SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
An organization uses VMware ESXi in a production environment. Which of the following is the most effective mitigation against VM escape 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
✓
Regularly patching the ESXi hypervisor
VM escape attacks exploit hypervisor vulnerabilities. Keeping the hypervisor patched is the primary defense, as it closes known vulnerabilities that could be used for escape.
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 VM snapshots for quick recovery
Why it's wrong here
Snapshots help with recovery, not prevention.
- ✗
Implementing network segmentation between VMs
Why it's wrong here
Network segmentation limits lateral movement but does not prevent escape.
- ✓
Regularly patching the ESXi hypervisor
Why this is correct
Patching addresses vulnerabilities that could be exploited for VM escape.
- ✗
Disabling unnecessary guest tools within VMs
Why it's wrong here
This reduces attack surface but does not address hypervisor vulnerabilities.
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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.