The answer is a malicious macro in a Word document executed the command. This is correct because the event log shows a command prompt launching a base64-encoded PowerShell command, a classic obfuscation technique used by macros to download and execute payloads while bypassing security controls. On the Systems Security Practitioner SSCP exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize that encoded PowerShell commands are rarely used in legitimate software updates or user-initiated actions, making them a strong indicator of malware. A common trap is misidentifying the event as a scheduled task or system update, but the presence of a malicious macro with an encoded PowerShell command points directly to an Office document exploiting macro execution. Remember the mnemonic “MEP” for Malicious macro, Encoded PowerShell—if you see both, think malware, not maintenance.
SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of systems and application security. 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.
```
[Windows Security Log]
Event ID: 4688
Process Name: C:\Windows\System32\cmd.exe
Command Line: cmd.exe /c "echo %USERNAME% && whoami"
Parent Process: C:\Program Files\Microsoft Office\root\Office16\WINWORD.EXE
```
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst observes this event on a workstation. What is the MOST likely explanation?
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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A malicious macro in a Word document executed the command.
The event shows a command prompt launching with a base64-encoded PowerShell command, which is a common technique used by malicious macros to download and execute payloads. Microsoft Office macros can invoke cmd.exe or PowerShell to bypass security controls, and the encoded command suggests obfuscation typical of malware, not legitimate software updates or user actions.
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.
✗
Microsoft Office is performing an automatic update.
Why it's wrong here
Updates do not typically spawn cmd.exe with whoami.
✗
A scheduled task triggered the command.
Why it's wrong here
No indication of a scheduled task; parent process is Word.
✗
A user ran a legitimate command from the Start menu.
Why it's wrong here
The parent process is WINWORD, not explorer.
✓
A malicious macro in a Word document executed the command.
Why this is correct
Macros can execute shell commands; this is a common attack vector.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between legitimate system processes and obfuscated command execution, where candidates mistake encoded PowerShell commands for normal update or task operations instead of recognizing them as indicators of macro-based malware.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Malicious macros in Word documents often use the `Shell` function or `CreateObject("WScript.Shell")` to execute cmd.exe with a PowerShell command that downloads a payload from a remote server. The base64 encoding is used to evade simple string-based detection, and the command may include `-EncodedCommand` to decode and execute the payload in memory, leaving minimal forensic traces on disk.
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.
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.
Systems and Application Security — This question tests Systems and Application Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: A malicious macro in a Word document executed the command. — The event shows a command prompt launching with a base64-encoded PowerShell command, which is a common technique used by malicious macros to download and execute payloads. Microsoft Office macros can invoke cmd.exe or PowerShell to bypass security controls, and the encoded command suggests obfuscation typical of malware, not legitimate software updates or user actions.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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