200-201 Host-Based Analysis Practice Question
During memory analysis with Volatility, the 'pstree' plugin shows a parent process of 'winlogon.exe' spawning 'cmd.exe'. What is the most likely explanation for this anomaly?
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
✓
A debugger or persistence mechanism like Image File Execution Options has replaced sethc.exe with cmd.exe.
Normally, winlogon.exe does not spawn cmd.exe; this could indicate a 'sticky keys' (sethc.exe) persistence or other accessibility tool abuse where cmd.exe replaces the debugger.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
This is a normal occurrence when a user opens cmd after logging in.
Why it's wrong here
Normally, cmd.exe is spawned by explorer.exe or userinit.exe, not winlogon.
- ✗
A user is running a command prompt from the Windows login screen.
Why it's wrong here
Winlogon is not the typical parent for cmd at login screen; that would be logonui.exe.
- ✓
A debugger or persistence mechanism like Image File Execution Options has replaced sethc.exe with cmd.exe.
Why this is correct
IFEO can redirect accessibility binaries to cmd.exe, making winlogon launch it.
- ✗
The cmd.exe is a system process running under winlogon's session.
Why it's wrong here
System processes do not run as children of winlogon; they run under System.
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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.