- A
Increase the frequency of vulnerability scans
Why wrong: Does not mitigate the vulnerability.
- B
Apply a virtual patch via a WAF
A WAF can block exploit attempts as a compensating control.
- C
Decommission the server immediately
Why wrong: May be too disruptive if the server is critical.
- D
Disable the server's network connectivity
Why wrong: May not be feasible if the server must be accessible.
Question 521 of 1,000
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. 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.
A critical vulnerability with a CVSS score of 9.8 is discovered in a web server that cannot be patched due to vendor dependency. What is the best compensating 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
✓
Apply a virtual patch via a WAF
A WAF can apply a virtual patch by inspecting HTTP/HTTPS traffic and blocking exploit attempts against the unpatched vulnerability. This provides a compensating control at the application layer without modifying the vulnerable server, allowing the server to remain operational while mitigating the risk.
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.
- ✗
Increase the frequency of vulnerability scans
Why it's wrong here
Does not mitigate the vulnerability.
- ✓
Apply a virtual patch via a WAF
Why this is correct
A WAF can block exploit attempts as a compensating control.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Decommission the server immediately
Why it's wrong here
May be too disruptive if the server is critical.
- ✗
Disable the server's network connectivity
Why it's wrong here
May not be feasible if the server must be accessible.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse compensating controls with detection or removal actions, choosing increased scanning (A) as a proactive measure, when in fact only a WAF provides active mitigation at the application layer.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
A WAF operates at Layer 7 (application layer) and can inspect HTTP request payloads for known attack signatures, such as SQL injection or path traversal, that target the unpatched vulnerability. Virtual patching works by creating custom rules that block specific patterns or anomalous behavior without altering the server's code, effectively shielding the vulnerability until a permanent fix is available. In practice, this is often implemented via ModSecurity rules or cloud WAF providers like AWS WAF or Cloudflare.
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 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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Apply a virtual patch via a WAF — A WAF can apply a virtual patch by inspecting HTTP/HTTPS traffic and blocking exploit attempts against the unpatched vulnerability. This provides a compensating control at the application layer without modifying the vulnerable server, allowing the server to remain operational while mitigating the risk.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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 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.
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