200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst is examining a Windows system for evidence of credential dumping. The analyst runs 'Get-WinEvent -FilterHashtable @{LogName='Security'; ID=4688}' and filters for processes with 'lsass.exe' as the target. The output shows that a process named 'procdump.exe' was executed with the command line 'procdump.exe -ma lsass.exe lsass.dmp'. Which type of attack does this indicate?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is dismissing procdump as a legitimate tool and missing its malicious use for credential dumping, especially when targeting LSASS.
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
✓
Credential dumping via LSASS memory dump
Using procdump to dump LSASS memory is a well-known credential dumping technique. Attackers often rename procdump or use it directly to avoid detection. The resulting dump file can be exfiltrated and analyzed offline to extract credentials. Detecting this behavior involves monitoring for process creation of procdump.exe with lsass.exe as an argument, as well as other tools like Task Manager or comsvcs.dll.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
A backup process capturing system state
Why it's wrong here
Backup processes typically use dedicated backup software and do not invoke procdump on lsass.exe. The command line is specific to creating a memory dump of LSASS, which is not a standard backup operation. This activity is highly suspicious and aligns with credential dumping.
- ✓
Credential dumping via LSASS memory dump
Why this is correct
Procdump is a legitimate Sysinternals tool, but when used to dump the memory of lsass.exe, it is a common technique for credential dumping. The -ma flag captures a full memory dump, which can then be parsed with tools like Mimikatz to extract plaintext passwords or hashes. This is a clear indicator of credential theft.
- ✗
A malware family using process injection into LSASS
Why it's wrong here
Process injection into LSASS is a different technique where malicious code is injected into the LSASS process. Here, procdump is used to dump LSASS memory, which is a separate method for credential theft. While both aim to access credentials, the command line clearly shows a memory dump, not injection.
- ✗
A legitimate troubleshooting step to diagnose LSASS crashes
Why it's wrong here
While procdump can be used for troubleshooting, dumping LSASS memory in a production environment is not a routine diagnostic step. It requires administrative privileges and may expose sensitive credentials. The use of -ma and the output file lsass.dmp are more consistent with malicious credential harvesting than legitimate troubleshooting.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
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.