easyMultiple Choice
ISC2 CC Practice Question: The exhibit shows recent authentication logs
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` Mar 15 08:45:23 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for admin from 192.168.1.100 port 22 Mar 15 08:45:26 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for admin from 192.168.1.100 port 22 Mar 15 08:45:29 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for admin from 192.168.1.100 port 22 Mar 15 08:45:32 server sshd[1234]: Accepted password for admin from 192.168.1.100 port 22 ```
The exhibit shows recent authentication logs. What type of attack is most likely indicated?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between brute-force and dictionary attacks; the trap here is that candidates may confuse repeated login attempts with a phishing attack, but phishing requires user interaction (e.g., clicking a link), whereas brute-force is automated against the authentication service.
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
✓
Brute-force attack
The exhibit shows repeated authentication attempts with different passwords for the same username, which is the hallmark of a brute-force attack. In authentication logs, a high frequency of failed login attempts (e.g., multiple 'Failed password' entries in quick succession) indicates an attacker systematically guessing credentials. This aligns with the CC domain of Access Controls, where brute-force attacks target weak password policies.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Man-in-the-middle attack
Why it's wrong here
A man-in-the-middle attack requires traffic interception between two parties, which authentication logs cannot evidence; they show only login attempts, timestamps and source IPs. It is tempting because intercepted credentials enable replay, but the log pattern itself indicates brute-force or credential-stuffing attempts against accounts.
- ✓
Brute-force attack
Why this is correct
Repeated failed sign-in attempts from one source against multiple accounts within a short window match brute-force credential guessing. The log pattern of rapid, successive authentication failures is the signature, distinguishing it from password spray, which spreads attempts thinly across many accounts to evade lockout thresholds.
- ✗
Phishing attack
Why it's wrong here
Phishing is a social-engineering delivery method; authentication logs record credential submissions and source addresses, not email content, links or user deception. It is tempting because stolen credentials often follow phishing, but the exhibit alone evidences credential-based authentication activity rather than the delivery vector.
- ✗
Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation follows successful authentication and appears as role or permission changes, not repeated failed logins from a single source. It is tempting because compromised accounts often precede escalation, but the exhibit shows authentication attempts only, consistent with password-guessing activity rather than elevated access.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.