200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A Linux analyst notices a process named '[kworker/1:1+events]' in the process list with high CPU usage. Which further analysis step would help determine if this is a legitimate kernel worker or a rootkit hiding as one?
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
✓
Check /proc/[pid]/cmdline; if empty, it is likely a kernel thread, otherwise it is a user-space process masquerading.
Checking /proc/[pid]/cmdline for the process ID can reveal if it has a command line; legitimate kernel threads have empty cmdline, while user-space processes do not.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Check /proc/[pid]/cmdline; if empty, it is likely a kernel thread, otherwise it is a user-space process masquerading.
Why this is correct
Kernel threads have no command line (empty), while user-space processes have their arguments stored.
- ✗
Run 'ls -la /proc/[pid]/exe' to see the symbolic link target.
Why it's wrong here
Kernel threads have no executable link; they show 'kernel' or similar, but this might not distinguish rootkits.
- ✗
Examine /var/log/syslog for kernel messages.
Why it's wrong here
While helpful, it may not directly confirm if it's a kernel thread.
- ✗
Use 'strace' to trace system calls of the process.
Why it's wrong here
Strace may not work on kernel threads and could hang.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco 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 200-201 exam.