easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
200-201 Practice Question: An intrusion detection system (IDS) generates an…
An intrusion detection system (IDS) generates an alert for a packet containing the string '/etc/passwd'. What type of attack is likely detected?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between attack types by using a specific string like '/etc/passwd' to mislead candidates into thinking of SQL injection or XSS, when the key is recognizing that file path references in payloads indicate directory traversal.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Directory traversal
The string '/etc/passwd' is a classic indicator of a directory traversal attack, where an attacker attempts to access files outside the web root directory by manipulating path parameters. An IDS detecting this string in a packet payload (e.g., in a URL or HTTP request) suggests the attacker is trying to read the Unix password file, which is a common target in path traversal exploits. This attack exploits insufficient input validation to navigate the file system using '../' sequences or absolute paths.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
/etc/passwd is a common target for directory traversal.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting scripts, not file paths.
- ✗
Buffer overflow
Why it's wrong here
Buffer overflow exploits focus on memory, not file paths.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection uses SQL statements, not file paths.
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 979 original 200-201 practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 200-201 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 200-201 exam.