- A
A local account on the router was used that is not managed by the PAM solution.
Local accounts bypass PAM entirely, allowing unauthorized changes without being logged.
- B
The PAM solution's database was corrupted and failed to log the session.
Why wrong: Corruption would likely affect multiple records, not just one session; also logs would show anomalies.
- C
The router's RADIUS configuration pointed to a different, unmonitored authentication server.
Why wrong: This would require an attacker to have reconfigured the router, which is less likely without prior access.
- D
The network administrator used a shared service account not unique to the PAM system.
Why wrong: A shared account might exist but if it's not managed by PAM, it is effectively a local account; however, the question asks for most likely, and local account is more direct.
Quick Answer
The answer is a local account on the router that is not managed by the PAM solution. This is the most likely explanation because any local account configured directly on the device exists outside the PAM system’s credential rotation and session logging, allowing an attacker or insider to authenticate without triggering any PAM records. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of privileged access management bypass vulnerabilities, specifically how unmanaged local accounts create a blind spot in centralized access control. A common trap is to assume that RADIUS or TACACS+ integration automatically covers all access, but the exam emphasizes that local accounts remain a persistent backdoor unless explicitly disabled. Remember the memory tip: “Local means loophole”—if a device has a local account, PAM can be bypassed regardless of other authentication methods.
CISSP Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
A financial institution mandates that all administrative access to network devices must go through a privileged access management (PAM) solution. The PAM solution manages and rotates credentials automatically and logs all sessions. Recently, an auditor discovered that a router's configuration was changed outside of the approved change window. PAM logs show no session during that time. The router supports both local and RADIUS authentication. Which of the following is the MOST likely explanation for the unauthorized change?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 local account on the router was used that is not managed by the PAM solution.
Option D is correct. A local account not managed by PAM would allow direct login without going through the PAM solution, thus bypassing logging and credential management. Option A is less likely because database corruption would cause widespread issues, not a single incident. Option B is plausible but if the shared account was also managed by PAM, it would still be logged; if not, it is effectively a local account issue. Option C is possible but less likely because it would require modifying the RADIUS configuration without detection.
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 local account on the router was used that is not managed by the PAM solution.
Why this is correct
Local accounts bypass PAM entirely, allowing unauthorized changes without being logged.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
- ✗
The PAM solution's database was corrupted and failed to log the session.
Why it's wrong here
Corruption would likely affect multiple records, not just one session; also logs would show anomalies.
- ✗
The router's RADIUS configuration pointed to a different, unmonitored authentication server.
Why it's wrong here
This would require an attacker to have reconfigured the router, which is less likely without prior access.
- ✗
The network administrator used a shared service account not unique to the PAM system.
Why it's wrong here
A shared account might exist but if it's not managed by PAM, it is effectively a local account; however, the question asks for most likely, and local account is more direct.
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
Corruption would likely affect multiple records, not just one session; also logs would show anomalies.
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 SOC analyst notices unusual lateral movement in the network at 2 AM. The IR playbook dictates: identify and contain (isolate the affected machine), then eradicate (remove the malware), then recover (restore from backup), then document. Skipping containment before eradication risks the attacker regaining access. Questions like this test the sequence and rationale of incident response phases.
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 CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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Identity and Access Management — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CISSP question test?
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A local account on the router was used that is not managed by the PAM solution. — Option D is correct. A local account not managed by PAM would allow direct login without going through the PAM solution, thus bypassing logging and credential management. Option A is less likely because database corruption would cause widespread issues, not a single incident. Option B is plausible but if the shared account was also managed by PAM, it would still be logged; if not, it is effectively a local account issue. Option C is possible but less likely because it would require modifying the RADIUS configuration without detection.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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 CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This CISSP 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 CISSP exam.
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