SSCP Practice Question: If the web server is compromised, which of the…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Network diagram description:
- Web server (192.168.1.10) connected to internal network.
- Database server (192.168.1.20) connected to internal network.
- Firewall allows HTTP (port 80) from external to Web server only.
- No internal firewall between Web and database servers.
If the web server is compromised, which of the following is a likely immediate risk?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Network diagram description:
- Web server (192.168.1.10) connected to internal network.
- Database server (192.168.1.20) connected to internal network.
- Firewall allows HTTP (port 80) from external to Web server only.
- No internal firewall between Web and database servers.
A
Direct compromise of the database server
The lack of internal firewall allows the attacker to pivot to the database.
B
Loss of web application data
Why wrong: Web server data may be lost but the immediate risk is lateral movement to the database.
C
Denial of service to the web server
Why wrong: DoS is possible but not necessarily the immediate risk from compromise.
D
Compromise of user credentials
Why wrong: Credential theft is possible but not as immediate as database access.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Direct compromise of the database server
When a web server is compromised, the immediate risk is direct compromise of the database server because the web server typically holds the database credentials (e.g., in a configuration file like wp-config.php or appsettings.json) and has a trusted network path to the database. An attacker can pivot from the web server to the database server using those credentials, often over port 3306 (MySQL) or 1433 (MSSQL), without needing to bypass additional authentication.
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.
✓
Direct compromise of the database server
Why this is correct
The lack of internal firewall allows the attacker to pivot to the database.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Loss of web application data
Why it's wrong here
Web server data may be lost but the immediate risk is lateral movement to the database.
✗
Denial of service to the web server
Why it's wrong here
DoS is possible but not necessarily the immediate risk from compromise.
✗
Compromise of user credentials
Why it's wrong here
Credential theft is possible but not as immediate as database access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the concept that a compromised web server is a pivot point to the database, and the trap here is that candidates mistakenly think 'loss of web application data' or 'compromise of user credentials' is immediate, when in fact those require additional steps after the initial foothold.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In a typical three-tier architecture, the web server is placed in a DMZ with a firewall rule allowing outbound connections to the database server on specific ports (e.g., TCP 3306). If the web server is compromised, an attacker can use tools like 'mysql -h db.internal -u appuser -p' to connect directly, bypassing the application layer. Real-world breaches, such as the 2017 Equifax incident, involved attackers exploiting a web server vulnerability to steal database credentials from a configuration file, then exfiltrating sensitive data from the database.
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 analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Direct compromise of the database server — When a web server is compromised, the immediate risk is direct compromise of the database server because the web server typically holds the database credentials (e.g., in a configuration file like wp-config.php or appsettings.json) and has a trusted network path to the database. An attacker can pivot from the web server to the database server using those credentials, often over port 3306 (MySQL) or 1433 (MSSQL), without needing to bypass additional authentication.
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
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.