200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst is investigating a Linux web server that is exhibiting unusual outbound network traffic. The analyst runs 'lsof -i' and notices that the process 'apache2' has an established connection to an external IP address on port 4444. Further investigation shows that a file named 'update.php' in the web root contains obfuscated code. Which type of compromise does this most likely represent?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming the connection is benign because it originates from a legitimate process, ignoring the suspicious port and obfuscated file.
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
✓
A web shell providing remote command and control
The combination of an outbound connection from the web server process on a common reverse shell port (4444) and an obfuscated PHP file in the web root is a classic indication of a web shell. Attackers use web shells to execute commands and maintain access, often leading to data exfiltration or further network compromise.
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 web shell providing remote command and control
Why this is correct
A web shell is a malicious script uploaded to a web server that allows remote attackers to execute commands and maintain persistence. The outbound connection on a non-standard port like 4444 (often used by Metasploit) from the web server process suggests a reverse shell initiated by the web shell. The obfuscated PHP file is a common indicator.
- ✗
A scheduled backup process transferring data to a remote server
Why it's wrong here
Backup processes usually run under dedicated service accounts and use secure protocols like SSH or rsync, not raw connections from apache2 on port 4444. The obfuscated PHP file is not a backup script. This evidence points to compromise, not routine backup.
- ✗
A legitimate plugin communicating with an update server
Why it's wrong here
Legitimate plugins typically communicate over standard ports like 80 or 443, not 4444. The presence of obfuscated code in a PHP file is highly suspicious and not characteristic of legitimate updates. This combination strongly points to malicious activity rather than benign plugin behavior.
- ✗
A misconfigured Apache module causing unexpected connections
Why it's wrong here
Misconfigured modules might cause errors or unexpected behavior, but they do not typically create outbound connections to external IPs on port 4444. The obfuscated file indicates deliberate malicious code, not a configuration error. This scenario is more consistent with an attacker's backdoor.
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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.