- A
Input validation to reject long inputs
Why wrong: Input validation can help but is not sufficient; many overflows occur via other means.
- B
Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)
ASLR randomizes memory addresses, making it harder to predict target addresses.
- C
Code obfuscation
Why wrong: Obfuscation does not prevent buffer overflows.
- D
Non-executable stack (NX bit)
NX bit marks stack as non-executable, preventing code execution.
- E
Stack canaries
Why wrong: Stack canaries detect overflow but do not prevent it.
Question 577 of 1,000
mediumMultiple SelectObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Which TWO of the following are effective controls…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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 TWO of the following are effective controls to prevent buffer overflow attacks? (Choose two.)
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
✓
Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)
Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is a memory protection technique that randomizes the base addresses of executable modules, heap, and stack regions. This makes it significantly harder for an attacker to predict the memory addresses needed to inject and execute shellcode, thereby mitigating many buffer overflow exploits that rely on fixed address references.
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.
- ✗
Input validation to reject long inputs
Why it's wrong here
Input validation can help but is not sufficient; many overflows occur via other means.
- ✓
Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR)
Why this is correct
ASLR randomizes memory addresses, making it harder to predict target addresses.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Code obfuscation
Why it's wrong here
Obfuscation does not prevent buffer overflows.
- ✓
Non-executable stack (NX bit)
Why this is correct
NX bit marks stack as non-executable, preventing code execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Stack canaries
Why it's wrong here
Stack canaries detect overflow but do not prevent it.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that input validation alone is sufficient to prevent buffer overflows, or that stack canaries are a primary control rather than a detection mechanism, leading candidates to select them instead of the memory protection controls ASLR and NX bit.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ASLR works by randomizing the base address of the stack, heap, and shared libraries at process startup, so an attacker cannot rely on hardcoded addresses for return-oriented programming (ROP) gadgets. The non-executable stack (NX bit) marks memory pages as non-executable, preventing code execution in the stack region; however, it can be bypassed by return-to-libc or ROP attacks if ASLR is not also enabled. In modern systems, these two controls are often used together as part of a defense-in-depth strategy against memory corruption exploits.
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.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) — Address Space Layout Randomization (ASLR) is a memory protection technique that randomizes the base addresses of executable modules, heap, and stack regions. This makes it significantly harder for an attacker to predict the memory addresses needed to inject and execute shellcode, thereby mitigating many buffer overflow exploits that rely on fixed address references.
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.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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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