The answer is the connection to 203.0.113.5:44333. This is the most suspicious because it represents an outbound connection from a web server to an external IP on a non-standard high port, a classic indicator of command-and-control (C2) traffic attempting to masquerade as legitimate HTTPS by using a port number near 443. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this scenario tests your ability to apply network anomaly detection principles, specifically recognizing that legitimate web servers communicate on well-known ports like 80 or 443, not arbitrary high ports to unknown external hosts. A common trap is focusing on internal IPs or standard ports, but the real threat lies in outbound traffic to unusual destinations. For memory, remember the “Three H’s” of C2 detection: High port, Host external, and HTTPS-like behavior.
CISM Incident Management Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. 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
Refer to the exhibit.
```
# netstat -an | grep :443
tcp4 0 0 *.443 *.* LISTEN
tcp4 0 0 192.168.1.100.443 10.0.0.1.54321 ESTABLISHED
tcp4 0 0 192.168.1.100.443 10.0.0.2.54322 ESTABLISHED
tcp4 0 0 192.168.1.100.443 203.0.113.5.44333 ESTABLISHED
```
Given the exhibit output from a web server, which connection is MOST suspicious and likely indicates a command-and-control (C2) channel?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Connection to 203.0.113.5:44333
Connection to 203.0.113.5:44333 is the most suspicious because it uses a non-standard high port (44333) to an external IP address, which is a common technique for C2 traffic to evade detection by blending with HTTPS-like traffic. Legitimate web servers typically connect to well-known ports (e.g., 80, 443) or internal services, not arbitrary external high ports. The exhibit likely shows a netstat output where this outbound connection to an external IP on an unusual port stands out as anomalous.
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.
✗
Connection to 10.0.0.1:54321
Why it's wrong here
Internal IP, likely legitimate.
✗
The listening socket on port 443
Why it's wrong here
Listening socket is normal for a web server.
✓
Connection to 203.0.113.5:44333
Why this is correct
External IP with non-standard high port, common for C2.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Connection to 10.0.0.2:54322
Why it's wrong here
Also internal IP.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may focus on the high port numbers (54321, 54322) as suspicious, but the key differentiator is the external IP address versus internal RFC 1918 addresses, which is a classic C2 indicator.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
C2 channels often use non-standard ports like 44333 to mimic HTTPS traffic while avoiding port 443, which is heavily monitored. The use of an external IP (203.0.113.5, a TEST-NET address often used in examples) suggests a connection to an external controller. Under the hood, C2 malware may use encrypted payloads over TCP to evade signature-based detection, and the port choice is a deliberate evasion tactic.
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 practitioner preparing for the CISM exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Connection to 203.0.113.5:44333 — Connection to 203.0.113.5:44333 is the most suspicious because it uses a non-standard high port (44333) to an external IP address, which is a common technique for C2 traffic to evade detection by blending with HTTPS-like traffic. Legitimate web servers typically connect to well-known ports (e.g., 80, 443) or internal services, not arbitrary external high ports. The exhibit likely shows a netstat output where this outbound connection to an external IP on an unusual port stands out as anomalous.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.