hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst examines a PCAP file and sees a series…
An analyst examines a PCAP file and sees a series of HTTP POST requests to an external server with Base64-encoded payloads in the request body. The payloads decode to small text strings. Which type of data exfiltration technique is being used?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between HTTP data exfiltration and HTTP tunneling, where the trap is that candidates confuse encapsulating another protocol (tunneling) with simply sending encoded data over HTTP (exfiltration).
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
✓
HTTP data exfiltration
The analyst observes HTTP POST requests carrying Base64-encoded payloads in the request body that decode to small text strings. This is a classic indicator of HTTP data exfiltration, where sensitive data is encoded and sent over HTTP to an external server, bypassing security controls by blending with normal web traffic.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Session hijacking
Why it's wrong here
Session hijacking involves stealing session tokens, not exfiltration.
- ✗
DNS exfiltration
Why it's wrong here
DNS exfiltration uses DNS queries, not HTTP POST.
- ✓
HTTP data exfiltration
Why this is correct
Data hidden in HTTP POST requests is a typical exfiltration technique.
- ✗
HTTP tunneling
Why it's wrong here
Tunneling encapsulates other protocols, not necessarily exfiltration.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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