SPLK-1002 Macros, Saved Searches and CIM Practice Question
An organization uses Splunk CIM to normalize data from multiple sources. They have a custom data source that logs firewall events with a field 'action' containing values 'accept', 'deny', 'drop'. They want to map this to the CIM field 'action'. Which configuration is required?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often overcomplicate the solution by choosing a calculated field or custom data model, not realizing that when the vendor field name and values already align with the CIM field, a simple field alias is the correct and efficient approach.
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
✓
Define a field alias in props.conf: `FIELDALIAS-action = action as action`
The CIM field 'action' already exists in the CIM data model with the same name as the vendor field. A field alias in props.conf using `FIELDALIAS-action = action as action` simply creates an alias so that the vendor's 'action' field is recognized as the CIM 'action' field, allowing the CIM to normalize the data without any transformation. This is the simplest and most efficient method when the vendor field name and values already match the CIM field name and expected values.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Define a field alias in props.conf: `FIELDALIAS-action = action as action`
Why this is correct
This maps the vendor field 'action' to the CIM field 'action'.
- ✗
Use the 'calculatedfields' field in props.conf: `CALCULATED_action = if(action=="accept","allowed",if(action=="deny","blocked","dropped"))`
Why it's wrong here
Calculated fields can create new fields but are not the standard way to map to CIM fields.
- ✗
Create a custom data model that includes the field 'action' with the vendor values.
Why it's wrong here
Creating a custom data model is not required; CIM fields can be mapped via aliases.
- ✗
Add a tag 'action=accept' to events with action=accept, and similarly for deny and drop.
Why it's wrong here
Tags are not used to map field values; they are used for event categorization.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SPLK-1002 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Splunk 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 SPLK-1002 exam.