mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Event Log: Event ID 4688 - Process Creation Command Line: cmd.exe /c net localgroup administrators user1 /add
Refer to the exhibit. The security analyst sees this event from a user workstation. What is the most likely conclusion?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between a legitimate administrative action and a privilege escalation attempt by hiding the user context — the trap here is assuming that any group addition is benign, when the key detail is that the action was performed from a non-privileged account.
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 user is trying to escalate privileges
The event shows a user account (likely a standard user) attempting to add itself to a privileged group such as the local Administrators group. This action requires administrative rights, and the attempt by a non-admin user to modify group membership is a classic privilege escalation technique. The security analyst should recognize this as an unauthorized attempt to gain higher access, not a normal administrative action.
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 malware is spreading
Why it's wrong here
While malware could use this, the event is more indicative of privilege escalation itself.
- ✗
A legitimate administrator added a user
Why it's wrong here
This is a user workstation; administrators typically use domain tools.
- ✓
A user is trying to escalate privileges
Why this is correct
The net localgroup command is often used for privilege escalation.
- ✗
A failed login attempt
Why it's wrong here
Event ID 4688 is process creation, not login.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.