The answer is session hijacking by including session files, along with remote code execution via log poisoning and local file disclosure of sensitive files like /etc/passwd. These three represent the core impacts of a file inclusion vulnerability because an attacker can leverage the inclusion mechanism to read arbitrary files from the server, inject malicious code into accessible logs and then include those logs to achieve code execution, or include stored session files to hijack active user sessions. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your understanding of how Local File Inclusion (LFI) differs from Remote File Inclusion (RFI) and why port scanning is a red herring—it is a reconnaissance technique, not a direct exploitation outcome of file inclusion. A common trap is confusing indirect impacts with direct ones; remember that LFI directly enables file disclosure, code execution, and session hijacking, but does not itself scan ports. Memory tip: “Read, Execute, Hijack”—the three direct outcomes of file inclusion.
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.
During a web application penetration test, a tester discovers a file inclusion vulnerability. Which THREE of the following are potential impacts or exploitation scenarios? (Choose THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Disclosure of sensitive files like /etc/passwd
LFI can lead to remote code execution (via log poisoning), local file disclosure (e.g., /etc/passwd), and session hijacking (by including session files). Port scanning is not a direct impact of file inclusion.
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.
✓
Disclosure of sensitive files like /etc/passwd
Why this is correct
LFI allows reading arbitrary files on the server.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Remote code execution via log poisoning
Why this is correct
An attacker can inject PHP code into log files and include them to execute code.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Port scanning of internal network hosts
Why it's wrong here
File inclusion alone does not enable network port scanning; it only reads/includes files.
✗
Denial of service by including large files
Why it's wrong here
While possible, it is not a primary impact; typical impacts are data disclosure and code execution.
✓
Session hijacking by including session files
Why this is correct
Including session files can reveal session data or allow session fixation.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
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.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
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.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CEH question in full detail.
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 — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Disclosure of sensitive files like /etc/passwd — LFI can lead to remote code execution (via log poisoning), local file disclosure (e.g., /etc/passwd), and session hijacking (by including session files). Port scanning is not a direct impact of file inclusion.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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. A web application uses a URL parameter to fetch a file from the server, e.g., 'download.php?file=report.pdf'. An attacker changes the parameter to '../../etc/passwd' and retrieves the password file. This attack is known as:
medium
A.Command injection
B.Local File Inclusion (LFI)
✓ C.Directory traversal
D.Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
Why C: Directory traversal (also known as path traversal) allows an attacker to access files outside the intended directory by using '../' sequences.
Variation 2. During a penetration test, you find a web application that includes files using a parameter like /index.php?page=about. When you change the parameter to /etc/passwd, the application returns the contents of the password file. Which vulnerability is present?
medium
✓ A.Local File Inclusion (LFI)
B.Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
C.Command Injection
D.Directory Traversal
Why A: Local File Inclusion (LFI) allows an attacker to include local files on the server through path traversal or direct inclusion.
Variation 3. A web application uses a parameter 'file' to include server-side files. The following request is intercepted: GET /page.php?file=../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1. The response contains the contents of /etc/passwd. This vulnerability is most likely which of the following?
hard
A.Local File Inclusion (LFI)
✓ B.Directory Traversal
C.Command Injection
D.Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
Why B: The request uses path traversal sequences (../) to include a file outside the web root, which is a classic path traversal (directory traversal) vulnerability.
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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