This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion 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 security incident, an analyst uses Wireshark to examine a pcap. The TCP stream shows the string 'GET /malware.exe HTTP/1.1'. Which is the most likely type of attack?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: No evidence of script tags or JavaScript.
Trojan download
Request to download an executable is typical of malware delivery.
Directory traversal
Why wrong: No '../' or similar path manipulation.
SQL injection
Why wrong: Request does not contain SQL commands.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Trojan download
The TCP stream shows an HTTP GET request for a file named 'malware.exe', which indicates the client is downloading an executable from a server. This is characteristic of a Trojan download attack, where a user is tricked into downloading and executing malicious software, often disguised as a legitimate file. The use of Wireshark to capture the HTTP request confirms the network-level activity of a file transfer, aligning with the Trojan's delivery mechanism.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
No evidence of script tags or JavaScript.
Trojan download
Why this is correct
Request to download an executable is typical of malware delivery.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
No '../' or similar path manipulation.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
Request does not contain SQL commands.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between attack types based on the specific HTTP method and payload; the trap here is that candidates may confuse a simple file download with injection-based attacks like XSS or SQLi, overlooking that the GET request for an executable directly indicates a Trojan download rather than an injection vector.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
No '../' or similar path manipulation.
Command / output trap
Request does not contain SQL commands.
Detailed technical explanation
In a Trojan download attack, the HTTP GET request for 'malware.exe' is often preceded by a phishing email or malicious link that triggers the download. Wireshark's TCP stream analysis reveals the full HTTP request/response, including headers like 'User-Agent' and 'Host', which can help identify the source or command-and-control (C2) server. Real-world scenarios often involve the executable being served from a compromised or malicious domain, and the analyst might look for subsequent connections (e.g., DNS queries or outbound traffic) to confirm the infection.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Trojan download — The TCP stream shows an HTTP GET request for a file named 'malware.exe', which indicates the client is downloading an executable from a server. This is characteristic of a Trojan download attack, where a user is tricked into downloading and executing malicious software, often disguised as a legitimate file. The use of Wireshark to capture the HTTP request confirms the network-level activity of a file transfer, aligning with the Trojan's delivery mechanism.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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