LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` /var/log/auth.log Mar 10 08:12:15 server sshd[1234]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 45678 ssh2 Mar 10 08:12:17 server sshd[1235]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 45679 ssh2 Mar 10 08:12:19 server sshd[1236]: Failed password for root from 192.168.1.10 port 45680 ssh2 ... (repeated entries) ```
Refer to the exhibit. What type of attack is indicated by the log entries?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse repeated login failures with a DDoS attack, but the key distinction is the sequential, targeted nature of authentication attempts versus volumetric traffic flooding.
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 on SSH
The log entries show repeated SSH authentication failures from the same IP address with different usernames and passwords, which is characteristic of a brute-force attack. Attackers systematically try many credential combinations to gain unauthorized access to the SSH service, as indicated by the 'Failed password' messages.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Privilege escalation attempt
Why it's wrong here
Privilege escalation would involve attempts to gain higher access after initial login, not repeated failed logins.
- ✗
Man-in-the-middle attack
Why it's wrong here
MITM attacks intercept traffic; they do not generate authentication failure logs.
- ✗
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack
Why it's wrong here
DDoS attacks target availability, not authentication, and typically involve many sources.
- ✓
Brute-force attack on SSH
Why this is correct
The repeated failed login attempts for the root user from the same IP signature a brute-force attempt.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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