easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` [IDS Alert] Timestamp: 2023-10-05 14:23:45 Signature: ET WEB_SERVER Possible SQL Injection Attempt Source IP: 192.168.1.100 Destination IP: 10.0.0.50 Payload: ' OR '1'='1' -- ```
Refer to the exhibit. A web server at 10.0.0.50 received the payload shown. What is the MOST likely impact if the web application is vulnerable?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between injection types by embedding payload syntax that mimics SQL (e.g., single quotes and OR clauses) to mislead candidates into choosing XSS or directory traversal, which use different characters and contexts.
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
✓
Authentication bypass via SQL injection.
The payload shown is a classic SQL injection attempt, specifically targeting authentication logic by injecting a tautology (e.g., ' OR '1'='1) into a login field. If the web application is vulnerable, this bypasses authentication by making the SQL query always return true, granting unauthorized access without valid credentials.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Directory traversal to read sensitive files.
Why it's wrong here
No path traversal syntax in payload.
- ✗
Remote code execution on the web server.
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection does not directly execute system commands.
- ✓
Authentication bypass via SQL injection.
Why this is correct
The payload modifies SQL query to always return true.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack leading to session theft.
Why it's wrong here
The payload is SQL, not JavaScript.
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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.