CompTIA  CS0-003  CySA+  Exam Dumps and Practice Test Questions Set 4 Q 61-80

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Question 61

A security analyst discovers that an internal server has been compromised and is now communicating with an external IP address using an uncommon port. The server was also observed creating scheduled tasks that execute PowerShell scripts. Which of the following BEST describes the attack?

A) Fileless malware with persistence mechanisms
B) Standard ransomware infection
C) Denial-of-service attack
D) Phishing campaign targeting employees

Answer A

Explanation:

A Fileless malware with persistence mechanism

The indicators point to a fileless malware attack. Fileless malware often resides in memory and uses native system tools such as PowerShell or WMI to execute malicious commands. The creation of scheduled tasks indicates the attacker is establishing persistence, ensuring the malicious code executes even after a system reboot. Communication over uncommon ports to external IPs suggests a covert command-and-control (C2) channel, which may bypass traditional firewall and intrusion detection rules. Fileless malware is particularly dangerous because it can evade signature-based detection and leave minimal forensic artifacts on disk. Detection and mitigation typically involve behavioral analysis, endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, and memory-based forensics. Containment includes isolating affected hosts, terminating malicious processes, and identifying the initial infection vector.

B Standard ransomware infection

 Ransomware generally involves file encryption and ransom notes. While ransomware may use PowerShell for deployment, the scenario emphasizes ongoing communication and persistence rather than immediate encryption.

C Denial-of-service attack

DoS attacks aim to disrupt service availability. The described indicators reflect covert communication and execution rather than service disruption.

D Phishing campaign targeting employees

 Phishing campaigns are initial vectors for malware but do not describe the ongoing post-compromise behavior observed on the server.

Question 62

 A network security engineer identifies that several internal workstations are generating high volumes of SMB traffic to multiple servers, with numerous failed authentication attempts using common usernames. Which of the following BEST describes the likely threat?

A) Lateral movement attempt by a worm
B) Misconfigured backup software
C) User-initiated file synchronization
D) Standard administrative operations

Answer A

Explanation:

A Lateral movement attempt by a worm

The described behavior—high-volume scanning of SMB shares and repeated authentication attempts—is indicative of a worm attempting lateral movement. Worms replicate by exploiting open network shares and weak or default credentials, allowing them to spread across endpoints automatically. The use of multiple usernames and failed attempts shows brute-force behavior aimed at gaining access to multiple hosts. Detecting such activity requires monitoring for abnormal scanning patterns, authentication failures, and unusual SMB traffic. Immediate containment involves isolating affected endpoints and updating credentials to prevent further compromise. Worm propagation can lead to rapid infection of multiple systems if not mitigated promptly, making this type of threat critical to address in real time.

B Misconfigured backup software

Backup software accesses predefined locations and does not attempt brute-force authentication across multiple endpoints.

C User-initiated file synchronization

File sync tools only interact with authorized directories and do not perform widespread scanning or authentication attempts.

D Standard administrative operations

Legitimate admin operations rarely involve repeated authentication failures across multiple hosts in a short timeframe, indicating anomalous activity.

 

Question 63

 During a routine security review, an analyst discovers that a cloud storage bucket containing sensitive data is publicly accessible due to misconfigured IAM permissions. Which of the following is the MOST effective preventative control?

A) Automated cloud configuration monitoring and alerting
B) Require TLS for all cloud connections
C) Rotate cloud API keys monthly
D) Conduct quarterly penetration testing

Answer A

Explanation:

A Automated cloud configuration monitoring and alerting

 Automated configuration monitoring continuously checks cloud resources for deviations from established security baselines, such as publicly exposed storage buckets or overly permissive IAM roles. Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions can enforce policies, generate alerts for misconfigurations, and automatically remediate noncompliant settings. This proactive approach ensures that errors are caught and corrected before they lead to data exposure. By integrating automated monitoring into the cloud environment, organizations reduce human error, enforce consistent security standards, and maintain compliance with regulatory requirements. Automated alerting enables security teams to respond immediately to potential exposures, preventing sensitive data leaks.

B Require TLS for all cloud connections

TLS secures data in transit but does not prevent misconfigured permissions from exposing storage resources.

C Rotate cloud API keys monthly

Key rotation helps limit long-term exposure of compromised credentials but does not prevent misconfigured access policies.

D Conduct quarterly penetration testin

Periodic penetration tests may uncover misconfigurations, but they lack continuous monitoring and real-time remediation capabilities.

Question 64

A security analyst observes that a user’s workstation is making repeated outbound DNS requests to suspicious domains with randomized subdomains. The workstation also initiates HTTP connections to previously unseen external IP addresses. What is the MOST likely type of compromise?

A) Malware using a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for command-and-control
B) Standard spam emails being sent by the user
C) Denial-of-service attack being launched from the workstation
D) Legitimate software update traffic

Answer A

Explanation:

A Malware using a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for command-and-control

DGAs generate pseudo-random domains for C2 communication, making it difficult to block malicious activity using static blacklists. Outbound DNS requests for randomized subdomains, combined with HTTP connections to external IPs, are strong indicators of malware establishing or maintaining covert communication channels. This technique is commonly used by advanced persistent threats (APTs) to evade detection and exfiltrate data. Detection requires correlating unusual DNS query patterns, network behavior anomalies, and endpoint telemetry. Effective mitigation involves isolating the compromised host, blocking malicious domains, and analyzing the malware to understand its capabilities and scope of compromise.

B Standard spam emails being sent by the user

Spam emails would be delivered via SMTP or webmail, not through unusual DNS and HTTP patterns.

C Denial-of-service attack being launched from the workstation

 DoS activity typically generates high-volume outbound traffic toward specific targets, not random DNS queries.

D Legitimate software update traffic

 Legitimate updates communicate with known update servers and do not use randomized domain names or unknown IP addresses.

Question 65

 A SOC team identifies a reverse shell established from a compromised server. Further investigation reveals that the attacker used stolen administrative credentials to gain access. Which of the following is the BEST long-term mitigation to prevent similar incidents?

A) Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time access
B) Increase password complexity for all accounts
C) Deploy endpoint antivirus with signature-based detection
D) Disable all remote access capabilities

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time access

 Privileged Access Management (PAM) solutions reduce the exposure of high-privilege accounts by granting elevated access only when required and for limited time periods. Just-in-time (JIT) access ensures that credentials are not persistently available, which limits attackers’ ability to reuse stolen credentials to establish reverse shells or perform lateral movement. PAM also provides strong authentication, session monitoring, and audit logging of all privileged actions. By implementing PAM with JIT access, organizations reduce the attack surface, improve accountability, and protect critical systems from credential-based compromise.

B Increase password complexity for all accounts

Complex passwords make brute-force attacks harder but do not prevent attackers from using stolen credentials.

C Deploy endpoint antivirus with signature-based detection

Antivirus may detect known malware, but reverse shells using legitimate administrative tools can bypass signature-based detection.

D Disable all remote access capabilities

Disabling remote access entirely may be operationally impractical. PAM provides a targeted and effective approach for protecting privileged credentials without disrupting business functions.

Question 66

A SOC analyst observes that several endpoints are generating outbound DNS requests to domains with randomized subdomains, and the requests are significantly larger than normal. The traffic appears to be encoded. Which of the following is the MOST likely cause?

A) Data exfiltration via DNS tunneling
B) Standard software updates
C) Email phishing attempts
D) Port scanning activity

Answer A

Explanation:

A Data exfiltration via DNS tunneling

 DNS tunneling is a technique used by attackers to exfiltrate sensitive information by encoding data into DNS queries and responses. The use of randomized subdomains, unusually large DNS requests, and encoded data strongly indicates that attackers are covertly transmitting data from internal endpoints to external command-and-control (C2) servers. DNS tunneling bypasses standard network security controls because DNS is often allowed through firewalls. Detection requires analyzing query patterns, domain names, and traffic volumes for anomalies. Mitigation involves blocking suspicious domains, isolating compromised hosts, and implementing DNS monitoring and filtering. Preventive measures also include restricting outbound DNS to authorized resolvers and using security controls such as Data Loss Prevention (DLP).

B Standard software updates

 Legitimate software updates communicate with known update servers and do not generate randomized subdomain traffic.

C Email phishing attempt

Phishing attacks typically involve sending malicious emails or links to users, not generating outbound DNS queries.

D Port scanning activity

Port scanning involves probing network services to discover open ports; it does not produce high-volume DNS queries with encoded data.

Question 67

During a review of authentication logs, an analyst notices repeated failed login attempts on multiple service accounts, originating from different internal hosts. The accounts have elevated privileges. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively mitigate this threat?

A) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged accounts
B) Increase password complexity requirements for service accounts
C) Disable logging for failed authentication attempts
D) Enforce longer session timeout values

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for all privileged accounts

MFA strengthens account security by requiring an additional verification factor beyond passwords, such as a token, biometric, or push notification. Even if attackers obtain credentials for service accounts, they cannot authenticate without the second factor. This is particularly important for accounts with elevated privileges because it prevents unauthorized access even if credentials are compromised. MFA reduces the effectiveness of brute-force attacks, credential stuffing, and post-compromise lateral movement. Implementing MFA for service accounts aligns with best practices for securing high-value assets, ensuring that even if an attacker has network access, the accounts cannot be misused.

B Increase password complexity requirements for service accounts

Complex passwords make brute-force attacks more difficult but do not prevent the use of stolen credentials.

C Disable logging for failed authentication attempts

Disabling logging reduces visibility, making detection of attacks more difficult rather than mitigating the threat.

D Enforce longer session timeout value

 Extending session durations does not prevent unauthorized login attempts or credential abuse.

Question 68

A security analyst detects unusual PowerShell activity on multiple endpoints. Scripts are obfuscated and connect to unknown external IP addresses. Antivirus scans do not detect any malware. Which of the following BEST describes this type of threat?

A) Fileless malware leveraging living-off-the-land techniques
B) Ransomware encrypting local files
C) Phishing emails delivering malicious attachments
D) Distributed denial-of-service attack

Answer A

Explanation:

A Fileless malware leveraging living-off-the-land techniques

Fileless malware operates in memory and uses legitimate system tools, such as PowerShell, to execute malicious actions. The obfuscation of scripts prevents easy detection, while connections to unknown external IPs indicate communication with command-and-control servers. Traditional signature-based antivirus is often ineffective against fileless threats because no malicious files reside on disk. Indicators include abnormal process behavior, unexpected network connections, and unusual system changes. Effective mitigation includes implementing endpoint detection and response (EDR) tools, monitoring PowerShell logs, enforcing application whitelisting, and restricting administrative execution privileges. Fileless malware attacks are stealthy, making early detection and proactive behavioral monitoring critical.

B Ransomware encrypting local files

 While ransomware can be fileless in some cases, the described scenario focuses on communication and script execution rather than immediate file encryption.

C Phishing emails delivering malicious attachments

Phishing is a delivery mechanism rather than a description of ongoing activity. The observed outbound communication and script execution occur post-compromise.

D Distributed denial-of-service a

 DoS attacks overwhelm services and do not involve obfuscated scripts or communication with external IPs.

Question 69

During a cloud security audit, an analyst discovers that several storage buckets containing sensitive data are publicly accessible due to misconfigured IAM policies. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively prevent similar exposures in the future?

A) Automated cloud configuration monitoring with alerting
B) Require TLS for all cloud communications
C) Rotate cloud access keys every 30 days
D) Conduct quarterly penetration testing

Answer A

Explanation:

A Automated cloud configuration monitoring with alerting

Automated monitoring tools, such as Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) solutions, continuously check cloud environments for misconfigurations, including overly permissive IAM roles or public storage buckets. Alerts provide immediate visibility so administrators can remediate misconfigurations before sensitive data is exposed. Automation ensures consistent enforcement of security policies, reduces human error, and maintains compliance with internal and regulatory standards. Preventive monitoring is more effective than periodic audits or tests because it enables real-time detection and remediation of security issues, helping organizations proactively reduce risk exposure.

B Require TLS for all cloud communications

TLS protects data in transit but does not prevent accidental public access to cloud storage resources.

C Rotate cloud access keys every 30 days

 Key rotation limits credential exposure but does not prevent misconfigured permissions from exposing sensitive data.

D Conduct quarterly penetration testing

Pen tests are periodic and cannot provide continuous detection or remediation of misconfigurations.

Question 70

A security analyst detects a reverse shell established from a compromised server. Further investigation reveals the attacker leveraged stolen administrative credentials. Which of the following is the MOST effective long-term mitigation to prevent this type of attack?

A) Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access
B) Increase password complexity for all accounts
C) Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server
D) Disable all remote access capabilities

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access

Privileged Access Management (PAM) with JIT access limits the availability of administrative credentials, granting them only when necessary and for a limited time. This reduces the window in which attackers can use stolen credentials to establish reverse shells or perform lateral movement. PAM also provides monitoring and auditing of all privileged actions, enhancing accountability and reducing risk. By implementing PAM, organizations can control privileged access, enforce strong authentication, and limit exposure of high-value accounts. This targeted approach effectively prevents misuse of administrative credentials, unlike broad measures such as password complexity or disabling remote access.

B Increase password complexity for all accounts

Complex passwords improve resistance to brute-force attacks but do not prevent the use of already stolen credentials.

C Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server

Signature-based antivirus cannot detect reverse shells or malicious use of legitimate administrative tools, which often bypass traditional detection methods.

D Disable all remote access capabilities

Disabling remote access entirely may disrupt operations and is not practical; PAM provides a controlled, secure solution.

Question 71

A security analyst observes multiple endpoints sending large amounts of outbound email with unusual attachments to unknown external domains. Which of the following is the FIRST action the analyst should take?

A) Isolate the affected endpoints to stop data exfiltration
B) Implement stricter email spam filtering rules
C) Notify all users about phishing awareness
D) Block outbound SMTP traffic globally

Answer A

Explanation:

A Isolate the affected endpoints to stop data exfiltration

The behavior observed is indicative of active data exfiltration, which could be caused by malware, insider threat activity, or compromised user accounts. Isolation of affected endpoints is critical because it immediately halts ongoing data loss while preventing the malware from spreading to other systems on the network. By isolating these endpoints, analysts also preserve valuable forensic evidence, such as memory dumps, active network connections, and recent logs, which are essential for understanding the scope of the compromise, identifying the malware or attacker tools used, and determining the initial attack vector. This step is aligned with standard incident response best practices, emphasizing containment as the first priority. After isolation, the SOC team can conduct malware analysis, credential review, and system integrity checks without risk of further exfiltration. Effective isolation can involve disconnecting endpoints from the network, disabling specific network interfaces, or applying virtual network segmentation policies. The action minimizes operational disruption while maintaining control over potentially sensitive data. Furthermore, isolating endpoints reduces potential legal and regulatory exposure, as sensitive data leaving the network without detection could trigger compliance violations.

B Implement stricter email spam filtering rules

Although stricter email filters help prevent future malicious email activity, they do not stop current exfiltration. Attackers who have already compromised endpoints can bypass email filters entirely, and relying solely on filtering does not provide containment or forensic preservation.

C Notify all users about phishing awareness

User awareness is important for preventive security measures but is ineffective for stopping active data exfiltration. While training can reduce future risk, it does not mitigate the ongoing threat.

D Block outbound SMTP traffic globally

 Blocking SMTP traffic network-wide could disrupt legitimate business operations and email communications. Targeted isolation of affected hosts is a more precise and operationally feasible mitigation, allowing normal email functions to continue for other users while securing the compromised endpoints.

Question 72

A network security engineer detects unusual outbound traffic from a host to an external IP over an uncommon port. The host is also initiating numerous DNS queries for randomly generated domains. Which of the following BEST describes the threat?

A) Malware using a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for command-and-control
B) A distributed denial-of-service attack
C) Standard software update traffic
D) Port scanning activity

Answer A

Explanation:

A Malware using a domain generation algorithm (DGA) for command-and-control

The combination of unusual outbound connections over non-standard ports and randomized DNS queries strongly indicates malware utilizing a DGA for C2 communications. DGAs are designed to generate pseudo-random domain names dynamically, allowing malware to contact its C2 infrastructure even when some domains are blocked by defenders. This technique helps attackers evade static domain blacklists and traditional security appliances. Detection of DGA activity involves monitoring for anomalous DNS patterns, such as high volumes of queries to unpredictable domains, unusually long or nonsensical subdomains, and DNS requests at abnormal frequencies or times. Network-based monitoring, DNS logging, and correlation with endpoint telemetry are essential to identify these threats. Isolation of the infected host is necessary to prevent further exfiltration, lateral movement, or propagation. Analysts may also deploy domain reputation checks, sinkhole malicious domains, and conduct malware reverse engineering to identify the attacker’s infrastructure. Because DGA-based malware often communicates covertly, it can bypass traditional firewall rules or intrusion detection signatures. The persistence of this type of malware means that mitigation should include endpoint cleanup, credential review, and monitoring for signs of reinfection.

B A distributed denial-of-service attack

 A DDoS attack focuses on overwhelming network or application resources to cause service disruption. The described behavior indicates covert communication rather than volumetric traffic targeting availability.

C Standard software update traffic

Legitimate software updates contact predefined, known servers, not random, dynamically generated domains. Update traffic also generally occurs over standard ports, unlike the anomalous port usage in this scenario.

D Port scanning activity

 Port scanning involves probing hosts or ports to identify open services, but it does not involve outbound communication to random domains or covert C2 channels.

Question 73

An analyst identifies that multiple service accounts have not been used for over six months but still possess administrative privileges. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively mitigate the associated risk?

A) Implement automated account deprovisioning
B) Increase password complexity requirements for service accounts
C) Disable external SSH connections
D) Deploy full disk encryption on all endpoints

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement automated account deprovisioning

 Inactive administrative accounts represent a significant security risk. These accounts can be leveraged by attackers if credentials are stolen or guessed. Automated account deprovisioning ensures accounts are removed or disabled after a defined inactivity period, reducing the attack surface and enforcing the principle of least privilege. Integrating this process with identity governance and privileged access management (PAM) systems provides an audit trail and ensures consistent policy enforcement. This approach also reduces human error, minimizes opportunities for attackers to gain elevated access, and helps organizations comply with regulatory frameworks that mandate periodic account reviews. Automated deprovisioning also simplifies operational management by reducing the number of orphaned accounts that would otherwise require manual review. It strengthens the overall security posture by limiting the number of accounts with excessive privileges, lowering the likelihood of internal and external attacks exploiting dormant accounts.

B Increase password complexity requirements for service accounts

While complex passwords help prevent guessing attacks, they do not mitigate risks posed by accounts that are no longer actively used but retain privileges.

C Disable external SSH connection

Disabling SSH only addresses remote access vectors, but inactive accounts can still be exploited locally or through compromised internal systems.

D Deploy full disk encryption on all endpoint

 Encryption protects data at rest but does not reduce risk associated with active administrative accounts or credential misuse.

Question 74

During a penetration test, testers exploit a web application vulnerability that allows OS-level command execution via unsanitized input parameters. Which of the following controls would BEST prevent this type of attack?

A) Server-side input validation with parameterized commands
B) Enforce TLS encryption for all web traffic
C) Increase session timeout values for web applications
D) Add additional firewall rules at the perimeter

Answer A

Explanation:

A Server-side input validation with parameterized commands

Command injection occurs when applications improperly handle user-supplied input. Server-side input validation ensures that inputs conform to expected types, lengths, and patterns before execution. Parameterized queries and prepared statements prevent user input from being interpreted as executable commands. Secure coding practices, including regular code reviews, static and dynamic analysis, and application security testing, are critical to preventing injection vulnerabilities. This control is proactive, stopping exploitation at the application layer, which is the most effective defense against OS-level command execution attacks. Additionally, implementing logging and monitoring for failed input validation attempts can provide early warnings of attempted attacks. Such measures protect system integrity, sensitive data, and organizational resources from unauthorized access or modification. Properly hardened applications reduce the overall attack surface and support compliance with regulatory standards that mandate secure application development practices.

B Enforce TLS encryption for all web traffic

TLS protects data in transit but does not prevent malicious input from being executed on the server.

C Increase session timeout values for web applications

Session timeout management protects against session hijacking but does not prevent command injection attacks.

D Add additional firewall rules at the perimeter

Firewalls do not inspect or sanitize user input at the application layer and cannot prevent injection attacks initiated through valid HTTP requests.

Question 75

 A SOC analyst detects that a server has been compromised, and the attacker has established a reverse shell using stolen administrative credentials. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively prevent similar attacks in the future?

A) Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access
B) Increase password complexity for all accounts
C) Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server
D) Disable all remote access capabilities

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access

PAM with JIT access is highly effective in mitigating credential misuse. It grants administrative privileges only when needed and for a limited time, reducing the window of opportunity for attackers. Session logging, monitoring, and auditing provided by PAM solutions enable early detection of suspicious activity, such as unexpected reverse shell connections or lateral movement attempts. By limiting persistent access, PAM reduces the attack surface and enforces accountability. Combining PAM with strong authentication methods, such as multi-factor authentication (MFA), further prevents unauthorized use of credentials. This approach addresses the root cause of credential abuse and enhances operational security without disrupting legitimate administrative workflows.

B Increase password complexity for all accounts

 Strong passwords reduce the risk of brute-force attacks but do not prevent misuse of credentials already compromised by attackers.

C Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server

Traditional antivirus may not detect reverse shells or malware that leverages legitimate administrative tools, limiting its effectiveness in targeted attacks.

D Disable all remote access capabilities

Disabling remote access entirely can disrupt operations and is impractical; PAM with JIT provides a controlled, operationally feasible approach to prevent credential misuse.

Question 76

A SOC analyst notices multiple failed login attempts from various internal hosts targeting service accounts that have elevated privileges. Which of the following is the BEST control to prevent these accounts from being misused in the future?

A) Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts
B) Increase password complexity requirements for all service accounts
C) Disable internal logging for failed authentication attempts
D) Enforce longer session timeout periods

Answer A

Explanation:

A Implement multi-factor authentication (MFA) for privileged accounts

MFA is one of the most effective mitigations against unauthorized access attempts, particularly for accounts with elevated privileges. In this scenario, the repeated failed login attempts indicate a brute-force or credential-stuffing attack targeting service accounts, which are often high-value targets for attackers due to their elevated access rights. By implementing MFA, even if attackers manage to obtain or guess passwords, they will be unable to authenticate without the second factor, which could be a one-time token, hardware key, push notification, or biometric verification. MFA effectively reduces the risk of both internal and external attackers gaining access to sensitive systems.

Multi-factor authentication also improves accountability and auditing because every successful login requires validation beyond just the password. It provides visibility into attempted unauthorized access attempts and can alert security teams to potential compromise in real-time. When combined with other preventive measures such as strong password policies, automated account deprovisioning, and access logging, MFA creates a layered defense that significantly lowers the risk of compromise. Furthermore, MFA is a proactive control—it prevents unauthorized access rather than simply detecting it after the fact, aligning with the principle of defense in depth.

B Increase password complexity requirements for all service accounts

While increasing password complexity makes brute-force attacks more difficult, it does not prevent the use of stolen or leaked credentials. Complex passwords alone cannot stop credential reuse or targeted attacks where attackers have obtained legitimate credentials from external sources.

C Disable internal logging for failed authentication attempts

 Disabling logging removes visibility into attacks and compromises the ability to detect, analyze, and respond to potential threats. Logging failed login attempts is critical for identifying credential attacks early.

D Enforce longer session timeout periods

Longer session timeouts affect user convenience but do not prevent attackers from brute-forcing credentials or using stolen credentials.

Question 77

A cloud administrator finds that multiple storage buckets are publicly accessible due to overly permissive IAM roles. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively prevent accidental exposure of sensitive cloud data in the future?

A) Automated cloud configuration monitoring with alerting
B) Enforce TLS for all cloud communication
C) Rotate cloud access keys every 30 days
D) Conduct quarterly penetration tests of the cloud environment

Answer A

Explanation:

A Automated cloud configuration monitoring with alerting

Automated cloud configuration monitoring, often implemented via Cloud Security Posture Management (CSPM) tools, continuously scans cloud environments to detect misconfigurations. These tools can identify publicly accessible buckets, overly permissive IAM roles, unsecured storage, and other potential security risks. By alerting administrators when these configurations are detected, organizations can remediate issues in near real-time, reducing the likelihood of sensitive data exposure.

Publicly accessible cloud storage is a common cause of data breaches, often resulting from human error, incomplete automation policies, or misconfigured templates. Automated monitoring addresses these risks by enforcing organization-wide security policies, checking all resources against best practice guidelines, and providing actionable alerts or automated remediation. For example, when a storage bucket is misconfigured to allow public access, the monitoring system can either alert administrators or automatically revert permissions to a secure baseline. This approach ensures consistency and reduces reliance on manual auditing, which can be error-prone and delayed.

Furthermore, continuous monitoring helps organizations maintain compliance with regulatory frameworks such as GDPR, HIPAA, and PCI-DSS, which require proactive security controls to protect sensitive data. Organizations can also integrate these monitoring systems with Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) platforms to enhance detection, correlate findings, and generate audit reports for compliance verification. Automated cloud configuration monitoring is a proactive control—it prevents misconfigurations from persisting and reduces the risk of accidental data exposure before a breach occurs.

B Enforce TLS for all cloud communication

TLS encrypts data in transit, protecting confidentiality and integrity but does not prevent misconfigured storage from being publicly accessible. It is important for protecting data during transmission but does not mitigate configuration errors.

C Rotate cloud access keys every 30 days

Key rotation reduces the impact of compromised credentials but does not prevent accidental exposure due to misconfigured permissions.

D Conduct quarterly penetration tests of the cloud environment

Penetration testing is periodic and cannot provide continuous visibility or real-time remediation of misconfigurations. It is valuable for identifying complex threats but is insufficient as a primary preventive control.

Question 78

 A security analyst detects unusual PowerShell scripts running on multiple endpoints. The scripts are obfuscated and connect to unknown external IP addresses. Antivirus scans do not detect any malware. Which of the following BEST describes the threat?

A) Fileless malware leveraging living-off-the-land techniques
B) Standard ransomware encrypting local files
C) Phishing emails delivering malicious attachments
D) Distributed denial-of-service attack

Answer A

Explanation:

A Fileless malware leveraging living-off-the-land techniques

 Fileless malware is designed to operate in memory, leaving little or no footprint on disk, which makes traditional signature-based antivirus solutions largely ineffective. It often uses legitimate system tools such as PowerShell, WMI, or scripting engines to execute malicious actions, evade detection, and establish persistence. The use of obfuscated scripts and connections to unknown external IP addresses indicates that these endpoints have been compromised and are likely part of a covert attack infrastructure, such as command-and-control (C2) communication or data exfiltration.

Living-off-the-land techniques exploit native system tools for malicious purposes. Attackers use legitimate tools to perform reconnaissance, move laterally, escalate privileges, or exfiltrate data without dropping traditional malware binaries. These behaviors are difficult to detect because they mimic normal administrative activity and leave minimal forensic artifacts. Detecting fileless malware requires advanced endpoint detection and response (EDR) solutions, behavior-based monitoring, PowerShell logging, and memory analysis. Indicators such as unusual network connections, repeated script execution, unexpected process behavior, and anomalous system events are critical for identifying compromises.

Mitigation involves isolating infected hosts, performing detailed forensics, identifying the initial infection vector, and implementing application whitelisting to prevent unauthorized script execution. Organizations should also enforce the principle of least privilege to reduce the effectiveness of malware leveraging administrative privileges. This control prevents malware from performing high-impact actions, even if it successfully executes scripts. Employee awareness, network segmentation, and threat intelligence can further reduce the risk of fileless malware attacks.

B Standard ransomware encrypting local files

While ransomware may execute scripts, the scenario focuses on covert activity rather than immediate encryption, making fileless malware the more accurate threat description.

C Phishing emails delivering malicious attachments

Phishing may serve as an initial infection vector but does not describe ongoing malicious PowerShell execution.

D Distributed denial-of-service attack

DoS attacks target availability and do not involve obfuscated scripts connecting to external IP addresses or evading antivirus detection.

Question 79

 A web application has been found to be vulnerable to OS-level command execution through unsanitized input fields. Which of the following controls would BEST prevent this type of attack?

A) Server-side input validation with parameterized commands
B) Enforce TLS encryption for all web traffic
C) Increase session timeout values for web applications
D) Add additional firewall rules at the perimeter

Answer A

Explanation:

A Server-side input validation with parameterized commands

 Command injection vulnerabilities occur when user input is directly executed by the operating system without proper validation. Server-side input validation ensures that all data submitted to the application meets expected types, formats, and lengths, preventing attackers from injecting commands. Parameterized commands or prepared statements separate user input from executable code, making it impossible for attackers to execute arbitrary commands.

Secure coding practices, including input validation, output encoding, and the use of secure frameworks, reduce the risk of exploitation. Regular code reviews, static application security testing (SAST), and dynamic application security testing (DAST) can identify injection vulnerabilities before deployment. Logging input validation failures can provide early indicators of attempted attacks, allowing SOC teams to respond proactively. By implementing these controls, organizations reduce the risk of unauthorized system access, data breaches, and service disruptions.

B Enforce TLS encryption for all web traffic

 TLS protects data in transit but does not address application-layer input vulnerabilities, making it irrelevant to preventing command injection.

C Increase session timeout values for web applications

 Adjusting session timeouts protects against session hijacking but does not prevent command injection attacks.

D Add additional firewall rules at the perimeter

 Firewalls do not inspect or sanitize application input, making them ineffective against OS-level command injection attacks.

Question 80

A SOC analyst discovers that a server has been compromised and a reverse shell has been established using stolen administrative credentials. Which of the following controls would MOST effectively prevent similar attacks in the future?

A) Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access
B) Increase password complexity for all accounts
C) Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server
D) Disable all remote access capabilities

Answer: A

Explanation:

Implement privileged access management (PAM) with just-in-time (JIT) access

Privileged Access Management (PAM) combined with Just-In-Time (JIT) access represents one of the most effective strategies to prevent attacks that rely on stolen administrative credentials. In the scenario described, attackers leveraged administrative credentials to establish a reverse shell, which is a common tactic used to gain persistent remote control over a compromised system. Reverse shells allow attackers to bypass traditional firewall rules and security controls because they initiate outbound connections from the compromised host, often appearing as legitimate traffic. Once established, the attacker can perform lateral movement, exfiltrate data, install additional malware, or manipulate system configurations with high privileges.

Implementing PAM helps address the root cause of this attack vector by limiting the availability and misuse of privileged credentials. PAM solutions provide centralized management for all administrative accounts, enforce the principle of least privilege, and can implement JIT access policies. With JIT, elevated privileges are granted only when explicitly needed for specific tasks and only for a limited duration. This approach dramatically reduces the attack surface, as credentials are not persistently available for potential theft or misuse. If an attacker compromises a system outside the approved window, the stolen credentials would be effectively useless.

In addition to time-bound access, PAM provides comprehensive session monitoring and logging capabilities. Each administrative session can be recorded and analyzed in real-time for suspicious activity, such as unusual commands, abnormal login locations, or attempts to bypass security controls. This visibility is critical for early detection and rapid response to compromise attempts. Moreover, detailed audit logs generated by PAM solutions facilitate forensic investigation after an incident, helping security teams reconstruct the attack timeline, identify affected systems, and determine the scope of the compromise.

PAM solutions can also integrate with multi-factor authentication (MFA), adaptive authentication, and risk-based access controls. MFA ensures that even if credentials are stolen, the attacker cannot authenticate without the secondary factor. Risk-based authentication evaluates contextual factors such as device reputation, geolocation, and user behavior patterns to dynamically grant or deny access. This combination of technologies ensures that administrative privileges are used securely and monitored continuously, significantly reducing the likelihood of successful attacks like the one described.

Furthermore, PAM aligns with regulatory and compliance requirements by enforcing strong access controls, maintaining detailed audit trails, and providing real-time reporting on privileged account usage. This ensures that organizations can demonstrate adherence to industry standards, such as PCI DSS, HIPAA, and NIST guidelines, while simultaneously strengthening their cybersecurity posture.

By implementing PAM with JIT access, organizations also enable operational efficiency. Administrators can perform necessary tasks without being hampered by restrictive blanket security measures, yet the risk of credential misuse is minimized. Attackers cannot leverage compromised accounts for extended periods, reducing the window for reverse shell establishment, lateral movement, or data exfiltration. In essence, PAM with JIT access strikes a balance between security and operational continuity, addressing both the technical and procedural aspects of privilege management.

Increase password complexity for all accounts

While enforcing complex passwords is a fundamental security control, it primarily protects against brute-force attacks or simple guessing attempts. In this scenario, the attacker already possesses legitimate administrative credentials, rendering password complexity ineffective. Simply increasing password length or adding character requirements does not mitigate risks associated with credential theft, phishing, or insider threats, all of which can bypass password controls entirely.

Deploy signature-based antivirus on the server

 Traditional signature-based antivirus solutions are limited in this context. They detect known malware signatures but cannot reliably detect the use of legitimate administrative tools or system utilities (such as PowerShell, WMI, or remote management scripts) that attackers often leverage to establish reverse shells. Attackers frequently use fileless malware techniques or living-off-the-land binaries (LOLBins) to maintain stealth, making antivirus detection insufficient. While antivirus may be part of a layered defense, it does not address the core problem of stolen credentials and unauthorized privileged access.

Disable all remote access capabilities

Disabling remote access entirely would prevent attackers from connecting to servers, but it is impractical in most enterprise environments. Remote administration is often essential for legitimate system maintenance, patch management, troubleshooting, and other operational tasks. A blanket disablement could disrupt business processes and reduce operational efficiency. PAM with JIT access provides a more balanced approach, enabling secure remote access while maintaining tight control over privileged accounts.

  In the scenario where a reverse shell was established using stolen administrative credentials, implementing Privileged Access Management (PAM) with Just-In-Time (JIT) access is the most effective preventive control. It minimizes the exposure of administrative credentials, enforces the principle of least privilege, provides session monitoring and auditing, integrates with multi-factor and risk-based authentication, and supports compliance and forensic investigations. Unlike password complexity enforcement, signature-based antivirus, or outright disabling of remote access, PAM with JIT access directly addresses the attack vector of stolen credentials and mitigates the risk of reverse shell establishment, lateral movement, and persistent unauthorized access. By combining procedural discipline, technical controls, and continuous monitoring, PAM with JIT access significantly strengthens the organization’s security posture against credential-based attacks.