Cybersecurity-Apprentice Security Operations Practice Question
When performing threat hunting in Cortex XDR using XQL, an analyst needs to identify anomalous execution chains. Which THREE XQL query stages or clauses are valid and commonly used in building investigative queries? (Choose three)
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
✓
stats count() by actor_process_image_path
XQL syntax utilizes clauses like dataset definition, pipe (|), filter, fields selection, and aggregation commands like stats.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
stats count() by actor_process_image_path
Why this is correct
The stats clause is used for aggregation and counting operations in XQL.
- ✓
filter event_type = 'PROCESS_START'
Why this is correct
The filter clause narrows down records based on specific field values.
- ✓
dataset = xdr_data
Why this is correct
Specifying the dataset is the required starting point for any XQL query.
- ✗
SELECT * FROM root WHERE execute == true
Why it's wrong here
This is standard SQL syntax, not XQL.
- ✗
RUN DIAGNOSTICS FOR ALL ENDPOINTS IMMEDIATE
Why it's wrong here
This is not a valid XQL query clause.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed August 2026 · checked against the official Palo Alto Networks exam blueprint
This Cybersecurity-Apprentice practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 Cybersecurity-Apprentice exam.