The answer is to implement both parameterized queries and modify stored procedures to use parameters, then monitor performance. This is the best course of action because SQL injection prevention requires that user input never be concatenated into executable SQL strings; parameterized queries and parameterized stored procedures both enforce separation of code and data by treating input as parameters rather than executable fragments. On the CISSP exam, this question tests the Software Development Security domain, specifically secure coding practices and the principle of defense in depth—relying on a single control like input validation or unparameterized stored procedures is a common trap. The operations team’s performance concern is valid, but modern databases optimize parameterized execution plans, so monitoring after implementation addresses both security and operational needs. Remember the mnemonic: “Parameters Prevent, Procedures Protect, Performance Proves.”
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.
A company develops a web application using microservices architecture deployed on Kubernetes. The security team identifies that the application is vulnerable to injection attacks because user input is concatenated into SQL queries. The development team wants to implement a fix quickly. They propose using parameterized queries, but the database access layer currently uses stored procedures. The team considers modifying the stored procedures to accept parameters and using prepared statements in the code. However, the operations team is concerned about performance impact. Which of the following is the BEST course of action?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Implement both parameterized queries and modify stored procedures to use parameters, and then monitor performance.
Option C is correct because it addresses the vulnerability through both parameterized queries and parameterized stored procedures, then monitors performance to address the operations team's concern. Option A is wrong because parameterized queries alone may not protect if the stored procedures still concatenate input. Option B is wrong because dynamic SQL within stored procedures can still be vulnerable to injection. Option D is wrong because input validation alone is not sufficient to prevent injection; stored procedures without parameterization can still be vulnerable.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use parameterized queries immediately without modifying stored procedures.
Why it's wrong here
If stored procedures still concatenate input, they remain vulnerable to injection.
✓
Implement both parameterized queries and modify stored procedures to use parameters, and then monitor performance.
Why this is correct
This provides defense in depth and allows performance assessment before full rollout.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Modify stored procedures to use dynamic SQL with input validation.
Why it's wrong here
Dynamic SQL with input validation is prone to errors and injection bypasses.
✗
Use input validation only, as stored procedures inherently prevent injection.
Why it's wrong here
Stored procedures do not inherently prevent injection if they use dynamic SQL; input validation alone is insufficient.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Implement both parameterized queries and modify stored procedures to use parameters, and then monitor performance. — Option C is correct because it addresses the vulnerability through both parameterized queries and parameterized stored procedures, then monitors performance to address the operations team's concern. Option A is wrong because parameterized queries alone may not protect if the stored procedures still concatenate input. Option B is wrong because dynamic SQL within stored procedures can still be vulnerable to injection. Option D is wrong because input validation alone is not sufficient to prevent injection; stored procedures without parameterization can still be vulnerable.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CISSP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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