The correct answer is a password spraying attack. This is because Event ID 4625 specifically logs a failed logon attempt, and when a single source IP address generates multiple such events targeting different usernames, it indicates the attacker is trying a small set of common passwords across many accounts rather than brute-forcing one account repeatedly. On the CHFI exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish password spraying from a standard brute-force attack, where the same username is targeted with many passwords. A common trap is confusing it with a credential stuffing attack, but credential stuffing relies on previously breached username-password pairs, not a single password tried across many users. For the exam, remember the key distinction: password spraying uses few passwords against many users, while brute-force uses many passwords against one user. A helpful memory tip is to think of a garden sprinkler—spraying one weak password across a field of usernames.
CHFI OS and Network Forensics Practice Question
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of os and network forensics. 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.
A security analyst reviews Windows Security Event Logs and finds multiple Event ID 4625 entries from a single source IP address targeting various usernames. Which 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.
Password spraying involves trying a small number of common passwords against many accounts, exactly matching the pattern of multiple usernames from one IP.
B
Brute-force attack on a single account
Why wrong: A brute-force attack typically targets one account with many passwords, not multiple usernames.
C
Pass-the-hash attack
Why wrong: Pass-the-hash uses NTLM hashes to authenticate; successful attempts would generate Event ID 4624, not 4625.
D
Kerberoasting attack
Why wrong: Kerberoasting involves requesting TGS tickets for service accounts and offline cracking; it does not produce failed logon events.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Password spraying attack
Event ID 4625 indicates a failed logon attempt. Multiple failed attempts from one source against different usernames is characteristic of a password spraying attack, where an attacker tries a few common passwords across many accounts.
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.
✓
Password spraying attack
Why this is correct
Password spraying involves trying a small number of common passwords against many accounts, exactly matching the pattern of multiple usernames from one IP.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Brute-force attack on a single account
Why it's wrong here
A brute-force attack typically targets one account with many passwords, not multiple usernames.
✗
Pass-the-hash attack
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash uses NTLM hashes to authenticate; successful attempts would generate Event ID 4624, not 4625.
✗
Kerberoasting attack
Why it's wrong here
Kerberoasting involves requesting TGS tickets for service accounts and offline cracking; it does not produce failed logon events.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CHFI 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 CHFI question in full detail.
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
OS and Network Forensics — This question tests OS and Network Forensics — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Password spraying attack — Event ID 4625 indicates a failed logon attempt. Multiple failed attempts from one source against different usernames is characteristic of a password spraying attack, where an attacker tries a few common passwords across many accounts.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Identify which CHFI exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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