SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
An EDR console shows `mshta.exe` launching `powershell.exe` from a user profile directory, followed by a script that never writes a new executable to disk. Minutes later, the host begins making regular outbound HTTPS connections to an unfamiliar IP address. What type of malware behavior is most likely being observed?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'fileless' with 'no malware at all' or think it must involve a rootkit, but the key indicator is the absence of a file write combined with in-memory script execution via trusted system binaries.
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
✓
Fileless attack
The EDR console shows mshta.exe (a Microsoft binary for executing HTML Applications) launching PowerShell from a user profile directory, followed by a script that never writes a new executable to disk. This is classic fileless malware behavior, where the malicious payload runs entirely in memory (e.g., via PowerShell or .NET reflection) without dropping a file, making it harder for traditional signature-based antivirus to detect. The subsequent outbound HTTPS connections to an unfamiliar IP indicate command-and-control (C2) communication, consistent with a fileless attack that persists only in memory.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Fileless attack
Why this is correct
Fileless attacks rely on built-in Windows tools and memory-resident activity instead of dropping a traditional executable on disk. The observed process chain of mshta.exe launching powershell.exe is a classic indicator, as these living-off-the-land binaries can run malicious scripts or download payloads directly into memory. This technique evades file-based antivirus detection and often leaves no persistent artifact on the filesystem.
- ✗
Ransomware
Why it's wrong here
Ransomware is typically characterized by file encryption, disk locking, or data exfiltration followed by a ransom demand, often accompanied by a visible ransom note or disruptive file-access changes. The alert here describes a process execution chain—mshta spawning PowerShell—without any evidence of encryption, extortion, or user-visible filesystem impact. The core behavior in the EDR console is offensive script execution, not the data-encrypting payload that defines ransomware.
- ✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm is self-propagating malware that replicates across systems and networks, usually by exploiting a vulnerable service or copying itself to removable shares. The described EDR event focuses on mshta.exe launching PowerShell from a single host, which is a diskless execution pattern designed for stealth, not a mechanism for spreading to other machines. No network propagation or self-replication behavior is indicated in the alert.
- ✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
Rootkits are designed for stealth—hiding processes, files, registry keys, or system drivers to maintain undetected privileged access after compromising a host. The process chain mshta.exe -> powershell.exe represents a one-time or temporary code execution event rather than an ongoing concealment mechanism. The EDR console would more likely show kernel-level hooking or process/listing manipulation for a rootkit, not a simple parent-child process launch.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Malware Types and Characteristics
Key term
EDR
Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR) is a cybersecurity technology that continuously monitors endpoint devices to detect, investigate, and respond to advanced threats.
Key term
Fileless malware
Fileless malware is a type of malicious activity that uses legitimate system tools and memory to execute attacks, leaving no traditional file on the hard drive.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SY0-701 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 SY0-701 exam.