Quick Answer
The correct answer is server-side request forgery (SSRF). This is because the IP address 169.254.169.254 is the well-known AWS metadata endpoint, which exposes internal instance data such as IAM credentials and security keys. By manipulating the `url` parameter in the request to `https://victim.com/api?url=http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/`, an attacker tricks the vulnerable server into making a request to an internal service that should never be accessible from the client side. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize SSRF as a critical web application vulnerability that bypasses network segmentation, often appearing in questions about cloud misconfigurations or parameter injection. A common trap is confusing SSRF with CSRF or path traversal, but the key differentiator is the use of a link-local address to target internal infrastructure. Memory tip: think of the IP 169.254.169.254 as the “cloud’s front door” — if you see it in a user-controlled parameter, it’s almost always an SSRF attempt.
This CEH practice question tests your understanding of advanced topics: wireless, cloud, iot, cryptography. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 sees the following in a log: Client sends a request to https://victim.com/api?url=http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/. This is MOST indicative of which attack?
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why wrong: XSS injects scripts into web pages, not metadata requests.
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
SSRF forces the server to request internal resources.
Directory traversal
Why wrong: Directory traversal accesses files via ../, not internal services.
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQL injection targets databases via input fields.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
The IP 169.254.169.254 is the AWS metadata endpoint. SSRF attacks target internal services by manipulating the url parameter.
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.
Cross-site scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
XSS injects scripts into web pages, not metadata requests.
Server-side request forgery (SSRF)
Why this is correct
SSRF forces the server to request internal resources.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Directory traversal
Why it's wrong here
Directory traversal accesses files via ../, not internal services.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQL injection targets databases via input fields.
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
Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — This question tests Advanced Topics: Wireless, Cloud, IoT, Cryptography — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Server-side request forgery (SSRF) — The IP 169.254.169.254 is the AWS metadata endpoint. SSRF attacks target internal services by manipulating the url parameter.
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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