CompTIA Security+ Question L-84

A server administrator notes that a fully patched application often stops running due to a memory error. When reviewing the debugging logs they notice code being run calling an internal process to exploit the machine. Which of the following attacks does this describes?

A. Malicious add-on
B. SQL injection
C. Cross site scripting
D. Zero-day

Answer: D

CompTIA Security+ Question K-3

A server administrator notes that a legacy application often stops running due to a memory error. When reviewing the debugging logs, they notice code being run calling an internal process to exploit the machine. Which of the following attacks does this describe?

A. Zero-day
B. Buffer overflow
C. Cross site scripting
D. Malicious add-on

Answer: B

Explanation:
This question describes a buffer overflow attack.

A buffer overflow occurs when a program or process tries to store more data in a buffer (temporary data storage area) than it was intended to hold. Since buffers are created to contain a finite amount of data, the extra information – which has to go somewhere – can overflow into adjacent buffers, corrupting or overwriting the valid data held in them. Although it may occur accidentally through programming error, buffer overflow is an increasingly common type of security attack on data integrity. In buffer overflow attacks, the extra data may contain codes designed to trigger specific actions, in effect sending new instructions to the attacked computer that could, for example, damage the user’s files, change data, or disclose confidential information. Buffer overflow attacks are said to have arisen because the C programming language supplied the framework, and poor programming practices supplied the vulnerability.

CompTIA Security+ Question F-33

One month after a software developer was terminated the helpdesk started receiving calls that several employees’ computers were being infected with malware. Upon further research, it was determined that these employees had downloaded a shopping toolbar. It was this toolbar that downloaded and installed the errant code. Which of the following attacks has taken place?

A. Logic bomb
B. Cross-site scripting
C. SQL injection
D. Malicious add-on

Answer: A

CompTIA Security+ Question B-43

A security analyst, Ann, is reviewing an IRC channel and notices that a malicious exploit has been created for a frequently used application. She notifies the software vendor and asks them for remediation steps, but is alarmed to find that no patches are available to mitigate this vulnerability.
Which of the following BEST describes this exploit?

A. Malicious insider threat
B. Zero-day
C. Client-side attack
D. Malicious add-on

Answer: B

Explanation:
A zero day vulnerability refers to a hole in software that is unknown to the vendor. This security hole is then exploited by hackers before the vendor becomes aware and hurries to fix it—this exploit is called a zero day attack. Uses of zero day attacks can include infiltrating malware, spyware or allowing unwanted access to user information. The term “zero day” refers to the unknown nature of the hole to those outside of the hackers, specifically, the developers. Once the vulnerability becomes known, a race begins for the developer, who must protect users. In this question, there are no patches are available to mitigate the vulnerability. This is therefore a zero-day vulnerability.