How can a firewall be set up to automatically block users as soon as they are found to exhibit malicious behavior via a threat log?
Correct Answer: B
To block users dynamically based on threat log activity, dynamic user groups (DUGs) with tagging provide an automated solution. Option B configures a DUG with a "malicious" tag, a Log Forwarding profile to tag users in the threat log (e.g., via threat intelligence), and a Security policy to block the tagged group. This leverages User-ID and is ideal for user-based blocking. Option A uses dynamic address groups (DAGs), which block IPs, not users. Option C (security profiles) can block traffic but not dynamically tag/block users without additional configuration. Documentation supports DUGs for this use case. Reference: PAN-OS 11.2 Administrator's Guide, "User-ID" section - Dynamic User Groups; "Policies" section - Log Forwarding.
PCNSE Exam Question 112
A company configures its WildFire analysis profile to forward any file type to the WildFire public cloud. A company employee receives an email containing an unknown link that downloads a malicious Portable Executable (PE) file. What does Advanced WildFire do when the link is clicked?
Correct Answer: B
Advanced WildFire analyzes both the webpage linked by the URL and any files (like PE files) that are downloaded as a result of clicking that link. This includes checking the linked webpage for malicious content and sending any downloaded files for further analysis to determine their behavior and potential malicious intent. The PCNSA Study Guide outlines that WildFire inspects and analyzes both content downloaded and webpages involved when integrated into the organization's security profile. This dual-layered approach ensures comprehensive protection against threats from both the webpage and its payloads. Step-by-Step Explanation * Link Clicked and File Download Triggered: * When the user clicks the link, their action initiates the download of a file, in this case, a Portable Executable (PE) file. * URL Inspection by WildFire: * The URL is immediately inspected for potential threats. This involves analyzing the webpage associated with the link to detect: * Known malicious indicators. * Suspicious elements like embedded scripts, links, or calls to external resources. * Forwarding the PE File for Analysis: * The PE file downloaded as a result of clicking the link is sent to the WildFire cloud or on- premises appliance for detailed behavior-based analysis. * Dynamic and Static Analysis: * Static Analysis: WildFire examines the PE file's attributes without executing it, looking for: * Suspicious code patterns. * Known malicious signatures. * Anomalous PE header details (e.g., timestamp irregularities, unexpected sections). * Dynamic Analysis: The file is executed in a controlled virtual environment to observe: * Behavioral anomalies, like privilege escalation attempts. * Network communication, such as connections to Command and Control (C2) servers. * File system modifications or registry changes indicative of malicious intent. * Threat Verdict: * Based on its findings, WildFire classifies the URL and PE file into one of the following categories: * Benign. * Grayware. * Malware. * Phishing. * Automated Response: * If either the webpage or the PE file is deemed malicious, the firewall takes predefined actions: * Blocking access to the webpage. * Quarantining or blocking the downloaded file. * Generating a detailed alert or log entry for administrators. * Signature Update: * WildFire automatically creates a signature for the detected threat and distributes it globally. This ensures that other systems in the WildFire network are protected against the same threat. Advanced WildFire Configuration and Behavior Forwarding File Types: The WildFire analysis profile must be configured to forward relevant file types. In this case: * PE files are commonly forwarded by default since they are a known vector for malware. * Administrators can define custom forwarding rules based on file type and traffic. Integration with the Security Profile: * WildFire integrates with other security profiles (e.g., Antivirus, Anti-Spyware, URL Filtering). * URL Filtering ensures that the link itself is categorized and blocked if malicious. * WildFire's output informs and updates the threat prevention database dynamically. Why the Answer is B? * WildFire performs dual analysis: * The linked webpage is checked for malicious scripts or phishing attempts. * The PE file downloaded is analyzed for malware through both static and dynamic methods. * This layered analysis ensures robust protection against modern threats, which often combine malicious webpages with harmful payloads. Document References: * PCNSA Study Guide: Domain 4, Section 4.1.5 ("WildFire Analysis") explains the WildFire analysis process in detail, emphasizing its role in inspecting files and URLs for malicious behavior. * Palo Alto Networks WildFire Admin Guide: * This guide details file forwarding configurations, supported file types, and the global signature distribution process. * PAN-OS Admin Guide: * Sections on Security Profiles and URL Filtering elaborate on how WildFire integrates with other threat prevention mechanisms.
PCNSE Exam Question 113
A firewall engineer reviews the PAN-OS GlobalProtect application and sees that it implicitly uses web-browsing and depends on SSL. When creating a new rule, what is needed to allow the application to resolve dependencies?
Correct Answer: C
'Implicitly Uses' has web-browsing listed. This means that if you allow facebook-posting, that it will also be allowing the web-browsing application implicitly.. In our case, we dont know which APP the question referes too but 'Implicitly means already uses HTTP.
PCNSE Exam Question 114
An engineer is tasked with deploying SSL Forward Proxy decryption for their organization. What should they review with their leadership before implementation?
Correct Answer: D
The engineer should review the legal compliance regulations and acceptable usage policies with their leadership before implementing SSL Forward Proxy decryption for their organization. SSL Forward Proxy decryption allows the firewall to decrypt and inspect the traffic from internal users to external servers. This can raise privacy and legal concerns for the users and the organization. Therefore, the engineer should ensure that the leadership is aware of the implications and benefits of SSL Forward Proxy decryption and that they have a clear policy for informing and obtaining consent from the users. Option A is incorrect because browser- supported cipher documentation is not relevant for SSL Forward Proxy decryption. The firewall uses its own cipher suite to negotiate encryption with the external server, regardless of the browser settings. Option B is incorrect because cipher documentation supported by the endpoint operating system is not relevant for SSL Forward Proxy decryption. The firewall uses its own cipher suite to negotiate encryption with the external server, regardless of the endpoint operating system. Option C is incorrect because URL risk-based category distinctions are not relevant for SSL Forward Proxy decryption. The firewall can decrypt and inspect traffic based on any URL category, not just risk-based ones. https://docs.paloaltonetworks.com/pan-os/10-2/pan-os-admin/decryption/decryption-concepts "Understand local laws and regulations about the traffic you can legally decrypt and user notification requirements."
PCNSE Exam Question 115
During a routine security audit, the risk and compliance team notices a series of WildFire logs that contain a "malicious" verdict and the action "allow." Upon further inspection, the team confirms that these same threats are automatically blocked by the firewalls the following day. How can the existing configuration be adjusted to ensure that new threats are blocked within minutes instead of having to wait until the following day?
Correct Answer: B
WildFire logs showing a "malicious" verdict with an "allow" action indicate that the initial traffic wasn't blocked in real-time, likely because the Antivirus profile isn't configured to act immediately on WildFire verdicts. By default, WildFire submits files for analysis, and signatures may take up to 24 hours to propagate globally unless real-time blocking is enabled. Configuring the Antivirus security profile (Option B) to "block" on malicious WildFire verdicts ensures that threats are blocked within minutes once the verdict is returned (typically 5-15 minutes), leveraging WildFire's real-time signature updates. Option A (WildFire analysis profile) defines what files are sent to WildFire but doesn't control blocking actions. Option C (File Blocking profile) manages file type blocking, not threat verdicts. Option D (file size limits) affects submission eligibility, not blocking behavior. The Antivirus profile is the key to real-time WildFire enforcement, as per Palo Alto Networks documentation. Reference: PAN-OS 11.2 Administrator's Guide, "Security Profiles" section - Antivirus Profile Configuration; "WildFire" section - Real-Time Signature Updates.