SPLK-5001 Practice Test

Explanation:

Themakeresultscommand in Splunk is used to generate a single-row result that can be used to create test data within a search pipeline. This command is particularly useful for testing and experimenting with SPL commands on a small set of synthetic data without relying on existing logs or events in the Splunk index. It is commonly used by analysts who want to test commands or SPL syntax before applying them to real data.

Explanation:

In most organizations, the Security Engineer is typically responsible for implementing new processes or solutions that have been selected to protect assets. This role involves the practical application of security tools, technologies, and practices to safeguard the organization’s infrastructure and data.

Role of Security Engineer:

Implementation:Security Engineers are tasked with the hands-on deployment and configuration of security systems, including firewalls, intrusion detection systems (IDS),and endpoint protection solutions. When a risk is identified, they are the ones who implement the necessary technological controls or processes to mitigate that risk.

Technical Expertise:Security Engineers possess the technical skills required to integrate new solutions into the existing environment, ensuring that they operate effectively without disrupting other systems.

Collaboration:While Security Architects design the overall security architecture and the SOC Manager oversees operations, the Security Engineer works on the ground, implementing the detailed aspects of the solutions.

Contrast with Other Roles:

Security Architect:Designs the security framework and architecture but does not usually perform the actual implementation.

SOC Manager:Oversees the security operations and might coordinate the response but does not directly implement new solutions.

Security Analyst:Monitors and analyzes security data, but typically does not implement new security systems.

Job Descriptions and Industry Standards:Detailed descriptions of Security Engineer roles in job postings and industry standards highlight their responsibilities in implementing security solutions.

Security Operations Best Practices:These documents and guidelines often outline the division of responsibilities in a security team, confirming that Security Engineers are the primary implementers.

Explanation:

Unusual Traffic Patterns:

The key observation here is that one of the servers is sending out a significantly large amount of data to a single external system, with no corresponding increase in incoming traffic.

Possible Threat Activities:

A. Data Exfiltration:

This scenario typically aligns with data exfiltration, where an attacker has successfully compromised a system and is sending out large volumes of stolen data to an external server.

Data exfiltration often involves consistent or large data transfers over time to an external IP address, which matches the description provided.

B. Network Reconnaissance:

While reconnaissance involves scanning and probing, it generally does not produce large outbound data flows but rather small, frequent connection attempts or queries.

C. Data Infiltration:

Infiltration would involve incoming data to the compromised server, which contradicts the scenario as there is no observed increase in incoming traffic.

D. Lateral Movement:

Lateral movement would involve traffic between internal systems rather than large amounts of data being sent to an external system.

Scenario Analysis:Conclusion:Given the evidence of large data transfers to a single external system without corresponding inbound traffic,data exfiltrationis the most likely scenario. This suggests that an adversary has compromised the server and is extracting valuable or sensitive data from the organization.

Data Exfiltration Techniques:Techniques such as those documented in the MITRE ATT&CK framework (e.g.,T1041 - Exfiltration Over C2 Channel) detail how attackers move data out of a network.

Incident Response Playbooks:Many incident response frameworks emphasize monitoring for unusual outbound traffic as a primary indicator of data exfiltration.

Explanation:

In Splunk Enterprise Security, theRisk Event Timelineprovides a chronological view of risk events associated with a particular Risk Object, such as a user or device. This timeline helps analysts visualize and understand the sequence and nature of risk events over time, aiding in the investigation of security incidents.

Risk Event Timeline:

The Risk Event Timeline is accessible by clicking the risk event count associated with a Risk Object in the Incident Review dashboard. This action opens up the timeline view, which provides a detailed chronological perspective on how risk events have unfolded.

This feature is particularly useful for tracking the progression of threats and understanding the context of incidents.

Incorrect Options:

A. Running the Risk Analysis Adaptive Response action within the Notable Event:This option pertains to running a response action rather than visualizing risk events over time.

B. Via a workflow action for the Risk Investigation dashboard:Although workflow actions can lead to various dashboards, the specific visualization described is accessed via the Risk Event Timeline.

C. Via the Risk Analysis dashboard under the Security Intelligence tab in Enterprise Security:While this dashboard provides valuable insights into risk data, the specific chronological visualization is found in the Risk Event Timeline.

Splunk Documentation:Risk Event Timeline in Splunk Enterprise Security provides step-by-step details on how to access and interpret the timeline.

Explanation:

The log entry indicates aPOST /cgi-bin/shutdown/request, which suggests that a command was sent to shut down the server via a CGI script. This kind of activity is indicative of aDenial of Service (DoS) attackbecause it involves sending a specific command that causes the server to stop functioning or shut down. This is different from a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attack, which typically involves overwhelming the server with traffic rather than exploiting a specific command.