The correct action is to rewrite the database query to use parameterized statements, as this directly remediates SQL injection vulnerabilities by separating SQL logic from user-supplied data. Parameterized queries, also known as prepared statements, ensure that input is treated strictly as data rather than executable code, preventing attackers from manipulating query structure even if malicious input is submitted. On the CISSP exam, this concept tests your understanding of secure coding practices within the Software Development Security domain, where parameterization is the gold standard for database access. A common trap is choosing input validation or a web application firewall (WAF) as the primary fix—validation can be bypassed, and WAFs are compensating controls, not root-cause solutions. Remember the memory tip: “Parameters prevent poisoning”—if you parameterize, you prevent the injection of malicious SQL syntax.
CISSP Security Assessment and Testing Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security assessment and testing. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
Vulnerability Scan Report Excerpt:
[+] SQL Injection (SQLi) - Parameter 'id'
URL: https://app.example.com/item?id=123
Payload: 1' OR '1'='1
Risk: Critical
CVE: CVE-2023-XXXX
[+] Stored XSS - Parameter 'name'
URL: https://app.example.com/profile
Payload: <script>alert(1)</script>
Risk: High
[+] Open Redirect - Parameter 'next'
URL: https://app.example.com/login?next=
Payload: https://evil.com
Risk: Medium
A security analyst runs a vulnerability scan and sees the output shown in the exhibit. The analyst wants to remediate the most critical issue first. Which action should the analyst take to address the SQL injection vulnerability?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Rewrite the database query to use parameterized statements.
Option D is correct because the best practice for preventing SQL injection is to use parameterized queries or prepared statements, which separate SQL logic from data. Option A is wrong because input validation alone is insufficient and can be bypassed. Option B is wrong because encoding only helps with XSS, not SQLi. Option C is wrong because WAF rules are a compensating control but not the primary fix.
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.
✗
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) with SQL injection signatures.
Why it's wrong here
A WAF is a compensating control, but the underlying code must be fixed.
✓
Rewrite the database query to use parameterized statements.
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating code from data.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Implement strict input validation on the 'id' parameter.
Why it's wrong here
Input validation is not sufficient for SQL injection; parameterized queries are required.
✗
Encode all output from the 'id' parameter using HTML entity encoding.
Why it's wrong here
Output encoding addresses XSS, not SQL injection.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Output encoding addresses XSS, not SQL injection.
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.
Security Assessment and Testing — This question tests Security Assessment and Testing — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rewrite the database query to use parameterized statements. — Option D is correct because the best practice for preventing SQL injection is to use parameterized queries or prepared statements, which separate SQL logic from data. Option A is wrong because input validation alone is insufficient and can be bypassed. Option B is wrong because encoding only helps with XSS, not SQLi. Option C is wrong because WAF rules are a compensating control but not the primary fix.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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