hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CISM Practice Question: Based on the log entries, what is the most likely…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. Exhibit: ``` 2024-11-20T15:23:45Z [SRV-DB01] [sshd] Failed password for root from 192.168.1.105 port 22 ssh2 2024-11-20T15:23:47Z [SRV-DB01] [sshd] Failed password for root from 192.168.1.105 port 22 ssh2 2024-11-20T15:23:49Z [SRV-DB01] [sshd] Failed password for root from 192.168.1.105 port 22 ssh2 2024-11-20T15:23:51Z [SRV-DB01] [sshd] Failed password for root from 192.168.1.105 port 22 ssh2 2024-11-20T15:23:53Z [SRV-DB01] [sshd] Failed password for root from 192.168.1.105 port 22 ssh2 ```
Based on the log entries, what is the most likely scenario?
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
✓
A brute-force attack against the root account
The rapid succession of failed SSH login attempts for the root account from the same IP address indicates a brute-force attack, making Option A the most likely scenario. Option B is not supported because the logs show only failed authentication attempts, not signs of code execution. Option C is less likely given the speed and repetitive nature of the attempts. Option D is incorrect as the entries are distinct failed logins, not duplicates.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
A brute-force attack against the root account
Why this is correct
Multiple failed attempts in quick succession for the same account and IP is classic brute-force behavior.
- ✗
A remote code execution attempt
Why it's wrong here
The logs show authentication failures, not signs of code execution.
- ✗
A legitimate user repeatedly mistyping their password
Why it's wrong here
The rapid 2-second intervals are more consistent with automated guessing than a human error.
- ✗
A misconfiguration causing duplicate log entries
Why it's wrong here
Duplicate entries would show identical timestamps, not a pattern of repeated attempts.
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JA
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.