200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
An analyst is investigating a Windows host that likely has malware persistence via the registry. Which TWO registry hives are commonly used to store Run keys for user logon persistence? (Select 2)
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between Run keys (user logon persistence) and other registry locations like AppInit_DLLs or Services, so candidates must know that only the Run paths under HKLM and HKCU are correct for this specific persistence method.
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
✓
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
The Run keys under HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run and HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run are standard locations where Windows executes programs automatically at user logon. Malware commonly writes entries to these keys to achieve persistence, making them critical for host-based analysis.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
HKEY_CLASSES_ROOT\*\shell
Why it's wrong here
This is for file associations, not persistence via Run.
- ✓
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
HKLM Run key is a common persistence location.
- ✗
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\AppInit_DLLs
Why it's wrong here
AppInit_DLLs is a different persistence mechanism.
- ✗
HKEY_LOCAL_MACHINE\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services
Why it's wrong here
This key stores service configurations, not Run keys.
- ✓
HKEY_CURRENT_USER\Software\Microsoft\Windows\CurrentVersion\Run
Why this is correct
HKCU Run key is also a common persistence location.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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