Quick Answer
The answer is input validation and sanitization, error handling, and authentication. These three are core OWASP ASVS key practices because the standard focuses on verifying that applications securely handle user-supplied data, manage failures without leaking sensitive information, and enforce proper identity verification. On the CISSP exam, this question tests your understanding that ASVS is a framework for application-level security controls, not for infrastructure or password management. A common trap is mistaking network segmentation or password managers for ASVS items—remember that ASVS stays within the software itself, not the surrounding network or user habits. To recall the three correct areas, think of the mnemonic “IEA”: Input, Errors, Authentication.
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 key practices in the OWASP ASVS (Application Security Verification Standard) for secure software? (Select exactly three.)
Secure error handling and logging
ASVS V7 covers error handling.
Integration with password managers
Why wrong: Not a specific ASVS requirement.
Authentication and session management
ASVS V2 and V3 cover authentication.
Network segmentation between tiers
Why wrong: This is an infrastructure control, not ASVS.
Input validation and sanitization
ASVS V5 covers input validation.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Secure error handling and logging
Options A, C, and D are correct. Input validation, error handling, and authentication are core ASVS areas. Option B is wrong because password managers are not part of ASVS. Option E is wrong because network segmentation is infrastructure, not application security.
Key principle: OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Secure error handling and logging
Why this is correct
ASVS V7 covers error handling.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Integration with password managers
Why it's wrong here
Not a specific ASVS requirement.
Authentication and session management
Why this is correct
ASVS V2 and V3 cover authentication.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Network segmentation between tiers
Why it's wrong here
This is an infrastructure control, not ASVS.
Input validation and sanitization
Why this is correct
ASVS V5 covers input validation.
Related concept
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
Common exam traps
OSPF neighbour formation depends on matching areas, timers, network type, authentication and passive-interface behaviour. Do not choose an answer only because the devices can ping.
Detailed technical explanation
OSPF questions usually test the details that control adjacency and route selection. Read the neighbour state, area, router ID and interface configuration before deciding what is wrong.
Key takeaway
OSPF neighbour adjacency depends on matching area, hello/dead timers, network type, and authentication — IP reachability alone is not enough.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CISSP OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
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FAQ
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters..
The correct answer is: Secure error handling and logging — Options A, C, and D are correct. Input validation, error handling, and authentication are core ASVS areas. Option B is wrong because password managers are not part of ASVS. Option E is wrong because network segmentation is infrastructure, not application security.
Review OSPF neighbour requirements — matching area type, hello and dead timers, network type, stub flags, and authentication. Study show ip ospf neighbor states (INIT, 2-WAY, FULL). Then practise related CISSP OSPF questions on adjacency and route selection.
OSPF neighbours must agree on key parameters.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 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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