The answer is directory traversal, also known as path traversal. This attack is correct because it exploits insufficient input validation to access files outside the web root by manipulating the 'page' parameter with '../' sequences, which navigate upward through the directory structure to reach sensitive system files like '/etc/passwd'. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of web application vulnerabilities and input sanitization failures; it often appears in questions about file inclusion or insecure parameter handling. A common trap is confusing directory traversal with Local File Inclusion (LFI)—remember that traversal focuses on escaping the web root via path sequences, while LFI typically involves including files through functions like include(). For a quick memory tip, think of the "dot-dot-slash" as a ladder: each '../' climbs one directory higher, so count the slashes to gauge how far the attacker can reach.
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 security analyst identifies a vulnerability where an attacker can include a local file such as '/etc/passwd' by manipulating the 'page' parameter in the URL: http://example.com/index.php?page=../../../../etc/passwd. What type of attack is this?
Why wrong: Command injection involves executing system commands, not reading files via path manipulation.
B
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why wrong: LFI typically involves including a local file in the application's execution context (e.g., via include()), which can lead to code execution. Directory traversal is simply reading a file. However, the line between them can blur; many consider this directory traversal. But LFI often implies inclusion for execution, not just reading.
C
Directory traversal
The use of '../' to navigate the file system is classic directory traversal. It allows reading arbitrary files.
D
Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
Why wrong: RFI involves including a remote file (e.g., from an external URL), not a local one.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Directory traversal
Directory traversal (also known as path traversal) exploits insufficient input validation to access files outside the web root by using '..' sequences.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection involves executing system commands, not reading files via path manipulation.
✗
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why it's wrong here
LFI typically involves including a local file in the application's execution context (e.g., via include()), which can lead to code execution. Directory traversal is simply reading a file. However, the line between them can blur; many consider this directory traversal. But LFI often implies inclusion for execution, not just reading.
✓
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
The use of '../' to navigate the file system is classic directory traversal. It allows reading arbitrary files.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
Why it's wrong here
RFI involves including a remote file (e.g., from an external URL), not a local one.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection involves executing system commands, not reading files via path manipulation.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Web Application and Injection Attacks — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Directory traversal — Directory traversal (also known as path traversal) exploits insufficient input validation to access files outside the web root by using '..' sequences.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CEH NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
About these practice questions
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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. An analyst observes the following log entry on a web server: GET /../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1 200. Which type of attack is indicated?
medium
✓ A.Directory traversal
B.SSRF
C.LFI
D.Command injection
Why A: The log shows a request attempting to traverse directories using '../' to access a sensitive system file (/etc/passwd), which is directory traversal.
Variation 2. During a penetration test, you identify a parameter in a web application that appears to fetch a file from the server. You modify the parameter to '../../../etc/passwd' and see the contents of the passwd file. Which type of vulnerability is this?
medium
A.Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
✓ B.Directory traversal
C.Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
D.Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why B: The use of '../' sequences to traverse directories and access files outside the web root is classic directory traversal.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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