hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISA Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Event 4648: A logon was attempted using explicit credentials. Subject: Account Name: svc_backup Target Account: KORP\administrator Target Server: FILESRV01 Process Name: C:\Windows\System32\wbem\wmiprvse.exe
Refer to the exhibit. This log entry MOST likely indicates:
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see a service account and assume it is legitimate backup activity, but the specific commands (net user /add, net localgroup Administrators) are clear indicators of privilege escalation, not routine maintenance.
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
✓
An attempt to escalate privileges or lateral movement
The log entry shows a service account (svc_backup) executing commands that create a new local user and add it to the Administrators group, which is a classic privilege escalation technique. The use of net user and net localgroup commands from a service account indicates an attempt to gain unauthorized administrative access, often as a precursor to lateral movement. This is not normal administrative activity because service accounts are typically restricted to specific tasks and should not be creating interactive user accounts.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
An attempt to escalate privileges or lateral movement
Why this is correct
Using explicit admin credentials from a service account to another server via WMI is a common lateral movement technique.
- ✗
A scheduled backup using the service account
Why it's wrong here
Backups rarely require explicit admin credentials remotely via WMI; this is anomalous.
- ✗
A brute-force attack
Why it's wrong here
A brute-force attack would show multiple failed logons, not a single successful logon with explicit credentials.
- ✗
Normal administrative activity
Why it's wrong here
Administrators typically log on directly, not via a service account using explicit credentials.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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