The answer is database error messages in the application response, unexpected rows in output, and slow query performance. These three indicators are common signs of an SQL injection attack because the attacker’s injected syntax—such as UNION statements or subqueries—forces the database to return extra records or execute heavy operations that degrade performance, while malformed input often triggers verbose error messages that reveal database structure. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish SQL injection symptoms from general network issues; a common trap is confusing dropped connections or redirects with injection-specific signs, which are more likely caused by other factors. Remember the mnemonic “S.U.D.”—Slow queries, Unexpected rows, and Database errors—to quickly recall the three core indicators of an active SQL injection 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.
Which THREE of the following are common indicators of an SQL injection attack? (Choose 3.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Unexpected rows or columns in query results
SQL injection often causes slow queries due to heavy operations (e.g., UNION, subqueries), unexpected rows in output, and database error messages revealing syntax details. D. and E. are not typical indicators; redirects are not SQLi specific, and dropped connections could be network issues.
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.
✗
Frequent 302 redirects to login pages
Why it's wrong here
Redirects to login are more indicative of session issues, not SQL injection.
✗
Multiple failed connection attempts in server logs
Why it's wrong here
Failed connections are not specific to SQL injection; they could indicate brute force or network issues.
✓
Unexpected rows or columns in query results
Why this is correct
Union-based injection often adds extra rows or columns to the output.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Unusually slow database responses
Why this is correct
Complex payloads (e.g., time-based, heavy subqueries) can cause delays.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
Database error messages in the application response
Why this is correct
Error-based injection relies on database errors to extract information.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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.
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: Unexpected rows or columns in query results — SQL injection often causes slow queries due to heavy operations (e.g., UNION, subqueries), unexpected rows in output, and database error messages revealing syntax details. D. and E. are not typical indicators; redirects are not SQLi specific, and dropped connections could be network issues.
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.
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Question Discussion
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