SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A company is deploying virtual machines (VMs) in a private cloud environment. To prevent VM escape attacks, which of the following is the most critical security control?
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
✓
Regularly patching the hypervisor software
VM escape attacks exploit vulnerabilities in the hypervisor to break out of a VM. Keeping the hypervisor patched is the primary defense against known vulnerabilities.
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 a separate management network for the hypervisor
Why it's wrong here
This is a good practice for management plane security but does not directly prevent VM escape.
- ✓
Regularly patching the hypervisor software
Why this is correct
Hypervisor vulnerabilities are a common vector for VM escape; patching reduces this risk significantly.
- ✗
Disabling unnecessary VM guest tools
Why it's wrong here
While reducing guest tools can limit some attack vectors, it is not the most critical; patching the hypervisor addresses the root cause.
- ✗
Implementing a host-based firewall on each VM
Why it's wrong here
Host firewalls protect network traffic but do not prevent hypervisor-level attacks.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.