200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
A security analyst is analyzing a memory dump using Volatility. The command 'volatility -f mem.dump malfind' returns several results with VAD tags 'VadS' and 'Vadl'. What does this indicate?
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
✓
The process likely has injected code, as these VAD tags indicate executable writable memory
Malfind detects injected code by scanning for VADs with specific protection flags. 'VadS' indicates a VAD with PAGE_EXECUTE_READWRITE protection, common for shellcode injection. 'Vadl' is for large pages. The presence of these tags strongly suggests code injection.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The process has no suspicious memory regions
Why it's wrong here
Malfind specifically finds suspicious regions.
- ✗
The process has legitimate DLLs loaded in memory
Why it's wrong here
Legitimate DLLs usually have PAGE_READONLY or PAGE_WRITECOPY, not EXECUTE_READWRITE.
- ✓
The process likely has injected code, as these VAD tags indicate executable writable memory
Why this is correct
Correct. PAGE_EXECUTE_READWRITE memory is a strong indicator of code injection.
- ✗
The process is a kernel-mode driver
Why it's wrong here
Kernel drivers are not analyzed with malfind; user-mode processes are.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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