Quick Answer
The answer is command injection, specifically a command injection (CGI) attack. This is correct because the log entry shows a GET request to a CGI script with a `cmd` parameter set to `id`, a standard Unix command. CGI scripts often pass user input directly to the operating system shell without proper sanitization, allowing an attacker to execute arbitrary system commands by manipulating parameters like `cmd`. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize web application vulnerabilities, particularly in legacy or misconfigured CGI environments. A common trap is confusing this with remote file inclusion or SQL injection, but the presence of a system command like `id` or `whoami` in the URL is a dead giveaway. Memory tip: if you see `cmd=` in a CGI path, think “command injection” — the attacker is commanding the server.
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 the following in Apache access logs: 'GET /cgi-bin/test.cgi?cmd=id HTTP/1.1' 200. This is most likely an attempt at which attack?
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.
Command injection
The parameter 'cmd' suggests the CGI script passes input to a shell, allowing command injection.
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why wrong: LFI would involve file paths, not commands.
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection would involve SQL syntax, not 'cmd=id'.
Directory traversal
Why wrong: Directory traversal would involve path traversal sequences like '../'.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Command injection
The 'cmd' parameter in a CGI script is a common indicator of command injection, where the attacker tries to execute system commands.
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.
Command injection
Why this is correct
The parameter 'cmd' suggests the CGI script passes input to a shell, allowing command injection.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why it's wrong here
LFI would involve file paths, not commands.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection would involve SQL syntax, not 'cmd=id'.
Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
Directory traversal would involve path traversal sequences like '../'.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
LFI would involve file paths, not commands.
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.
Web Application and Injection Attacks — study guide chapter
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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: Command injection — The 'cmd' parameter in a CGI script is a common indicator of command injection, where the attacker tries to execute system commands.
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". 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.
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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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