The event timeline indicates a sequence where a file (hr-reporting.docx) was saved, scanned, executed, and eventually found to contain malware. The critical issue here is that the malware scan completed after the file was already executed. This suggests a Time-Of-Check to Time-Of-Use (TOCTOU) vulnerability, where the state of the file changed between the time it was checked and the time it was used.
Reference:
CompTIA SecurityX Study Guide: Discusses TOCTOU vulnerabilities as a timing attack where the state of a resource changes after it has been validated.
NIST Special Publication 800-53, "Security and Privacy Controls for Federal Information Systems and Organizations": Recommends addressing TOCTOU vulnerabilities to ensure the integrity of security operations.
"The Art of Software Security Assessment" by Mark Dowd, John McDonald, and Justin Schuh: Covers logic flaws and timing vulnerabilities, including TOCTOU issues.