The answer is that the svchost.exe process running from C:\Windows\Temp is likely malware masquerading as a legitimate system process. This is correct because the genuine Service Host (svchost.exe) is a critical Windows component that must reside in C:\Windows\System32, where it is signed by Microsoft and manages background services. The Temp directory is a common staging ground for malware to hide in plain sight by using a trusted process name, and abnormally high CPU usage further confirms malicious intent. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to correlate process behavior with file path anomalies—a core skill in host-based analysis. A common trap is assuming any svchost.exe is safe; remember that legitimate instances never run from user-writable folders like Temp or AppData. For a quick memory tip: if the path isn't System32, treat it as a scammer.
200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of host-based analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
During a host-based investigation, an analyst finds a process named 'svchost.exe' consuming high CPU. The process path is 'C:\Windows\Temp\svchost.exe'. What should the analyst conclude?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It is likely malware disguised as a legitimate process
The legitimate svchost.exe (Service Host) runs from C:\Windows\System32, not C:\Windows\Temp. The Temp directory is a common location for malware to masquerade as system processes to evade detection. High CPU usage combined with an anomalous path strongly indicates malicious activity, as legitimate svchost.exe instances are signed by Microsoft and reside in System32.
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.
✗
It is a legitimate Windows service host process
Why it's wrong here
Legitimate svchost runs from System32, not Temp.
✗
It is a third-party application that requires investigation
Why it's wrong here
Third-party apps should not impersonate system processes.
✓
It is likely malware disguised as a legitimate process
Why this is correct
Malware often uses common names in non-standard locations to evade detection.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It is a temporary file created by Windows Update
Why it's wrong here
Windows Update does not create svchost in Temp.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that any process named 'svchost.exe' is automatically legitimate, but the trap here is that the file path is the critical differentiator—malware frequently uses the same name as a trusted system binary but runs from an unauthorized location.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, svchost.exe is a generic host process for Windows services that loads DLLs based on service definitions in the registry (HKLM\SOFTWARE\Microsoft\Windows NT\CurrentVersion\Svchost). Malware authors often name their executables svchost.exe and place them in writable directories like Temp or AppData to blend in with legitimate processes. In a real-world investigation, an analyst would verify the digital signature (e.g., using sigcheck from Sysinternals) and check the parent process; a legitimate svchost.exe is typically spawned by services.exe, while a malicious one may be launched by an unknown or suspicious parent.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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.
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: It is likely malware disguised as a legitimate process — The legitimate svchost.exe (Service Host) runs from C:\Windows\System32, not C:\Windows\Temp. The Temp directory is a common location for malware to masquerade as system processes to evade detection. High CPU usage combined with an anomalous path strongly indicates malicious activity, as legitimate svchost.exe instances are signed by Microsoft and reside in System32.
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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Question Discussion
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