- A
Environmental disaster
Why wrong: Environmental disasters are threat sources, not vulnerabilities.
- B
CVE entries
CVE entries are standardized identifiers for known vulnerabilities.
- C
Intentional human attack
Why wrong: Intentional human attack is a threat source.
- D
Hardware failure
Why wrong: Hardware failure is a threat source, not a vulnerability source.
- E
Configuration weaknesses
Misconfigurations are common vulnerability sources.
Question 864 of 1,000
SSCP Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of risk identification, monitoring, and analysis. 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.
Which TWO of the following are examples of vulnerability sources? (Choose TWO.)
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
✓
CVE entries
CVE entries are a structured, publicly accessible catalog of known vulnerabilities, each assigned a unique identifier (CVE-ID) and description. They serve as a primary source for identifying specific software or hardware weaknesses that can be exploited, making them a definitive vulnerability source for risk identification and monitoring.
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.
- ✗
Environmental disaster
Why it's wrong here
Environmental disasters are threat sources, not vulnerabilities.
- ✓
CVE entries
Why this is correct
CVE entries are standardized identifiers for known vulnerabilities.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Intentional human attack
Why it's wrong here
Intentional human attack is a threat source.
- ✗
Hardware failure
Why it's wrong here
Hardware failure is a threat source, not a vulnerability source.
- ✓
Configuration weaknesses
Why this is correct
Misconfigurations are common vulnerability sources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between a vulnerability source (e.g., CVE, configuration weakness) and a threat (e.g., attack, disaster), causing candidates to mistakenly select threat events like environmental disasters or human attacks as vulnerability sources.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
CVE entries are maintained by the MITRE Corporation and follow the CVE Numbering Authority (CNA) process, where each vulnerability is assigned a CVE-ID and often linked to a CVSS score for severity. Configuration weaknesses, such as default passwords or open ports, are captured in benchmarks like CIS Controls or vendor hardening guides, and are systematically checked using tools like Nessus or OpenSCAP. In real-world risk assessments, these sources feed into vulnerability management platforms to prioritize patching and remediation.
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.
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.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — This question tests Risk Identification, Monitoring, and Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: CVE entries — CVE entries are a structured, publicly accessible catalog of known vulnerabilities, each assigned a unique identifier (CVE-ID) and description. They serve as a primary source for identifying specific software or hardware weaknesses that can be exploited, making them a definitive vulnerability source for risk identification and monitoring.
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
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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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