CAS-004 Reviews Questions

Based on the SIEM alerts, the security analyst should first disable the jdoe account, as it is likely compromised by an attacker. The alerts show that the jdoe account successfully logged on to the abc-usa-fsl server, which is a file server, and then initiated SMB (445) traffic to the abc-web01server, which is a web server. This indicates that the attacker may be trying to exfiltrate data from the file server to the web server. Disabling the jdoe account would help stop this unauthorized activity and prevent further damage.

Disabling Administrator on abc-usa-fsl, the local account is compromised, is not the first action to take, as it is not clear from the alerts if the local account is compromised or not. The alert shows that there was a successful logon event for Administrator on abc-usa-fsl, but it does not specify if it was a local or domain account, or if it was authorized or not. Moreover, disabling the local account would not stop the SMB traffic from jdoe to abc-web01.

Shutting down the abc-usa-fsl server, a plaintext credential is being used, is not the first action to take, as it is not clear from the alerts if a plaintext credential is being used or not. The alert shows that there was RDP (3389) traffic from abc-admin1-logon to abc-usa-fsl, but it does not specify if the credential was encrypted or not. Moreover, shutting down the file server would disrupt its normal operations and affect other users.

Shutting down abc-usa-fw01; the remote access VPN vulnerability is exploited, is not the first action to take, as it is not clear from the alerts if the remote access VPN vulnerability is exploited or not. The alert shows that there was FTP (21) traffic from abc-usa-dcl to abc-web01, but it does not specify if it was related to the VPN or not. Moreover, shutting down the firewall would expose the network to other threats and affect other services. References: What is SIEM? | Microsoft Security, What is a SIEM Alert? | Cofense

Avoiding the risk by shutting down the application and migrating to a supported, alternative platform is the most effective option based on the provided scenario. The application is non-critical, provides no revenue, and replacing it has a nominal cost, making risk avoidance the ideal choice. This aligns with the CASP+ objective of implementing risk strategies (1.3) and emphasizes prioritizing cost-effective and practical solutions over maintaining deprecated or vulnerable systems.

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Even though the company uses a cloud service provider (CSP) that is PCI compliant, the customer must still ensure that in-scope systems related to their new payment system offering are also PCI compliant. PCI DSS (Payment Card Industry Data Security Standard) applies to any system that processes, stores, or transmits credit card data, and this includes customer-owned systems, services, or applications integrated into the solution. The responsibility is shared between the CSP and the customer, and compliance is not automatically inherited just because the CSP is compliant. CASP+ emphasizes that organizations must ensure all components within their control are also PCI compliant.

The protocol described is Modbus, which is a commonly used industrial protocol that lacks built-in authentication and security features. Modbus operates in a client/server model and can be implemented over RTU (Remote Terminal Unit) or TCP/IP for communication between devices. The other protocols mentioned either have different characteristics or are used in different contexts (such as Profinet for industrial automation, Zigbee for wireless IoT devices, and Z-Wave for home automation). CASP+ identifies Modbus as a critical protocol in industrial environments that lacks security and requires additional protective measures.