Quick Answer
The answer is the OPTIONS method. This is because the HTTP OPTIONS request queries the server to list all supported HTTP methods, and when WebDAV is enabled on an IIS server, the response will include methods like PUT, DELETE, PROPFIND, and MOVE. A penetration tester uses OPTIONS first to check if WebDAV is enabled and allows file uploads, since the presence of PUT in the response confirms the ability to upload a web shell. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your understanding of reconnaissance and server misconfiguration exploitation; a common trap is jumping straight to PUT without verifying with OPTIONS first, which wastes time or triggers logging. Remember the memory tip: “OPTIONS opens the door, PUT puts the payload on the floor.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of web application and injection attacks. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A penetration tester is testing an IIS web server and wants to exploit a WebDAV misconfiguration to upload a web shell. Which HTTP method should the tester check to determine if WebDAV is enabled and allows file uploads?
OPTIONS
OPTIONS returns the list of allowed methods, revealing if PUT or other WebDAV methods are enabled.
MOVE
Why wrong: MOVE is a WebDAV method used to move files, not to discover allowed methods.
PUT
Why wrong: PUT is the method to upload a file, but the tester needs to first discover if it's allowed via OPTIONS.
PROPFIND
Why wrong: PROPFIND retrieves properties of a resource, but does not directly show allowed methods.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
OPTIONS
The OPTIONS method queries the server for supported HTTP methods. If WebDAV is enabled, the response will include methods like PUT, DELETE, PROPFIND, etc. PUT is used for upload, but OPTIONS first confirms availability.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
OPTIONS
Why this is correct
OPTIONS returns the list of allowed methods, revealing if PUT or other WebDAV methods are enabled.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
MOVE
Why it's wrong here
MOVE is a WebDAV method used to move files, not to discover allowed methods.
PUT
Why it's wrong here
PUT is the method to upload a file, but the tester needs to first discover if it's allowed via OPTIONS.
PROPFIND
Why it's wrong here
PROPFIND retrieves properties of a resource, but does not directly show allowed methods.
Common exam traps
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
PROPFIND retrieves properties of a resource, but does not directly show allowed methods.
Detailed technical explanation
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CEH exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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FAQ
Web Application and Injection Attacks — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: OPTIONS — The OPTIONS method queries the server for supported HTTP methods. If WebDAV is enabled, the response will include methods like PUT, DELETE, PROPFIND, etc. PUT is used for upload, but OPTIONS first confirms availability.
Identify which CEH exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CEH practice question is part of Courseiva's free EC-Council 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 CEH exam.
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