- A
The service is running
Why wrong: Running is normal; suspicious is the location.
- B
The service name is misspelled
Why wrong: It's the path that is suspicious, not the name.
- C
The service displays 'WindowsUpdate'
Why wrong: Impersonating a legitimate name is suspicious, but the path is the key indicator.
- D
The binary path is not in a system directory
Legitimate services normally run from system directories.
Question 432 of 1,000
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based analysis. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
An analyst uses 'sc query' on a Windows host and finds a service named 'WindowsUpdate' with a binary path pointing to 'C:\Users\Public\update.exe'. The service is running. Why is this suspicious?
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
✓
The binary path is not in a system directory
Option D is correct because legitimate Windows services, especially those mimicking system components like Windows Update, should have their binary paths in protected system directories (e.g., C:\Windows\System32). A binary path pointing to C:\Users\Public\update.exe indicates the executable is in a user-writable location, which is a common technique used by malware to evade detection and maintain persistence. The 'sc query' command reveals the service configuration, and this abnormal path is a strong indicator of compromise.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
The service is running
Why it's wrong here
Running is normal; suspicious is the location.
- ✗
The service name is misspelled
Why it's wrong here
It's the path that is suspicious, not the name.
- ✗
The service displays 'WindowsUpdate'
Why it's wrong here
Impersonating a legitimate name is suspicious, but the path is the key indicator.
- ✓
The binary path is not in a system directory
Why this is correct
Legitimate services normally run from system directories.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that a service name or display name alone is the red flag, when in fact the critical indicator is the binary path location outside of system directories.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the Service Control Manager (SCM) in Windows stores the binary path in the registry under HKLM\SYSTEM\CurrentControlSet\Services\<ServiceName>\ImagePath. Malware often creates services with names similar to legitimate ones (e.g., 'WindowsUpdate') but points the ImagePath to a user-writable directory to avoid triggering file integrity checks. In real-world attacks, this technique is used by trojans like Backdoor.Win32.Agent to establish persistence without raising immediate alarms.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-201 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 200-201 question test?
Host-Based Analysis — This question tests Host-Based Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The binary path is not in a system directory — Option D is correct because legitimate Windows services, especially those mimicking system components like Windows Update, should have their binary paths in protected system directories (e.g., C:\Windows\System32). A binary path pointing to C:\Users\Public\update.exe indicates the executable is in a user-writable location, which is a common technique used by malware to evade detection and maintain persistence. The 'sc query' command reveals the service configuration, and this abnormal path is a strong indicator of compromise.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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.
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