The answer is local file inclusion (LFI), directory traversal, and file disclosure. This HTTP request uses the ../ sequence to navigate upward from the web root to the system’s /etc/passwd file, which is the classic signature of a path traversal attack. When a web application fails to sanitize user-supplied file paths, an attacker can read sensitive files (file disclosure) and, if the file content is executed or included by a server-side script, it becomes a local file inclusion vulnerability. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize that directory traversal and LFI are closely related but distinct—traversal reads files, while LFI includes them in script execution. A common trap is confusing this with command injection, which involves executing system commands, not reading files. Memory tip: think “dot-dot-slash equals path traversal; if it’s read, it’s disclosure; if it’s included, it’s LFI.”
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 engineer is reviewing web server logs and finds the following request: GET /files/../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1. Which THREE attacks could be associated with this request? (Choose THREE.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Directory traversal
The request uses path traversal to access /etc/passwd (directory traversal/LFI). It can be used for file disclosure, and if the file is included in a script, it could be LFI. Command injection is not related.
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.
✓
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
The ../ patterns indicate traversal out of the web root.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✓
File disclosure
Why this is correct
The request aims to read the contents of /etc/passwd, revealing sensitive information.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
There is no SQL syntax in the request.
✗
Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection involves injecting OS commands, not path traversal.
✓
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why this is correct
If the web application includes files based on user input, this path could be used to include /etc/passwd.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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 injecting OS commands, not path traversal.
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 — The request uses path traversal to access /etc/passwd (directory traversal/LFI). It can be used for file disclosure, and if the file is included in a script, it could be LFI. Command injection is not related.
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.
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Question Discussion
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