Question 644 of 1,013
SY0-701 Threats, Vulnerabilities, and Mitigations Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
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.
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 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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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 downloader relies on a deceptive executable or installer to run on the victim's machine, then reaches out to a command-and-control server to fetch additional malicious files. In this alert, the only observed action is PowerShell launched by a scheduled task, with no indication of a malicious file being dropped or executed first. While PowerShell could be used to download payloads, the signature here points to an in-memory, fileless technique rather than a binary-based trojan.
- ✓
Fileless malware
Why this is correct
Fileless malware is the correct classification because it operates without writing a malicious executable to disk, instead living in memory and abusing built-in administrative tools. Evidenced by the EDR console, the scheduled task directly invokes PowerShell, which can execute arbitrary scripts in memory through encoded commands or remote download cradles. This approach bypasses traditional file-scanning antivirus and uses trusted Windows processes to carry out the attack, matching the observed indicators perfectly.
- ✗
Rootkit
Why it's wrong here
A rootkit is malware engineering focused on stealth and persistence, typically installing kernel drivers or hooks to hide processes, files, and registry keys from the operating system. The observed event does not indicate any attempt to conceal itself or modify the OS kernel; rather, it shows a visible PowerShell process launched by the scheduler. Rootkits also usually require elevated privileges to install deep components, which is not suggested by this alert, making the fileless malware explanation more appropriate.
- ✗
Worm
Why it's wrong here
Worms are characterized by self-replication and autonomous network propagation, often exploiting vulnerabilities to spread without user intervention. The EDR alert shows a single scheduled task launching PowerShell on one host, with no evidence of lateral movement, high network traffic, or multiple affected endpoints. Without any indication of self-propagation or network-based replication, classifying this as a worm contradicts the observed data.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SY0-701
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?
medium- ✓ A.Fileless attack
- B.Ransomware
- C.Worm
- D.Rootkit
Why 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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