SPLK-1005 Sample Questions Answers

To view the runtime configuration instructions for a monitored file in inputs.conf on the forwarder, the correct command to use involves accessing the internal REST API that provides details on data inputs.

C. ./splunk _internal rest /services/data/inputs/monitor is the correct answer. This command uses Splunk's internal REST endpoint to retrieve information about monitored files, including their runtime configurations as defined in inputs.conf.

Splunk Documentation References:

Splunk REST API - Data Inputs

A Universal Forwarder (UF) can indeed be configured as an Intermediate Forwarder. This means that the UF can receive data from other forwarders and then forward that data on to indexers or Splunk Cloud, effectively acting as a relay point in the data forwarding chain.

Option A is incorrect because a Universal Forwarder does not need to contact the license master; only indexers and search heads require this.

Option B is incorrect as Universal Forwarders can connect directly to Splunk Cloud or via other forwarders.

Option D is also incorrect because the default output bandwidth limit for a UF is typically much higher than 500KBps (default is 256KBps per pipeline, but can be configured).

Splunk Documentation Reference: Universal Forwarder

In Splunk Cloud, configuring indexes is one of the primary responsibilities of a Splunk Cloud administrator. This task includes setting up new indexes, managing retention policies, and configuring index settings as required by the organization's data retention and compliance policies. Other tasks like configuring deployer, cluster master, or indexers are typically handled by Splunk Enterprise administrators, not Splunk Cloud administrators.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Splunk Cloud Administrator Guide

When monitoring directories containing mixed file types, the sourcetype should typically be overridden in props.conf rather than defined in inputs.conf. This is because sourcetype is meant to classify the type of data being ingested, and when dealing with mixed file types, setting a single sourcetype in inputs.conf would not be effective for accurate data classification. Instead, you can use props.conf to define rules that apply different sourcetypes based on the file path, file name patterns, or other criteria. This allows for more granular and accurate assignment of sourcetypes, ensuring the data is properly parsed and indexed according to its type.

Splunk Cloud Reference: For further clarification, refer to Splunk's official documentation on configuring inputs and props, especially the sections discussing monitoring directories and configuring sourcetypes.

Source:

Splunk Docs: Monitor files and directories

Splunk Docs: Configure event line breaking and input settings with props.conf

When there are conflicting configurations in Splunk, the platform resolves them based on the configuration file precedence rules. These rules dictate which settings are applied based on the hierarchy of the configuration files.

In the provided configurations:

The first configuration in $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/apps/unix/local/inputs.conf sets the sourcetype to access_combined.

The second configuration in $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/apps/search/local/inputs.conf sets the sourcetype to linux_secure.

Configuration File Precedence:

In Splunk, configurations in local directories take precedence over those in default.

If two configurations are in local directories of different apps, the alphabetical order of the app names determines the precedence.

Since "search" comes after "unix" alphabetically, the configuration in $SPLUNK_HOME/etc/apps/search/local/inputs.conf will take precedence.

Therefore, the value of the sourcetype property for this stanza is linux_secure.

Splunk Documentation References:

Configuration File Precedence

Resolving Conflicts in Splunk Configurations

This confirms that the correct answer is C. linux_secure.

Explanation: Splunk Cloud enables only a subset of REST API endpoints for customer use to ensure security and control over the environment, allowing essential functionality while maintaining a secure setup. [Reference: Splunk Docs on REST API access in Splunk Cloud]

Splunk Cloud Support should be contacted when issues arise that cannot be resolved internally or when problem isolation has been unsuccessful.

C. When unable to resolve issues or perform problem isolation is the correct answer. Splunk Cloud Support is typically involved when internal troubleshooting has been exhausted, and the issue requires expert assistance or deeper investigation. While scripted input troubleshooting might be handled by internal teams, contacting support for unresolved issues is the appropriate step.

Splunk Documentation References:

When to Contact Splunk Support

In Splunk Cloud, data is deleted from an index when the buckets roll to the frozen stage and no archive is defined. When data in a bucket reaches the frozen stage, it is deleted unless a frozen-to-archival script is configured to move the data elsewhere. This process is part of the index lifecycle management in Splunk.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Managing Indexes

The correct SEDCMD setting to mask the credit card numbers, ensuring that the masked version replaces each digit with an "x" character, is Option A.

The SEDCMD syntax works as follows:

s/ starts the substitute command.

(?cc_num=\d{7})\d{9}/ matches the specific pattern of the credit card number in the logs.

\1xxxxxxxxx replaces the matched portion with the first captured group (the first 7 digits of the cc_num), followed by 9 "x" characters to mask the remaining digits.

/g ensures that the substitution is applied globally, throughout the string.

Thus, Option A correctly implements this requirement.

Splunk Documentation Reference: SEDCMD for Masking Data

The recommended method to test the onboarding of a new data source before putting it into production is to send test data to a test index. This approach allows you to validate data parsing, field extractions, and indexing behavior without affecting the production environment or data.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Onboarding New Data Sources

In Splunk, it's considered best practice to create small, single-purpose deployment apps rather than large, multi-purpose ones. This approach ensures better manageability, easier updates, and clearer version control. Option D, which suggests creating large, multi-purpose deployment apps, is not a best practice.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Deployment Server Best Practices

Universal Forwarders can connect directly to Splunk Cloud, and there is no limit on the number of Universal Forwarders that may connect directly to it. This capability allows organizations to scale their data ingestion easily by deploying as many Universal Forwarders as needed without the requirement for intermediate forwarders unless additional data processing, filtering, or load balancing is required.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Forwarding Data to Splunk Cloud

Explanation: The Universal Forwarder credentials package is available in the Splunk Cloud search head’s Universal Forwarder app for secure, managed deployment. [Reference: Splunk Docs on Universal Forwarder credentials package]

In Splunk Cloud, when there is a need for a change request that might involve modifying settings, upgrading, or other actions requiring Splunk Support, the process typically requires submitting a support case.

D. Any person with the appropriate entitlement: This is the correct answer. Any individual who has the necessary permissions or entitlements within the Splunk environment can submit a support case. This includes administrators or users who have been granted the ability to engage with Splunk Support. The request does not necessarily have to come from a Certified Splunk Cloud Administrator or the infrastructure owner; rather, it can be submitted by anyone with the correct level of access.

Splunk Documentation References:

Submitting a Splunk Support Case

Managing User Roles and Entitlements

Splunk executes scripts from specific directories that are structured within its installation paths. These directories typically include:

SPLUNK_HOME/etc/system/bin: This directory is used to store scripts that are part of the core Splunk system configuration.

SPLUNK_HOME/etc/apps/<app name>/bin: Each Splunk app can have its own bin directory where scripts specific to that app are stored.

SPLUNK_HOME/bin/scripts: This is a standard directory for storing scripts that may be globally accessible within Splunk's environment.

However, C. SPLUNKHOMS/ctc/scripts/local is not a recognized or standard path used by Splunk for executing scripts. This path does not adhere to the typical directory structure within the SPLUNK_HOME environment, making it the correct answer as it does not correspond to a valid script execution path in Splunk.

Splunk Documentation References:

Using Custom Scripts in Splunk

Directory Structure of SPLUNK_HOME

During the input phase in Splunk, the system processes incoming data by first setting the character encoding of the data. This step ensures that the data is correctly interpreted by Splunk, allowing it to be parsed and processed properly later in the pipeline. Other options describe actions that occur during later phases, such as parsing and indexing.

Splunk Documentation Reference: How data moves through the data pipeline

Explanation: The _internal index stores logs that are valuable for troubleshooting, including information about system operations, indexers, and search head logs. This index provides insights necessary to diagnose many common issues. [Reference: Splunk Docs on indexes]

Explanation: Using the oneshot command allows a direct check for data reception in the cloud environment. Logs can be verified in the cloud after the forwarder sends them. [Reference: Splunk Docs on testing forwarder data inputs]

The valid method for creating index-time field extractions is to create a configuration app that includes the necessary props.conf and/or transforms.conf configurations. This app can then be uploaded via the UI. Index-time field extractions must be defined in these configuration files to ensure that fields are extracted correctly during indexing.

Splunk Documentation Reference: Index-time field extractions

The SHOULD_LINEMERGE setting is used in Splunk to control whether or not multiple lines of an event should be combined into a single event. This setting is configured in the props.conf file, where Splunk handles data parsing and field extraction. Setting SHOULD_LINEMERGE = true merges lines together based on specific rules.

Splunk Documentation Reference: props.conf - SHOULD_LINEMERGE

SEDCMD is a directive used within the props.conf file in Splunk to perform inline data transformations. Specifically, it uses sed-like syntax to modify data as it is being processed.

A. Can only be used to mask or truncate raw data: This is the correct answer because SEDCMD is typically used to mask sensitive data, such as obscuring personally identifiable information (PII) or truncating parts of data to ensure privacy and compliance with security policies. It is not used for more complex transformations such as changing the sourcetype per event.

B. Configured in props.conf and transform.conf: Incorrect, SEDCMD is only configured in props.conf.

C. Can be used to manipulate the sourcetype per event: Incorrect, SEDCMD does not manipulate the sourcetype.

D. Operates on a REGEX pattern match of the source, sourcetype, or host of an event: Incorrect, while SEDCMD uses regex for matching patterns in the data, it does not operate on the source, sourcetype, or host specifically.

Splunk Documentation References:

SEDCMD Usage

Mask Data with SEDCMD