mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. [IDS Alert] Timestamp: 2025-02-18 14:23:45 Source IP: 10.10.10.5 -> Destination IP: 192.168.1.100 Signature: ET WEB_SPECIFIC SQL Injection Attempt Payload: ' OR '1'='1' --
Refer to the exhibit. The analyst sees this IDS alert. What is the most likely outcome if the target web application is vulnerable?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between SQL injection and other web attacks (like XSS or buffer overflows), and the trap here is that candidates may confuse the outcome of SQL injection with remote code execution or privilege escalation, when the primary and most likely result is authentication bypass or data extraction.
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 or data extraction
The IDS alert indicates a SQL injection attempt (e.g., '1=1' or similar pattern). If the web application is vulnerable, the attacker can manipulate SQL queries to bypass authentication (e.g., logging in without valid credentials) or extract data from the database (e.g., dumping user tables). This is the most direct outcome of a successful SQL injection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Buffer overflow and remote code execution
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection does not typically cause buffer overflows.
- ✓
Authentication bypass or data extraction
Why this is correct
The payload tries to bypass authentication by always returning true.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS) attack
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting scripts into web pages.
- ✗
Privilege escalation on the database server
Why it's wrong here
This payload does not target privilege escalation directly.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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