- A
Escaping all user input
Why wrong: Escaping can be error-prone and is not as reliable as parameterized queries.
- B
Using parameterized queries
Parameterized queries separate SQL logic from data.
- C
Using stored procedures exclusively
Why wrong: Stored procedures can still be vulnerable if dynamic SQL is used inside them.
- D
Validating input length
Why wrong: Length validation does not prevent SQL injection.
Question 333 of 1,000
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 of the following is a secure coding practice to prevent SQL injection attacks?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
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
Parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) separate SQL code from data by using placeholders (e.g., '?' in ODBC/JDBC or ':param' in Oracle) that are bound to user-supplied values at execution time. This ensures that input is always treated as data, never as executable SQL syntax, effectively neutralizing SQL injection regardless of the input content.
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.
- ✗
Escaping all user input
Why it's wrong here
Escaping can be error-prone and is not as reliable as parameterized queries.
- ✓
Using parameterized queries
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries separate SQL logic from data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Using stored procedures exclusively
Why it's wrong here
Stored procedures can still be vulnerable if dynamic SQL is used inside them.
- ✗
Validating input length
Why it's wrong here
Length validation does not prevent SQL injection.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'stored procedures' with being inherently secure, but the CISSP exam tests that stored procedures can still be vulnerable if they use dynamic SQL with concatenated input, whereas parameterized queries (or prepared statements) are the definitive defense.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, parameterized queries use a two-phase execution: first, the database compiles the SQL statement with placeholders into an execution plan, then binds the actual parameter values separately. This prevents the database engine from ever interpreting the parameter values as SQL tokens, even if they contain quotes, semicolons, or comment sequences. A subtle behavior is that parameterized queries also protect against second-order SQL injection, where malicious input is stored and later used in a different query, because the binding occurs at execution time for each query invocation.
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 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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Software Development Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
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 — Parameterized queries (also known as prepared statements) separate SQL code from data by using placeholders (e.g., '?' in ODBC/JDBC or ':param' in Oracle) that are bound to user-supplied values at execution time. This ensures that input is always treated as data, never as executable SQL syntax, effectively neutralizing SQL injection regardless of the input content.
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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CISSP exam.
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