An analyst would like to test how certain Splunk SPL commands work against a small set of data. What command should start the search pipeline if they wanted to create their own data instead of utilizing data contained within Splunk?
A. makeresults
B. rename
C. eval
D. stats
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.
An analysis of an organization’s security posture determined that a particular asset is at risk and a new process or solution should be implemented to protect it. Typically, who would be in charge of implementing the new process or solution that was selected?
A. Security Architect
B. SOC Manager
C. Security Engineer
D. Security Analyst
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.
An analyst notices that one of their servers is sending an unusually large amount of traffic, gigabytes more than normal, to a single system on the Internet. There doesn’t seem to be any associated increase in incoming traffic. What type of threat actor activity might this represent?
A. Data exfiltration
B. Network reconnaissance
C. Data infiltration
D. Lateral movement
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.
An analyst would like to visualize threat objects across their environment and chronological risk events for a Risk Object in Incident Review. Where would they find this?
A. Running the Risk Analysis Adaptive Response action within the Notable Event.
B. Via a workflow action for the Risk Investigation dashboard.
C. Via the Risk Analysis dashboard under the Security Intelligence tab in Enterprise Security.
D. Clicking the risk event count to open the Risk Event Timeline.
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.
An analyst is looking at Web Server logs, and sees the following entry as the last web request that a server processed before unexpectedly shutting down: 147.186.119.107 - - [28/Jul/2006:10:27:10 -0300] "POST /cgi-bin/shutdown/ HTTP/1.0" 200 3333 What kind of attack is most likely occurring?
A. Distributed denial of service attack.
B. Denial of service attack.
C. Database injection attack.
D. Cross-Site scripting attack.
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.
A Risk Rule generates events on Suspicious Cloud Share Activity and regularly contributes to confirmed incidents from Risk Notables. An analyst realizes the raw logs these events are generated from contain information which helps them determine what might be malicious. What should they ask their engineer for to make their analysis easier?
A. Create a field extraction for this information.
B. Add this information to the risk message.
C. Create another detection for this information.
D. Allowlist more events based on this information.
Explanation:
In Splunk, field extractions are essential for transforming raw log data into structured fields that are easier to work with during analysis. When the question refers to an analyst identifying helpful information in the raw logs that assists them in determining suspicious activity, the most effective way to streamline this process is throughfield extraction. This allows the Splunk system to automatically parse and tag the necessary data, making it more accessible for searches, dashboards, and alerts.
Let’s break down whyoption A: Create a field extraction for this informationis the best approach:
Field Extraction Overview:
Field extraction is a process within Splunk that takes unstructured log data and converts it into structured fields.
This makes it possible to directly query and display these fields, allowing analysts to quickly find and use relevant data in their investigations.
For example, if the logs contain IP addresses, user IDs, file names, or activity types, extracting these fields enables the analyst to filter and correlate data much more effectively without manually scanning the raw logs.
Why Field Extraction?
In this case, the question suggests that the raw logs contain information that helps determine whether activity is malicious. By creating field extractions for the relevant data points, analysts can use those structured fields to build queries and visualizations, drastically speeding up analysis time.
Analysts can write custom Splunk queries to isolate events that meet specific conditions, such as matching specific cloud sharing activities associated with risk notables.
Field extraction improves not only real-time analysis but also supports retrospective analysis and incident correlation across multiple events.
Comparison to Other Options:
Option B: Add this information to the risk message– While adding more context to a risk message could be useful for reviewing individual alerts, it doesn’t improve the efficiency of log analysis. The analyst still would need to go back and manually inspect raw logs for more detailed data.
Option C: Create another detection for this information– Creating additional detections adds more rules, but doesn't solve the fundamental issue of having raw logs that aren’t easily searchable. You can only build effective detections when you have structured data available.
Option D: Allowlist more events based on this information– Allowlisting is generally used to reduce noise or irrelevant logs, but it doesn't help extract the necessary details for analysis. It may reduce unnecessary alerts, but won’t help analyze the suspicious events that do arise.
Cybersecurity Defense Analyst Best Practices:
Field extractionsshould be created for any important log source or data point, especially when handling complex or multi-part log entries (e.g., cloud sharing logs). This ensures logs are searchable and actionable, allowing for faster identification of anomalies and malicious activity.
Analysts should collaborate with engineers to ensure these extractions are tuned and validated. The extraction should be tailored to isolate the fields most relevant for identifying suspicious activity.
Once fields are extracted, analysts can create dashboards, real-time alerts, or retrospective searches based on the structured data for more effective incident response.
References:
Splunk Documentation: Field Extraction in Splunk
Cybersecurity defense techniques emphasize the importance of making log data actionable, which aligns with common practices in Incident Detection & Response (IDR) environments. Structured data is key to this effort, and field extraction is a critical part of transforming raw logs into useful intelligence
A Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team produces a report detailing a specific threat actor’s typical behaviors and intent. This would be an example of what type of intelligence?
A. Operational
B. Executive
C. Tactical
D. Strategic
Explanation:
Tactical intelligenceprovides insights into the specific behaviors, tools, and techniques used by threat actors. When a Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team produces a report detailing a threat actor’s typical behaviors and intent, they are delivering tactical intelligence. This type of intelligence is actionable and directly supports defenders in identifying, mitigating, and responding to threats in a timely manner.
Tactical Intelligence:
Focuses on the specific, detailed activities of threat actors, such as the Tactics, Techniques, and Procedures (TTPs) they employ.
This intelligence helps in creating defensive strategies, such as refining detection rules, improving incident response plans, and enhancing threat hunting efforts.
Incorrect Options:
A. Operational:Operational intelligence involves real-time information and insights that support ongoing operations, often within a narrow timeframe.
B. Executive:Executive intelligence is high-level and strategic, intended for decision-makers and typically involves summaries rather than detailed technical information.
D. Strategic:Strategic intelligence is long-term and broad in scope, focusing on overall trends and the geopolitical context, rather than specific TTPs.
CTI Frameworks:Standards such as the MITRE ATT&CK framework, which classify tactical intelligence within the spectrum of threat intelligence.
An organization is using Risk-Based Alerting (RBA). During the past few days, a user account generated multiple risk observations. Splunk refers to this account as what type of entity?
A. Risk Factor
B. Risk Index
C. Risk Analysis
D. Risk Object
Explanation:
In Splunk’s Risk-Based Alerting (RBA) framework, aRisk Objectrefers to the specific entity (such as a user account, IP address, or host) that is associated with risk observations. When auser account generates multiple risk observations, it is labeled as a Risk Object, allowing security teams to track and manage risk more effectively.
Risk Object:
The Risk Object is central to Splunk’s RBA approach, which aggregates and evaluates risk across entities within an environment. This allows for a focused response to high-risk entities based on the accumulation of risk events.
Incorrect Options:
A. Risk Factor:This might refer to specific criteria or conditions that contribute to risk but does not denote the entity itself.
B. Risk Index:Could refer to a collection of risk-related data, not the specific entity.
C. Risk Analysis:Refers to the process of analyzing risk, not the entity under observation.
Splunk RBA Documentation:Detailed descriptions of how Risk Objects function within the Risk-Based Alerting framework.
There are many resources for assisting with SPL and configuration questions. Which of the following resources feature community-sourced answers?
A. Splunk Answers
B. Splunk Lantern
C. Splunk Guidebook
D. Splunk Documentation
Explanation:
Splunk Answersis a community-driven Q&A platform where users can ask questions and share knowledge about Splunk. It is known for providing community-sourced answers to a wide rangeof questions, including SPL (Search Processing Language) queries, configuration issues, and general best practices. Users can contribute by answering questions based on their own experiences, making it a valuable resource for troubleshooting and learning.
B. Splunk Lantern:This is a resource for best practices, how-tos, and use case guides, but it’s not a community-sourced Q&A platform.
C. Splunk Guidebook:This is not a known resource in the context of community-sourced answers.
D. Splunk Documentation:While highly detailed and official, it is not community-sourced but rather maintained by Splunk's own teams.
Splunk Answers Platform:Splunk Answers
A Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team delivers a briefing to the CISO detailing their view of the threat landscape the organization faces. This is an example of what type of Threat Intelligence?
A. Tactical
B. Strategic
C. Operational
D. Executive
Explanation:
A briefing delivered by a Cyber Threat Intelligence (CTI) team to a Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) detailing the overall threat landscape is an example ofStrategicThreat Intelligence. Strategic intelligence focuses on high-level analysis of broader trends, threat actors, and potential risks to the organization over time. It is designed to inform senior leadership and influence long-term security strategies and policies. This contrasts withTacticalintelligence, which deals with immediate threats and actionable information, andOperationalintelligence, which is more focused on the details of specific threat actors or campaigns.
After discovering some events that were missed in an initial investigation, an analyst determines this is because some events have an empty src field. Instead, the required data is often captured in another field called machine_name. What SPL could they use to find all relevant events across either field until the field extraction is fixed?
A. | eval src = coalesce(src,machine_name)
B. | eval src = src + machine_name
C. | eval src = src . machine_name
D. | eval src = tostring(machine_name)
Explanation:
Thecoalescefunction in Splunk is used to return the first non-null value from a list of fields. The SPL| eval src = coalesce(src,machine_name)allows the analyst to dynamically populate thesrcfield with the value frommachine_nameifsrcis empty. This is a useful technique when dealing with inconsistent data sources or during field extraction issues, ensuring that the analyst can continue their investigation without missing critical events.
What device typically sits at a network perimeter to detect command and control and other potentially suspicious traffic?
A. Host-based firewall
B. Web proxy
C. Web proxy
D. Endpoint Detection and Response
E. Intrusion Detection System
Explanation:
AnIntrusion Detection System (IDS)typically sits at the network perimeter and is designed to detect suspicious traffic, including command and control (C2) traffic and other potentially malicious activities.
Intrusion Detection Systems:
IDS are deployed at strategic points within the network, often at the perimeter, to monitor incoming and outgoing traffic for signs of malicious activity.
These systems are configured to detect various types of threats, including C2 traffic, which is a key indicator of compromised systems communicating with an attacker-controlled server.
Incorrect Options:
A. Host-based firewall:This is more focused on controlling traffic at the endpoint level, not at the network perimeter.
B. Web proxy:Primarily used for controlling and filtering web traffic, but not specifically designed to detect C2 traffic.
C. Endpoint Detection and Response (EDR):Focuses on endpoint protection rather than monitoring network perimeter traffic.
Network Security Practices:IDS implementation is a standard practice for perimeter security to detect early signs of network intrusion.
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