200-201 Network Intrusion Analysis Practice Question
While analyzing a PCAP, an analyst uses the Wireshark filter 'http.request' and finds a URI parameter containing '%27%20UNION%20SELECT%201,2,3%20--'. What type of attack is indicated?
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
✓
SQL injection
The URL-encoded string decodes to a SQL injection attempt with UNION SELECT. SQL injection often appears in HTTP parameters.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
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Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS uses script tags, not SQL keywords.
- ✓
SQL injection
Why this is correct
The URI parameter `%27%20UNION%20SELECT%201,2,3%20--` is URL-encoded, where `%27` decodes to a single quote (`'`), `%20` to a space, and `--` to an SQL comment. This payload injects a single quote to break out of a string context, then appends a `UNION SELECT` statement to retrieve arbitrary data, with the comment `--` suppressing the remainder of the original query. This directly satisfies the constraint of manipulating SQL syntax via user-supplied input, confirming SQL injection.
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Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection uses system commands.
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Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
Directory traversal uses '../' patterns.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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