312-96: Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) – JAVA Practice Exam | Exam Sage
Prepare confidently for the Certified Application Security Engineer (CASE) – JAVA exam with Exam Sage’s comprehensive practice test designed to sharpen your skills and boost your exam readiness. This exam targets professionals aiming to validate their expertise in securing Java applications throughout the software development lifecycle.
What Is the CASE – JAVA Exam?
The CASE – JAVA certification exam evaluates your proficiency in identifying and mitigating security risks specific to Java applications. It covers vital areas such as secure coding practices, cryptography, threat modeling, and vulnerability assessments tailored for Java environments. Passing this exam demonstrates your ability to implement security at every stage of Java application development, making you a valuable asset in today’s cybersecurity landscape.
What You Will Learn
Our practice exam helps you master key concepts, including:
Secure coding standards for Java applications
Java-specific security threats and mitigation techniques
Cryptographic mechanisms and their implementation in Java
Authentication, authorization, and session management best practices
Common vulnerabilities like SQL injection, cross-site scripting (XSS), and buffer overflows
Security frameworks and tools in the Java ecosystem
Code signing, secure communication (SSL/TLS), and certificate management
Risk assessment and threat modeling techniques
Topics Covered in the Practice Exam
Java Security Architecture and Features
Cryptography: Encryption, Decryption, Hashing, and Key Management
Secure Session Management and Secure Cookie Handling
Input Validation and Secure Coding Practices
Secure Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) Integration
Application Security Testing and Vulnerability Management
Java Security APIs: JAAS, SecureRandom, Cipher, MessageDigest
Web Application Security in Java: Preventing CSRF, XSS, and SQL Injection
Exception Handling and Information Leakage Prevention
Code Signing and Secure Deployment
Why Choose Exam Sage for Your CASE – JAVA Exam Prep?
Exam Sage offers expertly crafted practice questions designed by security professionals to mirror the real exam’s difficulty and scope. Each question is accompanied by detailed explanations, helping you understand concepts thoroughly and learn from your mistakes. Our practice exams are continuously updated to reflect the latest industry standards and exam objectives.
With Exam Sage, you gain:
Unlimited practice tests accessible anytime, anywhere
Clear, concise explanations for every question
Realistic exam simulations to build confidence and time management skills
Affordable and flexible study resources
A trusted platform dedicated to helping you pass your certification exams
Prepare smarter and pass faster with Exam Sage’s 312-96 CASE – JAVA practice exam. Start practicing today and take a decisive step toward advancing your career in application security.
Sample Questions and Answers
1. Which Java feature helps to prevent buffer overflow vulnerabilities in applications?
A) Garbage Collection
B) Strong Typing
C) Exception Handling
D) Array Bounds Checking
Answer: D) Array Bounds Checking
Explanation: Java automatically performs array bounds checking, preventing access outside the allocated memory, thus mitigating buffer overflow risks common in languages like C/C++.
2. What is the primary purpose of the final keyword in Java regarding security?
A) To allow method overriding
B) To declare constants or prevent inheritance
C) To optimize runtime speed
D) To handle exceptions
Answer: B) To declare constants or prevent inheritance
Explanation: Using final on variables prevents reassignment (constants), and on classes/methods, it prevents inheritance/overriding, which can avoid certain security risks due to unexpected behavior modification.
3. Which of the following is the most secure way to handle sensitive passwords in Java applications?
A) Store passwords as plain text in memory
B) Use String objects to store passwords
C) Use char[] arrays and overwrite them after use
D) Log passwords in debug statements
Answer: C) Use char[] arrays and overwrite them after use
Explanation: String objects are immutable and stay in memory until garbage collected, which can expose sensitive data. char[] can be explicitly overwritten after use, reducing exposure.
4. What Java API is primarily used to implement cryptographic operations securely?
A) java.security
B) java.util.concurrent
C) java.net
D) java.io
Answer: A) java.security
Explanation: The java.security package contains APIs for encryption, key management, message digests, and secure random number generation.
5. Which Java security feature controls access to classes and resources at runtime?
A) Java Virtual Machine (JVM)
B) Class Loader
C) Security Manager
D) Garbage Collector
Answer: C) Security Manager
Explanation: The Security Manager enforces security policies, restricting code from performing unsafe operations, like file access or network connections.
6. What is the risk of using Java deserialization with untrusted data?
A) Memory leaks
B) Execution of arbitrary code
C) Slow application startup
D) Syntax errors
Answer: B) Execution of arbitrary code
Explanation: Deserialization of untrusted data can lead to remote code execution vulnerabilities if malicious payloads are crafted.
7. In Java EE, what is the recommended approach to prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)?
A) Use HttpSession
B) Validate and encode user input before output
C) Use SQL parameterized queries
D) Disable cookies
Answer: B) Validate and encode user input before output
Explanation: Proper input validation and output encoding prevent malicious scripts from executing in the client’s browser.
8. What is a secure practice when configuring Java Database Connectivity (JDBC)?
A) Hardcoding database credentials in the source code
B) Using encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)
C) Disabling user authentication
D) Using default passwords
Answer: B) Using encrypted connections (SSL/TLS)
Explanation: SSL/TLS ensures that data between the application and database server is encrypted, preventing eavesdropping.
9. Which Java class is used for generating secure random numbers?
A) java.util.Random
B) java.lang.Math
C) java.security.SecureRandom
D) java.util.UUID
Answer: C) java.security.SecureRandom
Explanation: SecureRandom provides cryptographically strong random number generation essential for security-sensitive operations.
10. What is the main purpose of code signing in Java?
A) To improve performance
B) To verify the source and integrity of code
C) To obfuscate source code
D) To enable multi-threading
Answer: B) To verify the source and integrity of code
Explanation: Code signing ensures that code comes from a trusted source and has not been tampered with.
11. What Java API should be used to securely hash passwords?
A) MessageDigest with SHA-1
B) MessageDigest with SHA-256 combined with salt
C) String hashCode() method
D) Math.random()
Answer: B) MessageDigest with SHA-256 combined with salt
Explanation: SHA-256 is a strong hash function, and using salt defends against rainbow table attacks.
12. What is the effect of running Java applications with the -Djava.security.manager option?
A) Disables security checks
B) Enables the Security Manager to enforce security policies
C) Increases performance
D) Allows root access
Answer: B) Enables the Security Manager to enforce security policies
Explanation: This option activates the Security Manager which controls permissions.
13. How does Java prevent race conditions in concurrent applications?
A) Using synchronized blocks/methods
B) Avoiding threads
C) Using the volatile keyword alone
D) Using infinite loops
Answer: A) Using synchronized blocks/methods
Explanation: Synchronization ensures atomic access to shared resources, preventing race conditions.
14. What is a Java sandbox?
A) A development environment
B) A security mechanism restricting untrusted code capabilities
C) A type of database
D) A logging tool
Answer: B) A security mechanism restricting untrusted code capabilities
Explanation: The sandbox restricts code from accessing sensitive system resources.
15. Which Java exception indicates an attempt to access a protected resource without permission?
A) IOException
B) SecurityException
C) NullPointerException
D) ClassNotFoundException
Answer: B) SecurityException
Explanation: SecurityException is thrown when a security violation occurs.
16. Which of the following is NOT a best practice for secure Java coding?
A) Use parameterized queries for database access
B) Disable input validation
C) Use least privilege principle
D) Handle exceptions securely
Answer: B) Disable input validation
Explanation: Disabling input validation is a major security risk that can lead to injection attacks.
17. What type of attack is mitigated by using prepared statements in JDBC?
A) Buffer overflow
B) SQL Injection
C) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
D) Denial of Service (DoS)
Answer: B) SQL Injection
Explanation: Prepared statements separate code from data, preventing injection attacks.
18. What is the best way to securely manage Java application secrets like API keys?
A) Hardcode them in source code
B) Store them in environment variables or secure vaults
C) Send them over HTTP in requests
D) Log them for debugging
Answer: B) Store them in environment variables or secure vaults
Explanation: This avoids exposure in code and allows secure runtime retrieval.
19. Which Java security feature provides role-based access control in Java EE?
A) JAAS (Java Authentication and Authorization Service)
B) JPA
C) JMS
D) JDBC
Answer: A) JAAS (Java Authentication and Authorization Service)
Explanation: JAAS enables pluggable authentication and authorization.
20. What risk is posed by Java Reflection when used insecurely?
A) Compile-time errors
B) Runtime code manipulation that can bypass security checks
C) Slower execution only
D) No risk
Answer: B) Runtime code manipulation that can bypass security checks
Explanation: Reflection allows dynamic access to private fields/methods which can be exploited if improperly controlled.
21. What is the recommended way to protect Java web applications against Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)?
A) Use HTTPS only
B) Implement anti-CSRF tokens in forms
C) Disable cookies
D) Use session timeout only
Answer: B) Implement anti-CSRF tokens in forms
Explanation: Anti-CSRF tokens ensure requests come from authenticated users.
22. Why should exceptions avoid revealing sensitive information in Java applications?
A) To prevent user confusion
B) To avoid leaking internal system details to attackers
C) To improve performance
D) To enable faster debugging
Answer: B) To avoid leaking internal system details to attackers
Explanation: Detailed error messages can reveal application internals useful for attackers.
23. How can Java developers prevent XML External Entity (XXE) attacks?
A) Disable external entity processing in XML parsers
B) Always use DOM parser
C) Use HTTP instead of HTTPS
D) Avoid using XML altogether
Answer: A) Disable external entity processing in XML parsers
Explanation: XXE attacks exploit external entities; disabling them prevents this risk.
24. What is the purpose of Java’s AccessController class?
A) Manage file permissions
B) Execute privileged code with elevated permissions
C) Handle network connections
D) Manage threads
Answer: B) Execute privileged code with elevated permissions
Explanation: AccessController allows code to perform privileged actions under security policy control.
25. Which Java API provides the foundation for secure socket communication (SSL/TLS)?
A) java.net.Socket
B) javax.net.ssl.SSLSocket
C) java.security.KeyStore
D) java.lang.SecurityManager
Answer: B) javax.net.ssl.SSLSocket
Explanation: SSLSocket provides secure communication over SSL/TLS protocols.
26. How does the transient keyword improve security in Java serialization?
A) Prevents fields from being serialized
B) Enhances serialization speed
C) Allows private field access
D) Forces encryption of fields
Answer: A) Prevents fields from being serialized
Explanation: Sensitive fields marked transient are skipped during serialization, avoiding data leakage.
27. What is a common vulnerability caused by improper use of Java logging frameworks?
A) SQL Injection
B) Information leakage via sensitive data in logs
C) Buffer overflow
D) Cross-Site Scripting
Answer: B) Information leakage via sensitive data in logs
Explanation: Logging sensitive info (passwords, tokens) can expose it to unauthorized users.
28. What security practice is recommended when using Java applets?
A) Run with full system privileges
B) Run inside a restricted sandbox environment
C) Disable code signing
D) Allow network connections to any host
Answer: B) Run inside a restricted sandbox environment
Explanation: Sandboxing restricts applets’ capabilities to prevent security breaches.
29. Why is it important to keep the Java Development Kit (JDK) up to date?
A) For better IDE support
B) To include latest security patches and fixes
C) To improve UI features
D) To reduce disk usage
Answer: B) To include latest security patches and fixes
Explanation: Regular updates fix vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
30. What does the principle of “least privilege” mean in Java security?
A) Giving every user admin access
B) Granting only the minimal permissions necessary for a task
C) Disabling all security checks
D) Running applications as root
Answer: B) Granting only the minimal permissions necessary for a task
Explanation: Minimizing privileges reduces the potential impact of a security breach.
31. What is the recommended way to handle session identifiers in Java web applications to prevent session fixation attacks?
A) Use predictable session IDs
B) Regenerate session ID after login
C) Store session ID in URL parameters
D) Disable session timeout
Answer: B) Regenerate session ID after login
Explanation: Regenerating the session ID after authentication prevents attackers from using fixed or stolen session IDs to hijack sessions.
32. How does Java’s try-with-resources statement help improve security?
A) Automatically encrypts resources
B) Ensures resources like streams are closed properly to avoid resource leaks
C) Disables exceptions
D) Prevents deadlocks
Answer: B) Ensures resources like streams are closed properly to avoid resource leaks
Explanation: Properly closing resources prevents resource exhaustion and potential denial of service vulnerabilities.
33. What is the function of the javax.crypto.Cipher class in Java?
A) Handling HTTP connections
B) Performing encryption and decryption operations
C) Managing threads
D) Parsing XML files
Answer: B) Performing encryption and decryption operations
Explanation: Cipher provides cryptographic operations for secure data transformation.
34. Why should Java applications avoid using deprecated security algorithms like MD5?
A) They are slower
B) They have known vulnerabilities and can be broken easily
C) They require more memory
D) They cause compilation errors
Answer: B) They have known vulnerabilities and can be broken easily
Explanation: Algorithms like MD5 are vulnerable to collisions, making them unsuitable for security purposes.
35. In Java web applications, what HTTP header can help prevent Clickjacking attacks?
A) Content-Type
B) X-Frame-Options
C) Cache-Control
D) Accept-Encoding
Answer: B) X-Frame-Options
Explanation: This header controls whether the browser allows the page to be framed, preventing malicious framing.
36. What is the main role of the KeyStore class in Java security?
A) Manage cryptographic keys and certificates securely
B) Store application configuration
C) Manage database connections
D) Handle HTTP requests
Answer: A) Manage cryptographic keys and certificates securely
Explanation: KeyStore is used to store and manage cryptographic keys and certificates in a secure manner.
37. How does Java’s AccessControlContext help in security?
A) It manages the UI access controls
B) It encapsulates the security context of a thread to enforce permissions
C) It manages thread synchronization
D) It encrypts sensitive data
Answer: B) It encapsulates the security context of a thread to enforce permissions
Explanation: It allows fine-grained permission checks based on the executing code’s context.
38. What is the best practice to prevent sensitive information leakage through Java exception messages?
A) Always throw generic exceptions to users
B) Print full stack traces in production
C) Disable exception handling
D) Log exceptions only in client-side code
Answer: A) Always throw generic exceptions to users
Explanation: Revealing too much detail in exceptions can aid attackers; logging detailed info internally is safer.
39. How should Java applications securely generate and store cryptographic keys?
A) Generate keys on client-side and store in cookies
B) Use Java KeyStore and generate keys using SecureRandom
C) Hardcode keys in source code
D) Use plain text files
Answer: B) Use Java KeyStore and generate keys using SecureRandom
Explanation: KeyStore securely stores keys, and SecureRandom ensures strong, unpredictable key generation.
40. What is the role of the javax.validation package in Java?
A) Network communication
B) Data validation to ensure input meets security requirements
C) File handling
D) Multithreading
Answer: B) Data validation to ensure input meets security requirements
Explanation: It provides APIs for validating input data to prevent injection and other attacks.
41. What is the purpose of Content Security Policy (CSP) in Java web applications?
A) To increase server bandwidth
B) To prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and related injection attacks
C) To disable cookies
D) To speed up page rendering
Answer: B) To prevent Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and related injection attacks
Explanation: CSP restricts sources of executable scripts, reducing XSS attack surfaces.
42. Which Java class allows you to manage user authentication and authorization in web applications?
A) javax.servlet.http.HttpServlet
B) javax.security.auth.Subject
C) java.util.Scanner
D) java.lang.Thread
Answer: B) javax.security.auth.Subject
Explanation: The Subject class represents a grouping of related information for a single user, including principals and credentials.
43. What is the main security concern when using Java Native Interface (JNI)?
A) Performance degradation
B) Exposure to native code vulnerabilities bypassing JVM security
C) Complex syntax
D) Larger file sizes
Answer: B) Exposure to native code vulnerabilities bypassing JVM security
Explanation: JNI allows calling native code, which can introduce memory safety issues not managed by Java’s security model.
44. How does the javax.crypto.Mac class contribute to application security?
A) It manages user sessions
B) It computes Message Authentication Codes (MAC) to verify data integrity and authenticity
C) It handles file uploads
D) It generates random numbers
Answer: B) It computes Message Authentication Codes (MAC) to verify data integrity and authenticity
Explanation: MACs help detect tampering and verify data origin.
45. What Java API is commonly used for implementing Single Sign-On (SSO)?
A) JNDI
B) JAAS
C) JDBC
D) Servlet API
Answer: B) JAAS
Explanation: JAAS provides pluggable authentication modules for SSO implementations.
46. Which of the following is a good practice to protect Java applications from insecure deserialization?
A) Use ObjectInputStream directly with untrusted data
B) Validate or whitelist classes allowed during deserialization
C) Disable all serialization features
D) Ignore deserialization warnings
Answer: B) Validate or whitelist classes allowed during deserialization
Explanation: Restricting deserialization to known safe classes mitigates remote code execution risks.
47. Why should you avoid storing sensitive data in Java session attributes?
A) It reduces performance
B) Session data might be accessible if session IDs are stolen
C) It causes compile errors
D) It increases memory usage
Answer: B) Session data might be accessible if session IDs are stolen
Explanation: Sensitive info in sessions can be compromised if session hijacking occurs.
48. How can Java developers protect against Man-in-the-Middle (MITM) attacks?
A) Use HTTP protocol
B) Implement SSL/TLS for all network communications
C) Disable encryption
D) Use hardcoded IP addresses
Answer: B) Implement SSL/TLS for all network communications
Explanation: SSL/TLS encrypts data in transit, preventing MITM attacks.
49. Which of the following Java security controls help prevent privilege escalation attacks?
A) Using Runtime.exec() with user input unchecked
B) Implementing the principle of least privilege and using Java security policies
C) Giving all code full permissions
D) Disabling the Security Manager
Answer: B) Implementing the principle of least privilege and using Java security policies
Explanation: Limiting permissions minimizes risks of privilege escalation.
50. What is the primary purpose of the SecureClassLoader in Java?
A) To load classes faster
B) To enforce security checks when loading classes dynamically
C) To enable multi-threading
D) To handle memory allocation
Answer: B) To enforce security checks when loading classes dynamically
Explanation: It ensures only trusted code is loaded and executed.
