The answer is a brute force attack on root. This is correct because the logs display repeated SSH authentication attempts using the username ‘root’ from a single source IP address, with the failed password count incrementing steadily until a successful login is recorded. This sequential pattern of guessing credentials against a privileged account is the technical hallmark of a brute force attack on root SSH logs. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish brute force attacks from dictionary attacks or password spraying—the key differentiator here is the relentless, incremental failure count against one specific user. A common trap is confusing this with a dictionary attack, but remember: brute force tries every possible combination, while a dictionary attack uses a wordlist. For a memory tip, think of the “root brute” as a battering ram: one target, repeated blows, until the door gives way.
CISSP Security Operations Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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.
Exhibit
Feb 10 12:34:56 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:34:57 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:34:58 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:35:00 host1 sshd[1234]: Accepted password for admin from 10.0.0.2 port 22 ssh2
Refer to the exhibit. What type of attack is indicated by the logs?
Feb 10 12:34:56 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:34:57 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:34:58 host1 sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 10.0.0.1 port 22 ssh2
Feb 10 12:35:00 host1 sshd[1234]: Accepted password for admin from 10.0.0.2 port 22 ssh2
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 on root
The logs show repeated SSH authentication attempts with the username 'root' from the same source IP, incrementing the failed password count until success is recorded. This pattern of sequential login attempts against a single privileged account is the hallmark of a brute force attack targeting the root user.
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.
✗
Malware infection
Why it's wrong here
No signs of malware activity.
✗
Privilege escalation
Why it's wrong here
No evidence of privilege change.
✗
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
No overwhelming volume.
✓
Brute force attack on root
Why this is correct
Multiple failed root logins from same IP.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may confuse a brute force attack with a denial of service because repeated failed logins can appear to 'overwhelm' the authentication system, but the key differentiator is the intent and pattern—guessing credentials versus exhausting resources.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SSH brute force attacks exploit the fact that the SSH daemon (sshd) logs each authentication attempt with the username and source IP. Attackers often use tools like Hydra or Medusa to cycle through password lists against common usernames like 'root'. In real-world scenarios, rate-limiting with fail2ban or SSH MaxAuthTries can mitigate such attacks, but default configurations often allow unlimited attempts, making logs like these a clear indicator of an ongoing brute force campaign.
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 security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute force attack on root — The logs show repeated SSH authentication attempts with the username 'root' from the same source IP, incrementing the failed password count until success is recorded. This pattern of sequential login attempts against a single privileged account is the hallmark of a brute force attack targeting the root user.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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.
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Question Discussion
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