Quick Answer
The answer is Reflected XSS. This classification is correct because the vulnerability involves user input being immediately echoed back by the server without sanitization, but the payload is not stored—it only executes when a victim clicks a crafted link containing the malicious script. In contrast, stored XSS persists the payload on the server for later delivery, while DOM-based XSS manipulates the client-side environment without server reflection. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this distinction tests your ability to identify attack vectors based on where the payload resides and how it reaches the victim; a common trap is confusing reflected XSS with DOM-based XSS because both can involve crafted URLs, but reflected XSS always involves the server in the response. For a quick memory tip, think “Reflected = Request reflected back; Stored = Server stores; DOM = Document Object Model only.”
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 discovers that a web application's search box reflects user input without proper sanitization. However, the attacker must trick a victim into clicking a crafted link containing the malicious script. This vulnerability is classified as which type?
Blind XSS
Why wrong: Blind XSS is a subtype of stored XSS where the payload executes in a different context.
Stored XSS
Why wrong: Stored XSS does not require a crafted link; the payload is saved on the server.
DOM-based XSS
Why wrong: DOM-based XSS originates from client-side scripts, not server reflection.
Reflected XSS
Reflected XSS is non-persistent and requires the victim to click a crafted link containing the payload.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Reflected XSS
Reflected XSS requires user interaction (clicking a link) to execute the script in the victim's browser. The payload is not stored on the server, distinguishing it from stored XSS. DOM-based XSS does not involve server reflection.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Blind XSS
Why it's wrong here
Blind XSS is a subtype of stored XSS where the payload executes in a different context.
Stored XSS
Why it's wrong here
Stored XSS does not require a crafted link; the payload is saved on the server.
DOM-based XSS
Why it's wrong here
DOM-based XSS originates from client-side scripts, not server reflection.
Reflected XSS
Why this is correct
Reflected XSS is non-persistent and requires the victim to click a crafted link containing the payload.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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.
What to study next
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.
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FAQ
Web Application and Injection Attacks — This question tests Web Application and Injection Attacks — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Reflected XSS — Reflected XSS requires user interaction (clicking a link) to execute the script in the victim's browser. The payload is not stored on the server, distinguishing it from stored XSS. DOM-based XSS does not involve server reflection.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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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