The answer is a dictionary attack on the admin account. This is correct because Event ID 4624 with Logon Type 3 specifically indicates a network logon, such as an SMB connection or remote resource access, rather than an interactive or remote desktop session. The pattern of repeated failed login attempts followed by a single successful login from the same internal IP is the classic signature of a dictionary attack, where an attacker systematically tries a list of common passwords against a known username until one works. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to correlate Windows Security log event IDs with attack types, and a common trap is confusing Logon Type 3 with Type 10 (remote interactive) or Type 2 (interactive). Remember the memory tip: “Type 3 is network, not the screen you see,” meaning Logon Type 3 always involves a network-based credential submission, making it the prime indicator for remote brute-force or dictionary attacks against admin accounts.
CEH Enumeration and System Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of enumeration and system hacking. 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 observes repeated failed login attempts to a Windows server from an internal IP, followed by a successful login using the account 'admin' from the same IP. The analyst checks the Security log and finds Event ID 4624 with Logon Type 3. What 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Dictionary attack on the admin account
Event ID 4624 with Logon Type 3 indicates a network logon (typically SMB or other network resource access). The sequence of repeated failed attempts followed by a successful login from the same internal IP strongly suggests a dictionary (brute-force) attack against the 'admin' account. The attacker systematically tried passwords until one succeeded, which is the hallmark of a dictionary attack.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
SMB relay attack
Why it's wrong here
SMB relay captures and relays authentication, not repeated guesses.
✗
Kerberos golden ticket attack
Why it's wrong here
Golden ticket attacks forge Kerberos tickets and do not involve repeated logon attempts.
✗
Pass-the-hash attack
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash uses NTLM hashes, not repeated password attempts.
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates see 'successful login' and 'Event ID 4624' and incorrectly assume a pass-the-hash or relay attack, but the presence of repeated failed attempts before success is the key indicator of a dictionary attack, not a credential theft technique.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Logon Type 3 corresponds to network logons such as SMB, RPC, or IIS authentication. In a dictionary attack, the attacker often uses tools like Hydra or Medusa to submit passwords over SMB (port 445). The Windows Security log records each attempt as Event ID 4625 (failed logon) and the successful one as 4624. The 'admin' account is a common target because it is a built-in privileged account, and its lockout policy (if any) may be bypassed by slow, distributed attempts.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Enumeration and System Hacking — This question tests Enumeration and System Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Dictionary attack on the admin account — Event ID 4624 with Logon Type 3 indicates a network logon (typically SMB or other network resource access). The sequence of repeated failed attempts followed by a successful login from the same internal IP strongly suggests a dictionary (brute-force) attack against the 'admin' account. The attacker systematically tried passwords until one succeeded, which is the hallmark of a dictionary attack.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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