SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
During a virtualized environment security assessment, which THREE of the following are considered risks associated with virtual machine snapshots? (Select three.)
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
✓
Snapshots may contain unpatched vulnerabilities
Snapshots can reintroduce vulnerabilities because they capture the VM state at a point in time; if the VM was not fully patched, the snapshot retains those unpatched vulnerabilities (option A). Additionally, snapshots may contain sensitive data in memory or disk that could be exposed if not properly secured (option B). Furthermore, snapshots can be used to roll back security configurations, undoing security updates or settings (option D). The incorrect options are C (snapshots cause VM sprawl) and E (snapshots can be used as an attack vector for VM escape). VM sprawl is more about excessive VM creation, not a direct risk of snapshots, and VM escape is a different vulnerability unrelated to snapshot risks.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Snapshots may contain unpatched vulnerabilities
Why this is correct
Snapshots are static and may lack the latest patches.
- ✓
Sensitive data may persist in snapshots
Why this is correct
Snapshots capture the entire VM state, including sensitive information.
- ✗
Snapshots cause VM sprawl
Why it's wrong here
VM sprawl refers to unmanaged VMs, not snapshots.
- ✓
Snapshots can be used to roll back security configurations
Why this is correct
Reverting to a snapshot undoes security updates.
- ✗
Snapshots can be used as an attack vector for VM escape
Why it's wrong here
VM escape attacks target the hypervisor, not snapshots.
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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.