200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
An analyst reviews an alert that triggered on a network signature for 'shellcode' in a payload. The payload contains a sequence of NOP sleds followed by executable code. Which type of exploitation technique does this indicate?
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
✓
Buffer overflow with NOP sled
A NOP sled is used to increase the chance of landing in the shellcode, commonly used in buffer overflow exploits.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Return-oriented programming (ROP)
Why it's wrong here
ROP uses gadgets, not NOP sleds.
- ✗
Heap spray
Why it's wrong here
Heap spray fills heap with shellcode, but NOP sled is more specific to stack.
- ✓
Buffer overflow with NOP sled
Why this is correct
Correct. NOP sleds are typical in buffer overflow exploits.
- ✗
Format string attack
Why it's wrong here
Format string uses %n, not NOP sleds.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.