Quick Answer
The answer is SQL Injection and Cross-Site Scripting (XSS). SQL Injection allows an attacker to inject malicious SQL code into database queries through unsanitized user inputs, potentially exposing or destroying sensitive data, while XSS enables the injection of client-side scripts, typically JavaScript, into web pages viewed by other users, often to steal session tokens or deface sites. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, these two are frequently paired as the most common web application injection vulnerabilities, testing your ability to distinguish between server-side (SQLi) and client-side (XSS) injection attacks. A common trap is confusing XSS with command injection or forgetting that both involve injecting code but target different layers. Memory tip: think "SQL for the server, XSS for the browser" to keep them straight.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of network and web application 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.
Which TWO of the following are common web application vulnerabilities that allow an attacker to inject malicious code? (Select exactly 2)
Brute Force
Why wrong: Brute force is a password guessing attack.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
XSS injects client-side scripts.
Path Traversal
Why wrong: Path traversal accesses files but does not inject code.
SQL Injection
SQL injection injects SQL queries.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Why wrong: CSRF is not an injection attack.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a common web application vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious client-side scripts (typically JavaScript) into web pages viewed by other users. This occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or escaping, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the victim's browser within the context of the trusted site.
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.
Brute Force
Why it's wrong here
Brute force is a password guessing attack.
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Why this is correct
XSS injects client-side scripts.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Path Traversal
Why it's wrong here
Path traversal accesses files but does not inject code.
SQL Injection
Why this is correct
SQL injection injects SQL queries.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF is not an injection attack.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) with an injection vulnerability, but CSRF does not inject code into the application; it forges requests using the victim's authenticated session, whereas XSS and SQL Injection directly inject malicious code (scripts or SQL commands) into the application's execution context.
Detailed technical explanation
In XSS, the injected script runs in the victim's browser with the same origin as the vulnerable site, allowing it to access cookies, session tokens, and other sensitive data via the Document Object Model (DOM). SQL Injection exploits improper sanitization of user input in SQL queries, allowing an attacker to manipulate database commands (e.g., appending ' OR 1=1 --) to bypass authentication or extract data. Both vulnerabilities stem from failing to treat user-supplied data as untrusted and not using parameterized queries or output encoding.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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FAQ
Network and Web Application Attacks — This question tests Network and Web Application Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) — Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is a common web application vulnerability that allows an attacker to inject malicious client-side scripts (typically JavaScript) into web pages viewed by other users. This occurs when an application includes untrusted data in a web page without proper validation or escaping, enabling the attacker to execute arbitrary code in the victim's browser within the context of the trusted site.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 2026
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