- A
A backdoor installed via a previous compromise
Outbound connections from SYSTEM account are a classic indicator of a backdoor or remote access Trojan (RAT) placed after initial compromise.
- B
A misconfigured application
Why wrong: A misconfigured application would typically run under the application service account, not the SYSTEM account, and would likely generate log entries indicating application errors.
- C
An authorized administrative activity
Why wrong: Authorized admin activity would be logged under an administrative account, not the SYSTEM account, and would be documented in change records.
- D
A privilege escalation exploit
Why wrong: Privilege escalation would show an exploit attempt, but the logs already show SYSTEM-level activity; the compromise likely occurred prior to this.
Quick Answer
The answer is a backdoor installed via a previous compromise. This is the correct root cause because persistent outbound connections from the SYSTEM account indicate that an attacker has already gained elevated privileges and established a remote access mechanism, allowing command execution without relying on standard authentication or scheduled tasks. On the Certified Information Security Manager CISM exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish between a true backdoor and other common causes like misconfigured services or malware that runs under user accounts; the key differentiator is the SYSTEM-level persistence, which implies a prior compromise that bypassed normal controls. A common trap is assuming the connections are due to a legitimate update or patch process, but those typically use specific service accounts, not the SYSTEM account, and do not maintain continuous outbound traffic to a single external IP. Memory tip: SYSTEM + outbound = backdoor, not a bug.
CISM Incident Management Practice Question
This CISM practice question tests your understanding of incident management. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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.
An organization's IDS logs show multiple outbound connections to an external IP address from a server that normally communicates only internally. The logs indicate the process is running under the SYSTEM account. Which of the following BEST describes the likely root cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"best"Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
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 backdoor installed via a previous compromise
Persistent outbound connections from the SYSTEM account suggest a backdoor installed by a prior compromise that allows remote command execution. Option C is correct.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 backdoor installed via a previous compromise
Why this is correct
Outbound connections from SYSTEM account are a classic indicator of a backdoor or remote access Trojan (RAT) placed after initial compromise.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
A misconfigured application
Why it's wrong here
A misconfigured application would typically run under the application service account, not the SYSTEM account, and would likely generate log entries indicating application errors.
- ✗
An authorized administrative activity
Why it's wrong here
Authorized admin activity would be logged under an administrative account, not the SYSTEM account, and would be documented in change records.
- ✗
A privilege escalation exploit
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation would show an exploit attempt, but the logs already show SYSTEM-level activity; the compromise likely occurred prior to this.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Privilege escalation would show an exploit attempt, but the logs already show SYSTEM-level activity; the compromise likely occurred prior to this.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Incident Management — study guide chapter
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Incident Management practice questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISM question test?
Incident Management — This question tests Incident Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A backdoor installed via a previous compromise — Persistent outbound connections from the SYSTEM account suggest a backdoor installed by a prior compromise that allows remote command execution. Option C is correct.
What should I do if I get this CISM question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISM questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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