easyMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CAS-004 Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, which vulnerability is…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. 192.168.1.10 - - [27/Feb/2025:10:30:15 +0000] "GET /../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1" 200 2345
Based on the exhibit, which vulnerability is being exploited?
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 GET request in the exhibit uses '../' sequences to traverse directories and access the /etc/passwd file, which is characteristic of a directory traversal attack. Option A (CSRF) is wrong because CSRF attacks rely on exploiting a user's authenticated session to perform unintended actions, not directory path manipulation. Option B (SQL injection) is wrong because there is no SQL syntax or database query involved. Option D (XSS) is wrong because no scripts or client-side code execution is present.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tricks user into actions, not direct file access.
- ✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
The request does not contain SQL syntax.
- ✓
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
The path contains ../ to escape web root and read system files.
- ✗
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting scripts, not file paths.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CAS-005 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-005 exam.