This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. 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
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?
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)
```
A
Privilege escalation attempt
Why wrong: Privilege escalation would involve attempts to gain higher access after initial login, not repeated failed logins.
B
Man-in-the-middle attack
Why wrong: MITM attacks intercept traffic; they do not generate authentication failure logs.
C
Distributed denial-of-service (DDoS) attack
Why wrong: DDoS attacks target availability, not authentication, and typically involve many sources.
D
Brute-force attack on SSH
The repeated failed login attempts for the root user from the same IP signature a brute-force attempt.
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
Option A is correct because multiple failed password attempts for root from the same IP in quick succession indicate a brute-force attack. Option B is wrong because a DDoS would involve many different IPs. Option C is wrong because a man-in-the-middle attack would not show in auth logs. Option D is wrong because privilege escalation is internal.
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.
✗
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.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
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.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
System Security — This question tests System Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Brute-force attack on SSH — Option A is correct because multiple failed password attempts for root from the same IP in quick succession indicate a brute-force attack. Option B is wrong because a DDoS would involve many different IPs. Option C is wrong because a man-in-the-middle attack would not show in auth logs. Option D is wrong because privilege escalation is internal.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 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 LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-2 exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.