easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, what is the first action…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. [2025-04-01 08:12:33] ERROR: Firewall rule 'Allow-Internal-Web' permit tcp 10.0.0.0/8 192.168.1.0/24 port 80 [2025-04-01 08:12:34] ALERT: IDS signature 'WEB-MISC cross-site scripting attempt' from 10.5.5.5 to 192.168.1.10:80
Based on the exhibit, what is the first action the incident response team should take?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often jump to containment (blocking IPs or disabling rules) without first validating the alert through log analysis, which is a critical step to avoid disrupting legitimate traffic or missing forensic evidence.
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
✓
Review the web server logs on 192.168.1.10 for evidence of exploitation.
The first action in incident response is to validate the alert by examining the web server logs on 192.168.1.10. This confirms whether the IDS alert corresponds to actual exploitation, such as a SQL injection attempt or directory traversal, before taking containment or eradication steps. Reviewing logs provides forensic evidence and ensures the response is based on confirmed facts, not assumptions.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Confirm the IDS alert is not a false positive.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Important but reviewing logs is more direct evidence.
- ✓
Review the web server logs on 192.168.1.10 for evidence of exploitation.
Why this is correct
Correct: Directly check if the XSS succeeded.
- ✗
Block the source IP 10.5.5.5 on the firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Premature; may be unnecessary if attack failed.
- ✗
Disable the firewall rule 'Allow-Internal-Web'.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect: Drastic and may break legitimate traffic.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CISM practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISACA 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 CISM exam.