The correct answer is reflected XSS, because the malicious script is injected via a GET parameter and immediately reflected back in the server’s response without any sanitization or persistent storage. In this scenario, the unsanitized GET parameter `q` is echoed directly into a `<div>` tag, allowing the browser to execute the injected `<script>alert('xss')</script>` as part of the page. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish reflected XSS from stored or DOM-based variants by focusing on the request-response lifecycle—specifically, that the payload appears only in that single response and is not saved on the server. A common trap is confusing reflected XSS with stored XSS when the log shows a GET request; remember that storage requires the payload to persist in a database or file. For a quick memory tip, think “reflect and reject”—the script is reflected back immediately and rejected from storage, making it a one-shot attack.
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.
An analyst reviews a web server log and sees the following request: GET /search?q=<script>alert('xss')</script> HTTP/1.1. The response from the server includes the search term inside a <div> tag without any sanitization. Which type of XSS vulnerability does this indicate?
Why wrong: Stored XSS requires the payload to be stored on the server (e.g., in a database) and served to other users later. This request shows immediate reflection.
B
Reflected XSS
The script is injected via a URL parameter and immediately reflected in the server's response, which is the definition of reflected XSS.
C
DOM-based XSS
Why wrong: DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side JavaScript processes the input unsafely. Here the server directly reflects the input in HTML, indicating server-side reflection.
D
Blind XSS
Why wrong: Blind XSS occurs when the payload is stored and executed in a part of the application not directly visible to the attacker (e.g., admin panel). This is not blind.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reflected XSS
This is a typical reflected XSS because the malicious script is injected via a GET parameter and immediately reflected in the response without persistent storage.
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.
✗
Stored XSS
Why it's wrong here
Stored XSS requires the payload to be stored on the server (e.g., in a database) and served to other users later. This request shows immediate reflection.
✓
Reflected XSS
Why this is correct
The script is injected via a URL parameter and immediately reflected in the server's response, which is the definition of reflected XSS.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
DOM-based XSS
Why it's wrong here
DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side JavaScript processes the input unsafely. Here the server directly reflects the input in HTML, indicating server-side reflection.
✗
Blind XSS
Why it's wrong here
Blind XSS occurs when the payload is stored and executed in a part of the application not directly visible to the attacker (e.g., admin panel). This is not blind.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Stored XSS requires the payload to be stored on the server (e.g., in a database) and served to other users later. This request shows immediate reflection.
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: Reflected XSS — This is a typical reflected XSS because the malicious script is injected via a GET parameter and immediately reflected in the response without persistent storage.
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 penetration tester is assessing a web application and notices that the application reflects the User-Agent header in the response body without sanitization. What attack could be performed using this behavior?
medium
✓ A.Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
B.Directory traversal
C.Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)
D.SQL injection
Why A: Reflecting unsanitized input in HTTP headers can lead to reflected XSS.
Variation 2. A web application tester notices that the application reflects user input in the URL without proper encoding. The tester submits a payload <script>alert('xss')</script> in a search field and the script executes in the browser. Which type of XSS vulnerability is this MOST likely?
medium
A.Blind XSS
✓ B.Reflected XSS
C.Stored (persistent) XSS
D.DOM-based XSS
Why B: Reflected XSS occurs when user input is immediately returned by the server in the response without proper sanitization. The script executes once and is not stored, distinguishing it from stored XSS. DOM-based XSS would involve client-side JavaScript manipulation without server reflection.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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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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