The correct answer is directory traversal, as the exhibit clearly shows a URL parameter containing `../` sequences like `?file=../../etc/passwd`, which is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack. This attack exploits insufficient input validation in the application’s file retrieval logic, allowing an attacker to navigate outside the web root directory and access restricted system files such as `/etc/passwd`. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize path manipulation in HTTP requests, often appearing in web application penetration testing questions where a file inclusion or download function is abused. A common trap is confusing directory traversal with Local File Inclusion (LFI); remember that traversal focuses on escaping directories via `../` to read arbitrary files, while LFI often involves including files for execution. For a quick memory tip, think of the “dot-dot-slash” as the attacker’s ladder—each `../` climbs one directory higher out of the web root.
CEH Introduction to Ethical Hacking Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of introduction to ethical hacking. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Directory Traversal
The exhibit shows a URL parameter (e.g., `?file=../../etc/passwd`) that uses `../` sequences to traverse outside the web root directory. This is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack, which attempts to access restricted files like `/etc/passwd` by manipulating file path references. The attack exploits insufficient input validation in the application's file retrieval logic.
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.
✓
Directory Traversal
Why this is correct
The encoded path attempts to access /etc/passwd via traversal.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Command Injection
Why it's wrong here
No command syntax observed.
✗
SQL Injection
Why it's wrong here
No SQL syntax observed.
✗
Cross-Site Scripting
Why it's wrong here
No script tags or malicious HTML.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse directory traversal with command injection because both involve manipulating input to access system resources, but directory traversal uses path sequences (`../`) while command injection uses shell metacharacters (`;`, `|`, `&`).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No command syntax observed.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Directory traversal attacks rely on the fact that many web applications use relative paths to serve files. The `../` sequence moves up one directory level in Unix/Linux filesystems (and Windows with `..\`). A successful attack can read sensitive files like `/etc/shadow`, application source code, or configuration files. Modern defenses include input validation that strips or blocks `../` patterns, using a whitelist of allowed files, or employing chroot jails to restrict file access.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
Introduction to Ethical Hacking — This question tests Introduction to Ethical Hacking — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Directory Traversal — The exhibit shows a URL parameter (e.g., `?file=../../etc/passwd`) that uses `../` sequences to traverse outside the web root directory. This is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack, which attempts to access restricted files like `/etc/passwd` by manipulating file path references. The attack exploits insufficient input validation in the application's file retrieval logic.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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