- A
Disable the legacy module until a full rewrite is completed.
Why wrong: May cause business disruption; immediate fix is possible.
- B
Rewrite the legacy module to use parameterized queries.
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating code from data.
- C
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to block SQL injection patterns.
Why wrong: WAF can be bypassed and is not a permanent fix.
- D
Implement input validation to reject special characters.
Why wrong: Input validation is not sufficient; it can be bypassed.
Question 828 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A security analyst notices that a web application…
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.
A security analyst notices that a web application is vulnerable to SQL injection. The application uses parameterized queries for most inputs but concatenates user input directly into a query for a legacy module. Which is the BEST immediate remediation?
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
✓
Rewrite the legacy module to use parameterized queries.
Option B is correct because parameterized queries (prepared statements) are the definitive defense against SQL injection, as they separate SQL logic from user data by design. Rewriting the legacy module to use parameterized queries eliminates the root cause of the vulnerability at the code level, ensuring that user input is never concatenated into the SQL statement. This is the most secure and permanent fix, as it directly addresses the injection point in the application layer.
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.
- ✗
Disable the legacy module until a full rewrite is completed.
Why it's wrong here
May cause business disruption; immediate fix is possible.
- ✓
Rewrite the legacy module to use parameterized queries.
Why this is correct
Parameterized queries prevent SQL injection by separating code from data.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Deploy a web application firewall (WAF) to block SQL injection patterns.
Why it's wrong here
WAF can be bypassed and is not a permanent fix.
- ✗
Implement input validation to reject special characters.
Why it's wrong here
Input validation is not sufficient; it can be bypassed.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a WAF or input validation is sufficient to prevent SQL injection, but the trap here is that only parameterized queries (or stored procedures with parameterized calls) eliminate the vulnerability at the code level, making them the best immediate remediation over compensating controls.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Parameterized queries work by pre-compiling the SQL statement with placeholders (e.g., '?' or ':param') and then binding user input as data, not executable code. This ensures that even if an attacker supplies malicious input like ' OR 1=1 --, it is treated as a literal string value, not as SQL syntax. In contrast, input validation alone fails because it relies on blacklisting patterns, which can be evaded with techniques such as hex encoding, Unicode normalization, or using SQL comments to bypass filters.
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.
TExam Day Tips
- 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.
Quick reference
OSI Model Reference
| Layer | Name | PDU | Key Protocols / Devices |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7 | Application | Data | HTTP, HTTPS, DNS, SMTP, FTP, SSH |
| 6 | Presentation | Data | TLS / SSL, JPEG, ASCII encoding |
| 5 | Session | Data | NetBIOS, RPC, SIP |
| 4 | Transport | Segment / Datagram | TCP, UDP |
| 3 | Network | Packet | IP, ICMP, OSPF — Routers |
| 2 | Data Link | Frame | Ethernet, Wi-Fi, PPP — Switches, Bridges |
| 1 | Physical | Bits | Cables, NICs, Hubs, Repeaters |
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Related practice questions
Related SSCP practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Access Controls practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Access Controls.
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis.
Incident Response and Recovery practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Incident Response and Recovery.
Security Operations and Administration practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Security Operations and Administration.
Cryptography practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Cryptography.
Network and Communications Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Network and Communications Security.
Systems and Application Security practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Systems and Application Security.
Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to Risk Identification, Monitoring and Analysis.
SSCP fundamentals practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP fundamentals.
SSCP scenario practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP scenario.
SSCP troubleshooting practice questions
Practise SSCP questions linked to SSCP troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Start a free SSCP practice session
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Rewrite the legacy module to use parameterized queries. — Option B is correct because parameterized queries (prepared statements) are the definitive defense against SQL injection, as they separate SQL logic from user data by design. Rewriting the legacy module to use parameterized queries eliminates the root cause of the vulnerability at the code level, ensuring that user input is never concatenated into the SQL statement. This is the most secure and permanent fix, as it directly addresses the injection point in the application layer.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Keep practising
More SSCP practice questions
- A company has implemented a new vulnerability scanner and the first scan reports 200 vulnerabilities. The security team…
- A security analyst is reviewing logs and notices multiple failed login attempts from a single IP address against an admi…
- A security manager is evaluating log sources for a SIEM implementation. Which THREE of the following are considered log…
- A vulnerability scanner reports a medium-severity finding on a server. After investigation, the security team determines…
- During a qualitative risk analysis, an organization rates the likelihood of a flood as 'Low' and the impact as 'High'. U…
- A security analyst is tuning a SIEM to reduce false positives. Which of the following actions is most likely to reduce f…
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.