hardMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst is reviewing Sysmon logs on a Windows…
An analyst is reviewing Sysmon logs on a Windows host and sees Event ID 1 (process creation) with a signed parent process but an unsigned child. The child has a CommandLine that includes 'powershell -EncodedCommand'. What is the most likely threat?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between execution indicators (like encoded PowerShell commands) and other attack stages (like privilege escalation or process hollowing), leading candidates to confuse a common obfuscation technique with a different attack type.
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
✓
PowerShell-based malware using encoded commands to evade detection
Event ID 1 with a signed parent process and an unsigned child using 'powershell -EncodedCommand' strongly indicates PowerShell-based malware. Attackers use Base64-encoded commands to obfuscate malicious actions and bypass simple string-based detection, as the encoded payload is decoded and executed by PowerShell at runtime.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
PowerShell-based malware using encoded commands to evade detection
Why this is correct
The encoded command hides the payload from casual log inspection, while the unsigned child spawned by a signed parent indicates process injection or masquerading. Sysmon Event ID 1 captures this parent-child mismatch, which is the specific indicator the stem asks you to interpret.
- ✗
Privilege escalation attempt
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation requires evidence of elevated token use or a high-integrity process, which the stem does not describe. The unsigned child with an encoded command reflects obfuscated execution, and escalation would be the answer only if the log showed the process gaining higher privileges than its parent.
- ✗
Process hollowing attack
Why it's wrong here
Process hollowing replaces a legitimate process's memory with malicious code, so the child would inherit the signed parent's image rather than appearing as a separate unsigned binary. The encoded PowerShell child with a signed parent indicates script-based execution, not hollowing.
- ✗
Phishing email attachment
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is a delivery vector, not a host-based behaviour visible in Sysmon Event ID 1. The log shows execution already occurring on the endpoint, so the answer must describe the technique running, not the email that may have introduced it.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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