Quick Answer
The answer is an HTTP flood DDoS attack. This is correct because the PCAP shows multiple packets from the same source IP, all targeting destination port 443 with HTTP GET requests to '/login.php' in rapid succession, and the slight variations in the URL parameter are a classic technique to bypass simple caching or signature-based filters while exhausting server resources at the application layer (Layer 7). On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish a Layer 7 DDoS from network-layer floods or SSL/TLS attacks; a common trap is to confuse it with a brute-force login attempt, but the key differentiator is the overwhelming volume and speed of legitimate-looking requests designed to consume CPU and memory. Remember the memory tip: “Same IP, many GETs, slight tweaks — that’s an HTTP flood, not a break-in.”
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.
An analyst examines a PCAP file and sees multiple packets with the same source IP, destination port 443, and a payload that starts with 'GET /login.php HTTP/1.1'. The packets occur in rapid succession with slight variations in the URL parameter. Which type of attack is most likely occurring?
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.
SSL/TLS renegotiation attack
Why wrong: This attack involves SSL renegotiation, not HTTP GET requests.
HTTP flood DDoS attack
Rapid HTTP requests with variations are characteristic of HTTP flood.
DNS amplification
Why wrong: DNS amplification uses DNS queries with spoofed source IPs.
ARP poisoning
Why wrong: ARP poisoning is a local network attack at Layer 2.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
HTTP flood DDoS attack
The attack involves multiple packets with the same source IP, all targeting destination port 443 with HTTP GET requests to '/login.php'. The rapid succession and slight variations in URL parameters indicate an attempt to overwhelm the web server with legitimate-looking HTTP requests, which is characteristic of an HTTP flood DDoS attack. This attack exploits the application layer (Layer 7) by exhausting server resources through repeated HTTP requests, rather than exploiting SSL/TLS or network-layer vulnerabilities.
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.
SSL/TLS renegotiation attack
HTTP flood DDoS attack
Why this is correct
Rapid HTTP requests with variations are characteristic of HTTP flood.
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.
DNS amplification
ARP poisoning
Why it's wrong here
ARP poisoning is a local network attack at Layer 2.
Common exam traps
Cisco often tests the distinction between application-layer DDoS attacks (like HTTP floods) and protocol-specific attacks (like SSL/TLS renegotiation or DNS amplification), where candidates mistakenly associate any attack on port 443 with SSL/TLS issues rather than recognizing the HTTP payload as the key indicator.
Detailed technical explanation
An HTTP flood DDoS attack operates at Layer 7, often using botnets to send GET or POST requests that mimic legitimate traffic, making it difficult to distinguish from normal user behavior. The 'rapid succession' and 'slight variations in URL parameters' are typical of automated scripts that randomize query strings to bypass caching mechanisms and force the server to process each request individually. In real-world scenarios, mitigation often involves rate limiting, Web Application Firewalls (WAFs), or challenge-based defenses like CAPTCHAs, as the attack does not rely on packet amplification or protocol flaws.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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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: HTTP flood DDoS attack — The attack involves multiple packets with the same source IP, all targeting destination port 443 with HTTP GET requests to '/login.php'. The rapid succession and slight variations in URL parameters indicate an attempt to overwhelm the web server with legitimate-looking HTTP requests, which is characteristic of an HTTP flood DDoS attack. This attack exploits the application layer (Layer 7) by exhausting server resources through repeated HTTP requests, rather than exploiting SSL/TLS or network-layer vulnerabilities.
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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