This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
```
192.168.1.10 - - [05/Mar/2025:13:45:12 +0000] "GET /products?id=1' OR '1'='1 HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0"
192.168.1.10 - - [05/Mar/2025:13:45:15 +0000] "GET /products?id=1; DROP TABLE Users;-- HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0"
```
Refer to the exhibit. A web server log shows two requests from the same IP. What type of attack is being attempted, and which mitigation is MOST effective?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
192.168.1.10 - - [05/Mar/2025:13:45:12 +0000] "GET /products?id=1' OR '1'='1 HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0"
192.168.1.10 - - [05/Mar/2025:13:45:15 +0000] "GET /products?id=1; DROP TABLE Users;-- HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0"
```
A
SQL injection; use parameterized queries
The requests contain SQL injection patterns (OR 1=1 and DROP TABLE). Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating code from data.
B
Cross-site scripting (XSS); encode all output
Why wrong: Cross-site scripting (XSS) would involve injecting client-side scripts like <script> tags, which are not present in these requests.
C
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF); use anti-CSRF tokens
Why wrong: Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) exploits user authentication to perform unintended actions, typically requiring a different request pattern and referrer header.
D
Command injection; implement input validation
Why wrong: Command injection would involve shell commands or operators (e.g., ;, |, &&), which are not seen in these requests; input validation can block it.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SQL injection; use parameterized queries
Option A is correct because the requests contain SQL injection patterns (OR 1=1 and DROP TABLE). Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection. Option B is wrong because XSS would involve script tags. Option C is wrong because command injection would involve shell commands. Option D is wrong because CSRF would involve a different method and referrer.
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.
✓
SQL injection; use parameterized queries
Why this is correct
The requests contain SQL injection patterns (OR 1=1 and DROP TABLE). Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating code from data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS); encode all output
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site scripting (XSS) would involve injecting client-side scripts like <script> tags, which are not present in these requests.
✗
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF); use anti-CSRF tokens
Why it's wrong here
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF) exploits user authentication to perform unintended actions, typically requiring a different request pattern and referrer header.
✗
Command injection; implement input validation
Why it's wrong here
Command injection would involve shell commands or operators (e.g., ;, |, &&), which are not seen in these requests; input validation can block it.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection would involve shell commands or operators (e.g., ;, |, &&), which are not seen in these requests; input validation can block it.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SQL injection; use parameterized queries — Option A is correct because the requests contain SQL injection patterns (OR 1=1 and DROP TABLE). Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection. Option B is wrong because XSS would involve script tags. Option C is wrong because command injection would involve shell commands. Option D is wrong because CSRF would involve a different method and referrer.
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.
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Question Discussion
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