Quick Answer
The answer is Slowloris, as this attack is defined by its method of sending numerous incomplete HTTP GET requests from many different IP addresses, each opened slowly to keep connections alive and exhaust the server’s connection pool. This is correct because Slowloris is an application-layer DDoS attack that deliberately sends partial headers, never completing the request, which forces the web server to hold each connection open until it reaches its maximum concurrent limit, thereby denying service to legitimate users. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish Slowloris from other DoS attacks like SYN flood or HTTP flood; a common trap is confusing it with a volumetric attack, but the key clue is the *slow* sending of partial requests from multiple sources. Remember the memory tip: “Slowloris sends slow, partial headers to hold the door open—think of a lazy lizard that never finishes its meal.”
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of malware, social engineering and network attacks. Examine the command output carefully: the correct answer depends on what the output actually shows, not on general recall alone. 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 security analyst notices that a web server is responding very slowly to legitimate requests. The server logs show many incomplete HTTP GET requests that never complete, each opened slowly over time from many different IP addresses. Which attack is most likely occurring?
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.
Clue: "never"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. True only if the statement has zero exceptions — be cautious of options that seem obvious but break down in edge cases.
Ping of Death
Why wrong: Ping of Death uses oversized ICMP packets, not HTTP.
HTTP flood
Why wrong: HTTP flood sends many complete requests, not partial slow ones.
SYN flood
Why wrong: SYN flood involves TCP SYN packets, not incomplete HTTP requests.
Slowloris
Slowloris sends slow partial HTTP headers to keep connections open.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Slowloris
Slowloris is an application-layer DDoS attack that holds connections open by sending partial HTTP requests, exhausting server connection pools. It uses many sources and slow sending.
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.
Ping of Death
HTTP flood
Why it's wrong here
HTTP flood sends many complete requests, not partial slow ones.
SYN flood
Slowloris
Why this is correct
Slowloris sends slow partial HTTP headers to keep connections open.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "never" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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.
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All CEH questions
1,010 questions across all exam domains
Certified Ethical Hacker CEH study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
CEH practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.
Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.
Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.
Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.
Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.
Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.
Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.
Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — This question tests Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Slowloris — Slowloris is an application-layer DDoS attack that holds connections open by sending partial HTTP requests, exhausting server connection pools. It uses many sources and slow sending.
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.
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "never". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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. A security analyst notices that a web server is experiencing slow response times, and the connection logs show many incomplete HTTP requests from various IP addresses, each keeping connections open for long periods. Which attack is MOST likely occurring?
mediumWhy B: Slowloris is a low-bandwidth application-layer DoS attack that keeps many connections open by sending partial HTTP requests, exhausting server resources.
Variation 2. An analyst observes that a web server is receiving many HTTP GET requests with random parameter values, each request taking a long time to complete. The server's connection pool is exhausted, and legitimate users cannot access the site. Which attack is MOST likely occurring?
hardWhy C: Slowloris sends partial HTTP requests to keep connections open, exhausting the server's connection pool.
Keep practising
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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.