GIAC GCED PDF Exam Questions:

A threat vector is the method (crafted packet) that would be used to exercise a vulnerability (fragmentation to bypass IDS signature). An unpatched web server that is susceptible to XSS simply describes a vulnerability (unpatched) paired with a specific threat (XSS) and does not touch on the method to activate the threat. Similarly, the coding error that allows remote code execution is simply describing the pairing of a vulnerability with a threat, respectively. The botnet is an unspecified threat; there is no indication of how the threat was activated (or it's intention/capabilities; the threat).

An active response device dynamically reconfigures or alters network or system access controls, session streams, or individual packets based on triggers from packet inspection and other detection devices. Active response happens after the event has occurred, thus a single packet attack will be successful on the first attempt and blocked in future attempts. Network intrusion prevention devices are typically inline devices on the network that inspect packets and make decisions before forwarding them on to the destination. This type of device has the capability to defend against single packet attacks on the first attempt by blocking or modifying the attack inline.