Splunk Updated SPLK-2003 Exam Questions and Answers by cian

In Splunk SOAR, playbooks can execute actions either synchronously (waiting for one action to complete before starting the next) or asynchronously (allowing actions to run concurrently). If a playbook starts executing before the previous one has completed, it indicates that synchronous execution has not been properly configured between these playbooks. This is crucial when the output of one playbook is a dependency for the subsequent playbook. Options B, C, and D do not directly address the observed behavior of concurrent playbook execution, making option A the most accurate explanation for why the second playbook starts before the completion of the first.

synchronous execution is a feature of the SOAR automation engine that allows you to control the order of execution of playbook blocks. Synchronous execution ensures that a playbook block waits for the completion of the previous block before starting its execution. Synchronous execution can be enabled or disabled for each playbook block in the playbook editor, by toggling the Synchronous Execution switch in the block settings. Therefore, option A is the correct answer, as it states the cause of the behavior where the second playbook starts executing before the first one completes. Option B is incorrect, because the first playbook performing poorly is not the cause of the behavior, but rather a possible consequence of the behavior. Option C is incorrect, because the sleep option for the second playbook is not the cause of the behavior, but rather a workaround that can be used to delay the execution of the second playbook. Option D is incorrect, because the join configuration on the second playbook is not the cause of the behavior, but rather a way of merging multiple paths of execution into one.

The correct answer is C because after a playbook has run, the results are stored in the container that triggered the playbook. The container is a data object that represents an event or a case in Phantom. The container contains information such as the name, the description, the severity, the status, the owner, and the labels of the event or case. The container also contains the artifacts, the action results, the comments, the notes, and the phases and tasks associated with the event or case. The answer A is incorrect because after a playbook has run, the results are not stored in a Splunk index, which is a data structure that stores events from various data sources in Splunk. The Splunk index is not directly accessible by Phantom, but can be queried by Phantom using the Splunk app. The answer B is incorrect because after a playbook has run, the results are not stored in a case, which is a type of container that represents a security incident in Phantom. The case is a subset of the container, and not all containers are cases. The answer D is incorrect because after a playbook has run, the results are not stored in a log file, which is a file that records the activities or events that occur in a system or a process. The log file is not a data object in Phantom, but can be a data source for Phantom. Reference: Splunk SOAR User Guide, page 19. In Splunk Phantom, after a playbook has been executed, the results of the actions within that playbook are stored in the container associated with the event. A container is a data structure that encapsulates all relevant information and data for an incident or event within Phantom, including action results, artifacts, notes, and more. The container allows users to see a consolidated view of all the data and activity related to a particular event. These results are not stored in the Splunk Index, a separate case, or a log file as their primary storage but may be sent to a Splunk index for further analysis.

DECIDED process is a core component of the SOAR automation engine that handles the execution of playbooks and actions. The DECIDED process can be restarted by restarting the automation service, which can be done from the command line using the service phantom restart command2. Restarting the automation service also restarts the playbook daemon, which is another core component of the SOAR automation engine that handles the loading and unloading of playbooks3. Therefore, option D is the correct answer, as it restarts both the DECIDED process and the playbook daemon. Option A is incorrect, because restarting the playbook daemon alone does not restart the DECIDED process. Option B is incorrect, because the System Health page does not provide an option to restart the DECIDED process or the automation service. Option C is incorrect, because the Administration > Server Settings page does not provide an option to restart the DECIDED process or the automation service.

In Splunk SOAR, if the DECIDED process, which is responsible for playbook execution, needs to be restarted, this can typically be done by restarting the automation (or phantom) service. This service manages the automation processes, including playbook execution. Restarting it can reset the DECIDED process, resolving issues related to playbook execution or process hangs.

The correct answer is C because filter blocks can be used to select data for use by other blocks. Filter blocks can filter data from the container, artifacts, or custom lists based on various criteria, such as field name, value, operator, etc. Filter blocks can also join data from multiple sources using the join action. The output of the filter block can be used as input for other blocks, such as decision, format, prompt, etc. See Splunk SOAR Documentation for more details.

Filter blocks within Splunk SOAR playbooks are designed to sift through data and select specific pieces of information based on defined criteria. These blocks are crucial for narrowing down the data that subsequent blocks in a playbook will act upon. By applying filters, a playbook can focus on relevant data, thereby enhancing efficiency and ensuring that actions are taken based on precise, contextually relevant information. This capability is essential for tailoring the playbook's actions to the specific needs of the incident or workflow, enabling more targeted and effective automation strategies. Filters do not directly select blocks for container data access, choose assets by various administrative criteria, or select containers by attributes like severity or status; their primary function is to refine data within the playbook's operational context.