Which of the following should the engineer do to resolve the issue?

A network engineer receives a vendor alert regarding a vulnerability in a router CPU.

Which of the following should the engineer do to resolve the issue?
A . Update the firmware.
B . Replace the system board.
C . Patch the OS.
D . Isolate the system.

View Answer

Answer: A

Explanation:

Understanding the Vulnerability:

Vulnerabilities in the router CPU can be exploited to cause performance degradation, unauthorized access, or other security issues.

Firmware Update:

Firmware Role: The firmware is low-level software that controls the hardware of a device. Updating the firmware can address vulnerabilities by providing patches and enhancements from the manufacturer.

Procedure: Download the latest firmware from the vendor’s website, follow the manufacturer’s instructions to apply the update, and verify that the update resolves the vulnerability. Comparison with Other Options:

Replace the System Board: This is a costly and often unnecessary step if the issue can be resolved with a firmware update.

Patch the OS: Patching the OS is relevant for devices with a full operating system but not directly applicable to addressing a CPU vulnerability on a router.

Isolate the System: Temporarily isolating the system can mitigate immediate risk but does not resolve the underlying vulnerability.

Best Practice:

Regularly check for and apply firmware updates to ensure that network devices are protected against known vulnerabilities.

Reference: CompTIA Network+ study materials on network security and device management.