The answer is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection attack. This is correct because the payload defines an external entity named `xxe` that references the `file:///etc/passwd` URI, and the server’s XML parser processes that entity, reading the local file and reflecting its contents in the response. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to identify server-side processing flaws where XML parsers are misconfigured to allow external entity resolution—a common vector for data exfiltration. A frequent trap is confusing XXE with Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF), but the key distinction is that XXE specifically abuses XML entity syntax to read files or perform internal network requests. For a quick memory tip, remember “XXE = eXternal eXploit via Entity,” linking the double “X” to the external file read.
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.
An application allows users to upload XML files for processing. A tester uploads the following payload: <?xml version="1.0"?><!DOCTYPE foo [<!ENTITY xxe SYSTEM "file:///etc/passwd">]><root>&xxe;</root>. The server returns the contents of /etc/passwd. Which attack is being performed?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
XML External Entity (XXE) injection
This is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection attack, where an external entity is defined to read a local file. The server's XML parser processes the entity and reflects the file content, confirming the vulnerability.
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.
✓
XML External Entity (XXE) injection
Why this is correct
The DOCTYPE and entity declaration are classic XXE, and the file read confirms it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
No SQL syntax is involved; the payload is XML with an entity declaration.
✗
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting scripts into web pages; this payload reads a file via XML parsing.
✗
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Why it's wrong here
SSRF forces the server to make HTTP requests; this reads a file using the file:// protocol.
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: XML External Entity (XXE) injection — This is an XML External Entity (XXE) injection attack, where an external entity is defined to read a local file. The server's XML parser processes the entity and reflects the file content, confirming the vulnerability.
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.
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Question Discussion
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