct countermeasures against SQL injection.
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. 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.
Which THREE of the following are valid countermeasures to prevent SQL injection vulnerabilities? (Select exactly 3.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Using parameterized queries or prepared statements
Options A, B, and D are correct. Parameterized queries separate code from data, stored procedures can be written securely, and input validation limits harmful characters. Option C is wrong because output encoding does not prevent injection at the database layer. Option E is wrong because hashing would break the query logic.
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.
✓
Using parameterized queries or prepared statements
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries prevent malicious input from altering SQL structure.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Implementing strict input validation on user-supplied data
Why this is correct
Input validation can block dangerous characters, but should not be sole defense.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Encoding output to the user
Why it's wrong here
Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
✗
Hashing the input before insertion into the database
Why it's wrong here
Hashing destroys the original data, making SQL meaningless.
✓
Using stored procedures with explicit parameter definitions
Why this is correct
If stored procedures use parameters, they reduce injection risk.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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
Command / output trap
Output encoding prevents XSS, not SQL injection.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
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.
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Using parameterized queries or prepared statements — Options A, B, and D are correct. Parameterized queries separate code from data, stored procedures can be written securely, and input validation limits harmful characters. Option C is wrong because output encoding does not prevent injection at the database layer. Option E is wrong because hashing would break the query logic.
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.
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Question Discussion
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