Question 340 of 1,010
Web Application and Injection AttackshardMultiple SelectObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the application accepts a URL parameter that is fetched by the server, as this is the foundational mechanism enabling Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF). When an attacker can control a URL that the server processes, they can force the server to make unintended requests, often to internal IP addresses or services that are not normally accessible from the outside. This is why SSRF indicators also include requests to private ranges like 10.0.0.0/8 or 127.0.0.1, and the use of unusual URL schemas such as file:// or dict:// to read local files or interact with internal protocols. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your ability to spot input validation flaws that bypass network segmentation, often appearing in web application attack scenarios. A common trap is confusing SSRF with open redirects—remember that SSRF involves the server making the request, not the client. For a quick memory tip, think “Server Sends Requests” and watch for any URL parameter that the backend fetches, especially if it points to localhost or uses non-HTTP schemas.

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.

Which THREE of the following are common indicators of a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability? (Select 3)

Question 1hardmulti select
Full question →

Answer choices

Why each option matters

Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.

Correct answer & explanation

The server returns data from internal services like http://localhost/ or http://192.168.x.x/

SSRF often involves requests to internal IPs or services, use of URL schemas like file://, and responses including internal data.

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.

  • The server returns data from internal services like http://localhost/ or http://192.168.x.x/

    Why this is correct

    Responses containing data from internal IPs indicate the server made requests to internal resources.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • The application supports file:// or dict:// URL schemes in user input

    Why this is correct

    Supporting file:// or other non-HTTP schemes can allow reading local files or interacting with internal services.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • The application reflects user input in the page source without encoding

    Why it's wrong here

    This indicates XSS, not SSRF.

  • The application accepts a URL parameter that is fetched by the server

    Why this is correct

    If the server fetches a URL provided by the user, it can be exploited for SSRF.

    Related concept

    Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.

  • The server responds with a different delay when a URL is provided versus a non-URL input

    Why it's wrong here

    Time delays could indicate injection or resource fetching but are not specific to SSRF.

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.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

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.

Related practice questions

Related CEH practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting, Reconnaissance and Scanning.

Enumeration and System Hacking practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Enumeration and System Hacking.

Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Malware, Social Engineering and Network Attacks.

Web Application and Injection Attacks practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Web Application and Injection Attacks.

Introduction to Ethical Hacking practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Introduction to Ethical Hacking.

Scanning Networks and Enumeration practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Scanning Networks and Enumeration.

Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Vulnerability Analysis and System Hacking.

Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography.

Footprinting and Reconnaissance practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Footprinting and Reconnaissance.

Network and Web Application Attacks practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Network and Web Application Attacks.

Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Wireless, IoT and Cloud Security.

Cryptography and Malware Analysis practice questions

Practise CEH questions linked to Cryptography and Malware Analysis.

Practice this exam

Start a free CEH practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this CEH question test?

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: The server returns data from internal services like http://localhost/ or http://192.168.x.x/ — SSRF often involves requests to internal IPs or services, use of URL schemas like file://, and responses including internal data.

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 →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Same concept, more angles

2 more ways this is tested on CEH

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. Which of the following describes a Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) attack?

medium
  • A.An attacker tricks a user into clicking a link that executes unwanted actions on a web application where the user is authenticated.
  • B.An attacker injects malicious scripts into a web page that executes in other users' browsers.
  • C.An attacker forces the web server to make HTTP requests to arbitrary destinations, potentially accessing internal resources.
  • D.An attacker manipulates input to execute system commands on the server.

Why C: SSRF occurs when an attacker can induce the server to make HTTP requests to internal or external resources. This can lead to accessing internal services (e.g., cloud metadata endpoints) that are not normally accessible from the outside.

Variation 2. Which TWO of the following are valid methods to exploit or test for Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF)?

hard
  • A.Injecting SQL commands into input fields
  • B.Using the file:// protocol to read local files
  • C.Submitting a URL pointing to http://127.0.0.1/admin
  • D.Sending a payload that includes <script>alert(1)</script>
  • E.Submitting a URL targeting http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/

Why C: SSRF can be tested by making the server fetch internal resources like localhost or cloud metadata endpoints (e.g., AWS).

Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026

Question Discussion

Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.

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.