During a penetration test, you notice an unusually large number of files with a .tmp extension in a system directory that typically contains very few files. What might this observation suggest?
The presence of an unusually large number of .tmp files in a system directory could suggest that malware or unauthorized scripts have been executed on the system. These files could be remnants of malicious software that was downloaded and executed to compromise the system. It's important for penetration testers to recognize such abnormalities as potential indicators of prior compromise. Large log file sizes might simply indicate verbose logging settings or a long period without maintenance. Standard backup files are common for recovery purposes and do not necessarily suggest a compromise. Sequentially named document files could be a sign of normal user or system activity rather than a compromise.
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What are .tmp files and why are they created?
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