Quick Answer
The answer is fileless malware. This behavior is the classic signature of fileless malware because it executes entirely in memory, using trusted system tools like PowerShell to decode and run a payload, then spawning rundll32.exe to carry out further malicious activity without ever writing an executable to disk. On the Security+ SY0-701 exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish fileless attacks from traditional malware that relies on file-based persistence; the key clue is that the activity stops when the process ends, confirming no file was dropped. A common trap is assuming a scheduled task alone indicates persistence, but fileless malware often uses scheduled tasks or WMI to trigger in-memory execution. For fileless malware detection, remember the mantra: “No file, no trace—process dies, threat dies.”
This SY0-701 practice question tests your understanding of threats, vulnerabilities, and mitigations. 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 EDR console shows PowerShell launching from a scheduled task, decoding a command from memory, and spawning rundll32.exe. No suspicious executable is written to disk, and the activity stops when the process ends. Which threat best fits this behavior?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Trojan downloader
Why wrong: A trojan usually relies on a malicious file or installer that appears legitimate.
Fileless malware
Fileless malware executes primarily in memory and often uses trusted tools like PowerShell.
Rootkit
Why wrong: A rootkit focuses on hiding presence or gaining deep persistence, often through system modifications.
Worm
Why wrong: A worm is designed to self-replicate across systems, which is not shown here.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Fileless malware
The behavior describes PowerShell decoding a command from memory and spawning rundll32.exe without writing any executable to disk, which is the hallmark of fileless malware. Fileless malware operates entirely in memory, leveraging legitimate system tools (like PowerShell and rundll32) to execute malicious code, and it leaves no persistent file on the filesystem, so activity ceases when the process ends.
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.
Trojan downloader
Why it's wrong here
A trojan usually relies on a malicious file or installer that appears legitimate.
Fileless malware
Why this is correct
Fileless malware executes primarily in memory and often uses trusted tools like PowerShell.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit focuses on hiding presence or gaining deep persistence, often through system modifications.
Worm
Why it's wrong here
A worm is designed to self-replicate across systems, which is not shown here.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the misconception that any malware using PowerShell must be a Trojan downloader, but the key differentiator here is the absence of a file written to disk and the memory-only execution, which points directly to fileless malware.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A worm is designed to self-replicate across systems, which is not shown here.
Detailed technical explanation
Fileless malware often abuses PowerShell's ability to execute base64-encoded commands directly in memory, bypassing traditional file-based detection. The use of rundll32.exe as a LOLBins (Living Off the Land Binaries) allows the malware to load and execute DLLs from memory, such as via the 'rundll32.exe javascript:"\..\mshtml,RunHTMLApplication"' technique. In real-world attacks like those by the FIN7 group, fileless payloads are delivered through scheduled tasks that invoke PowerShell to decode and run shellcode without touching the disk.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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
Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — This question tests Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Fileless malware — The behavior describes PowerShell decoding a command from memory and spawning rundll32.exe without writing any executable to disk, which is the hallmark of fileless malware. Fileless malware operates entirely in memory, leveraging legitimate system tools (like PowerShell and rundll32) to execute malicious code, and it leaves no persistent file on the filesystem, so activity ceases when the process ends.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
mediumWhy A: 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.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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.
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