Quick Answer
The answer is stored XSS (persistent cross-site scripting). This is correct because the malicious JavaScript payload is permanently stored on the server—in this case, within the blog’s comment database—and executes automatically in any user’s browser when they load the page containing that comment. Unlike reflected XSS, which requires a victim to click a crafted link, stored XSS does not rely on social engineering; the attack is self-contained and fires on every page view. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish attack vectors by their data flow: stored XSS involves server-side persistence, while reflected XSS involves immediate server response without storage. A common trap is confusing stored XSS with DOM-based XSS, but remember that DOM-based XSS never touches the server. Memory tip: think “Store it and forget it”—the payload is stored once, then fires for every visitor without further action from the attacker.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of web application and injection attacks. 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.
A security analyst observes that after a user submits a comment on a blog, the comment is displayed immediately on the page without sanitization. Another user visits the page and the comment's JavaScript executes in their browser. Which type of XSS attack is this?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "immediately / without restart"
Why it matters: Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
DOM-based XSS
Why wrong: DOM-based XSS occurs in the client-side script, not stored on the server.
Reflected XSS
Why wrong: Reflected XSS is not stored; it executes immediately from the HTTP response.
Self-XSS
Why wrong: Self-XSS requires the user to paste code into the console.
Stored XSS
The comment is stored and executed for all users.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Stored XSS
The comment is stored on the server and executed when other users view the page, which is the definition of stored (persistent) XSS.
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.
DOM-based XSS
Why it's wrong here
DOM-based XSS occurs in the client-side script, not stored on the server.
Reflected XSS
Why it's wrong here
Reflected XSS is not stored; it executes immediately from the HTTP response.
Self-XSS
Why it's wrong here
Self-XSS requires the user to paste code into the console.
Stored XSS
Why this is correct
The comment is stored and executed for all users.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "immediately / without restart" 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.
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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: Stored XSS — The comment is stored on the server and executed when other users view the page, which is the definition of stored (persistent) XSS.
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: "immediately / without restart". Time or reboot constraint — the correct answer must take effect right away without requiring a reboot or reload.
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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