The correct answer is that this log entry indicates an attempt to escalate privileges or lateral movement. This is because the event shows a service account, svc_backup, executing net user and net localgroup commands to create a new local user and add it to the Administrators group, which is a classic privilege escalation technique. Service accounts are designed for automated, non-interactive tasks and should never be used to create interactive user accounts; such behavior signals an attacker who has compromised the account and is seeking higher access. On the Certified Information Systems Auditor CISA exam, this scenario tests your ability to perform service account privilege escalation log analysis, distinguishing malicious activity from routine administrative work. A common trap is assuming any account with admin rights is legitimate, but the key is that service accounts have restricted purposes. Memory tip: “Service accounts serve, they don’t swerve” — if a service account creates users, suspect escalation.
CISA Protection of Information Assets Practice Question
This CISA practice question tests your understanding of protection of information assets. 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.
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:
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
✓
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.
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.
✓
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.
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.
✗
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
A brute-force attack would show multiple failed logons, not a single successful logon with explicit credentials.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The net localgroup Administrators command modifies the local Security Account Manager (SAM) database, which requires SeBackupPrivilege or SeRestorePrivilege—privileges often assigned to backup service accounts. Attackers exploit this by using tools like PsExec or WMI to execute commands under the service account context, bypassing User Account Control (UAC) for local admin creation. In Windows Event Logs, this would generate Event ID 4720 (user created) and 4732 (member added to security-enabled local group), which are key indicators for detection.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Protection of Information Assets — This question tests Protection of Information Assets — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: 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.
What should I do if I get this CISA 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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