The answer is to set 'Options -Indexes' in the httpd.conf or .htaccess file. This configuration change works because the Indexes option in Apache’s Directory directive controls whether the server generates a directory listing when no index file (like index.html) exists; by prefixing it with a minus sign, you explicitly disable that behavior, forcing Apache to return a 403 Forbidden error instead. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this tests your understanding of web server hardening and common misconfigurations that leak sensitive information—a classic vulnerability in the enumeration phase. A common trap is confusing Options -Indexes with disabling directory browsing entirely via other directives, but remember that -Indexes is the precise toggle. For a quick memory tip, think of the minus sign as a “delete” button for the directory index: you are subtracting the ability to list files, so your server stays silent on its contents.
CEH Web Application and Injection Attacks Practice Question
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of web application and injection attacks. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 organization wants to prevent directory listing on its Apache web server. Which of the following configuration changes would achieve this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set 'Options -Indexes' in the httpd.conf or .htaccess file
Disabling the Indexes option in the Directory directive prevents Apache from listing directory contents when no index file exists.
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.
✗
Set 'AllowOverride None'
Why it's wrong here
This disables .htaccess overrides but does not prevent directory listing.
✗
Set 'ServerSignature Off'
Why it's wrong here
This hides server version information, not directory listing.
✓
Set 'Options -Indexes' in the httpd.conf or .htaccess file
Why this is correct
The Indexes option controls directory listing; removing it disables listing.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Set 'DirectoryIndex disabled'
Why it's wrong here
This disables the default index file, but still may show directory listing.
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
This disables the default index file, but still may show directory listing.
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: Set 'Options -Indexes' in the httpd.conf or .htaccess file — Disabling the Indexes option in the Directory directive prevents Apache from listing directory contents when no index file exists.
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. During a penetration test, the tester finds that the Apache server is configured with directory listing enabled on the /uploads directory. The tester navigates to http://example.com/uploads/ and sees a list of files. Which of the following is the MOST immediate security concern?
hard
✓ A.Sensitive files may be exposed to unauthorized users
B.The server is running an outdated version of Apache
C.The server is vulnerable to cross-site scripting (XSS) attacks
D.An attacker can upload malicious files to the directory
Why A: Directory listing exposes file names that may reveal sensitive information (e.g., backup files, config files). Attackers can then attempt to access these files directly, potentially leading to data disclosure.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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