easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An analyst sees an alert with source IP 10.0.0.1…
An analyst sees an alert with source IP 10.0.0.1 and destination IP 192.168.1.100 on port 80. The alert type is 'WEB-MISC Attempt to execute command on server'. Which action is most appropriate?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the candidate's ability to prioritize verification over immediate action, trapping those who choose to block or escalate without confirming the alert's validity, especially when the alert type suggests a high-severity attack like command injection.
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
✓
Verify if the target host is vulnerable
The alert 'WEB-MISC Attempt to execute command on server' from source IP 10.0.0.1 to destination IP 192.168.1.100 on port 80 indicates a potential command injection attempt against a web server. The most appropriate first action is to verify if the target host is actually vulnerable to such an attack, as this determines whether the alert is a true positive requiring remediation or a false positive that can be dismissed. This aligns with the network intrusion analysis process of validating alerts before taking irreversible actions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Verify if the target host is vulnerable
Why this is correct
Correct. Checking the vulnerability status helps determine if the alert is a real threat.
- ✗
Ignore because it's a false positive
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Ignoring without analysis could miss a real attack.
- ✗
Immediately block the source IP
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Blocking without verification may impact legitimate traffic.
- ✗
Escalate to law enforcement
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect. Escalation is premature without internal investigation.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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