The correct answer is that a script permanently stored on the server and executed when users view a page is the definitive indicator of stored XSS. This is because stored, or persistent, XSS injects malicious code directly into a server-side resource like a database, comment field, or forum post, meaning the payload becomes part of the page’s HTML response and executes automatically in every visitor’s browser without any user interaction. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish stored XSS from reflected or DOM-based variants, where the payload is not permanently hosted. A common trap is confusing stored XSS with reflected XSS, which requires a user to click a crafted link. Remember the memory tip: “Stored is served; reflected is requested.” If the script is always there for anyone who loads the page, it is stored.
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 of the following is a common indicator of a stored (persistent) Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) attack?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
A script is permanently stored on the server and executed when users view a page
Option B is correct because stored (persistent) XSS occurs when malicious script is permanently stored on the server (e.g., in a database, comment field, or forum post) and is served to every user who views the affected page. The script executes in the victim's browser without requiring any additional interaction, as it is part of the page's HTML response from the server.
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.
✗
A script executes in the victim's browser without any server interaction
Why it's wrong here
That describes DOM-based XSS.
✓
A script is permanently stored on the server and executed when users view a page
Why this is correct
Stored XSS persists on the server and affects all users viewing the content.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
A script is executed when a user submits a form with malicious input
Why it's wrong here
That could be reflected or stored depending on how the input is handled.
✗
A script executes only after clicking a manipulated URL
Why it's wrong here
That describes reflected XSS.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse stored XSS with reflected XSS, mistakenly thinking that any script execution without user interaction (Option A) is stored XSS, when in fact stored XSS specifically requires the payload to be persisted on the server and served to multiple users.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In stored XSS, the payload is injected into a server-side data store (e.g., MySQL, MongoDB, or a file system) via an input field that lacks proper sanitization. When the server later retrieves and renders that data in an HTTP response (e.g., in a <script> tag or event handler), the browser executes it as code. A real-world example is a comment section where an attacker posts <script>alert('XSS')</script>; every visitor who loads the comments page triggers the script, potentially stealing session cookies or performing actions on behalf of the victim.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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.
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: A script is permanently stored on the server and executed when users view a page — Option B is correct because stored (persistent) XSS occurs when malicious script is permanently stored on the server (e.g., in a database, comment field, or forum post) and is served to every user who views the affected page. The script executes in the victim's browser without requiring any additional interaction, as it is part of the page's HTML response from the server.
What should I do if I get this CEH question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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 →
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. During a penetration test, a tester uses the following payload in a search field: <script>alert(document.cookie)</script>. The payload is reflected in the response without sanitization. However, the tester notices that the attack only works when the payload is submitted via a POST request, not GET. Which type of XSS is this?
hard
A.Stored XSS
✓ B.Reflected XSS
C.DOM-based XSS
D.Self-XSS
Why B: Reflected XSS occurs when the payload is reflected immediately in the response. The fact that it works via POST but not GET does not change the classification; it is still reflected XSS because the payload is not stored on the server. Some reflected XSS may be triggered only via POST parameters.
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Question Discussion
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