- A
Snapshots may contain unpatched vulnerabilities
Snapshots are static and may lack the latest patches.
- B
Sensitive data may persist in snapshots
Snapshots capture the entire VM state, including sensitive information.
- C
Snapshots cause VM sprawl
Why wrong: VM sprawl refers to unmanaged VMs, not snapshots.
- D
Snapshots can be used to roll back security configurations
Reverting to a snapshot undoes security updates.
- E
Snapshots can be used as an attack vector for VM escape
Why wrong: VM escape attacks target the hypervisor, not snapshots.
Question 572 of 1,000
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
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 are not patched (A), and they may contain sensitive data that could be exposed if not secured (C). Also, snapshots can be used to roll back security controls (D). Snapshots do not cause VM escape (B) or VM sprawl (E).
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.
- ✓
Snapshots may contain unpatched vulnerabilities
Why this is correct
Snapshots are static and may lack the latest patches.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Sensitive data may persist in snapshots
Why this is correct
Snapshots capture the entire VM state, including sensitive information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
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.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Snapshots can be used as an attack vector for VM escape
Why it's wrong here
VM escape attacks target the hypervisor, not snapshots.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
- Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
- Underline the problem statement mentally.
- 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 SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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Systems and Application Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Snapshots may contain unpatched vulnerabilities — Snapshots can reintroduce vulnerabilities because they are not patched (A), and they may contain sensitive data that could be exposed if not secured (C). Also, snapshots can be used to roll back security controls (D). Snapshots do not cause VM escape (B) or VM sprawl (E).
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which SSCP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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