The answer is a brute-force or password spraying attack. This is because Event ID 4625 records failed logon attempts, and when a rapid series of these failures is immediately followed by an Event ID 4624 logon success, it indicates an attacker systematically testing passwords until the correct one is found, which is the hallmark of both brute-force and password spraying techniques. On the CHFI exam, this scenario tests your ability to correlate Windows security logs to identify active credential-based attacks, often appearing in forensic analysis questions where you must distinguish between a targeted brute-force (many attempts on one account) and a password spray (few attempts across many accounts). A common trap is confusing these with a simple user lockout, but the presence of a subsequent success (4624) confirms the attack succeeded. Memory tip: think “4625 fails, then 4624 sails” — the attacker sails through after cracking the password.
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 observes multiple Event ID 4625 logon failures for a single user account within a short time frame, followed by Event ID 4624 logon success. Which attack technique is MOST likely indicated?
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
✓
Brute-force or password spraying attack
Event ID 4625 indicates failed logon attempts, and a series of these followed by a success (4624) is characteristic of a brute-force or password spraying attack where the attacker eventually guesses the correct password.
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.
✗
Kerberos golden ticket attack
Why it's wrong here
Golden ticket attacks forge Kerberos tickets and may not produce repeated 4625 failures.
✗
SQL injection attack on the authentication database
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection would not generate specific Windows logon events; it targets databases directly.
✓
Brute-force or password spraying attack
Why this is correct
Multiple failed logins (4625) followed by a success (4624) is classic brute-force or password spraying behavior.
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.
✗
Pass-the-hash attack
Why it's wrong here
Pass-the-hash typically does not generate multiple 4625 events; it uses a captured hash to authenticate directly.
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: Brute-force or password spraying attack — Event ID 4625 indicates failed logon attempts, and a series of these followed by a success (4624) is characteristic of a brute-force or password spraying attack where the attacker eventually guesses the correct password.
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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Question Discussion
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