mediumMultiple Choice
200-201 Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` Mar 1 12:34:56.789: %ASA-5-111008: User 'admin' executed the 'configure terminal' command. Mar 1 12:35:01.123: %ASA-4-106023: Deny tcp src outside:192.0.2.10/12345 dst inside:10.0.0.1/80 by access-group "OUTSIDE_IN" [0x0, 0x0] Mar 1 12:35:05.456: %ASA-4-106023: Deny tcp src outside:192.0.2.10/12346 dst inside:10.0.0.2/443 by access-group "OUTSIDE_IN" [0x0, 0x0] ```
Refer to the exhibit. A network analyst sees these firewall logs. What is the most likely interpretation?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between a port scan (multiple destinations/ports from one source) and a C2 beacon (single destination, periodic traffic), where candidates mistakenly interpret any blocked external traffic as malware callbacks.
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
✓
An attacker is performing a port scan on internal hosts from the outside
The firewall logs show multiple denied TCP connection attempts from a single external IP to various internal IPs on different ports (e.g., 80, 443, 22). This pattern of sequential probes across multiple destinations and ports is characteristic of a port scan, where an attacker systematically probes for open services. The rule OUTSIDE_IN is correctly logging and blocking these attempts, indicating the firewall is functioning as designed to prevent reconnaissance.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
An attacker is performing a port scan on internal hosts from the outside
Why this is correct
The logs show sequential connection attempts across multiple destination ports from one external source, which is the signature of a TCP port scan. This satisfies the stem's requirement to interpret repeated inbound probes against internal hosts, confirming reconnaissance activity rather than legitimate traffic or a single-service attack.
- ✗
The firewall rule OUTSIDE_IN is misconfigured and blocking all traffic
Why it's wrong here
OUTSIDE_IN governs inbound traffic to the outside interface; the logged sessions are outbound-initiated flows, so that rule is not the cause. It is tempting because a misconfigured rule can block traffic, and would be correct if the denied sessions were inbound connections matching OUTSIDE_IN.
- ✗
A malware is trying to phone home to an external C2 server
Why it's wrong here
The exhibited log entries show regular outbound sessions from an internal host, with no repeated beaconing pattern, unusual ports or known malicious destinations that command-and-control traffic would display. It is tempting because outbound connections to external addresses can indicate C2, and would be correct if the logs showed periodic callbacks to a suspicious external server.
- ✗
A user is trying to access internal web servers legitimately but is blocked by ACL
Why it's wrong here
The logs show outbound sessions to external addresses, not inbound connections to internal web servers, so legitimate internal access does not fit. It is tempting because ACL blocks do appear in firewall logs, and would be correct if the destination addresses were internal servers rather than external endpoints.
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JA
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.