The correct answer is directory traversal, as the Snort alert signature 'ET WEB_SERVER ATTACKS Directory Traversal Attempt' is specifically designed to detect patterns like '../' or their unicode encoding variants such as '%2e%2e%2f' within HTTP request URIs. This unicode encoding directory traversal technique attempts to bypass simple string filters by representing the dot-dot-slash sequence in hexadecimal, allowing an attacker to navigate outside the web root directory to access sensitive files like /etc/passwd. On the Cisco CyberOps Associate 200-201 exam, this question tests your ability to interpret Snort alert signatures and map them to attack categories, with a common trap being to confuse directory traversal with SQL injection or XSS—but the alert explicitly targets path traversal patterns, not database or script injection syntax. A helpful memory tip: think of the '%2e%2e%2f' as "dot-dot-slash in disguise," and remember that any alert referencing 'Directory Traversal Attempt' in the signature name is a dead giveaway for this attack.
200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
This 200-201 practice question tests your understanding of network intrusion analysis. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
[**] [1:256:1] ET WEB_SERVER Possible Unicode Encoding Bypass [**]
Which type of attack does this Snort alert most likely indicate?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 Snort alert signature 'ET WEB_SERVER ATTACKS Directory Traversal Attempt' specifically detects patterns like '../' or encoded variants (e.g., '%2e%2e%2f') in HTTP requests. This indicates an attempt to access files outside the web root directory, which is the hallmark of a directory traversal attack. The alert triggers on the URI path, not on SQL syntax or script injection patterns.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Buffer overflow
Why it's wrong here
Buffer overflow exploits memory corruption, not path traversal.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection usually involves SQL commands, not Unicode encoding.
✓
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
Unicode bypass of './' and '../' filters is a known directory traversal technique.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
XSS often uses script tags, not Unicode path traversal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the ability to distinguish between web application attacks by focusing on the specific payload pattern in the alert signature, where candidates confuse directory traversal with SQL injection or XSS because all three involve HTTP requests.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
SQL injection usually involves SQL commands, not Unicode encoding.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Directory traversal exploits the lack of input validation in web applications to read arbitrary files (e.g., /etc/passwd) by using '../' sequences to escape the web root. Snort rules for this attack often use content matching with relative path patterns and may also detect URL-encoded variants like '%c0%ae%c0%ae/' (UTF-8 overlong encoding) to bypass simple filters. In real-world scenarios, attackers combine this with file inclusion vulnerabilities to execute code or exfiltrate sensitive data.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Network Intrusion Analysis — This question tests Network Intrusion Analysis — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Directory traversal — The Snort alert signature 'ET WEB_SERVER ATTACKS Directory Traversal Attempt' specifically detects patterns like '../' or encoded variants (e.g., '%2e%2e%2f') in HTTP requests. This indicates an attempt to access files outside the web root directory, which is the hallmark of a directory traversal attack. The alert triggers on the URI path, not on SQL syntax or script injection patterns.
What should I do if I get this 200-201 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. An intrusion detection system (IDS) generates an alert for a packet containing the string '/etc/passwd'. What type of attack is likely detected?
easy
✓ A.Directory traversal
B.Cross-site scripting
C.Buffer overflow
D.SQL injection
Why A: 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.
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 2026
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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.
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