The answer is reflected cross-site scripting (XSS). This is correct because the malicious script is injected via a URL parameter and immediately reflected back in the server’s HTTP response without being stored on the server, executing in the victim’s browser the moment the crafted link is opened. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the three main types of cross-site scripting XSS: reflected, stored, and DOM-based. A common trap is confusing reflected XSS with stored XSS; remember that reflected XSS relies on the payload being part of the request (like a URL or form input) and not persisted in the database. For the CEH, you should also know that reflected XSS is often delivered via phishing emails containing malicious links. A useful memory tip: think of a mirror—reflected XSS bounces the script right back at you in the immediate response.
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.
A penetration tester discovers that a web application's search functionality reflects user input directly in the page source without sanitization. The tester crafts a URL like http://example.com/search?q=<script>alert('XSS')</script> and the script executes. This is an example of which type of XSS?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Reflected XSS
Reflected XSS occurs when user input is immediately returned by the server in the response, without being stored, and the example shows the payload in the URL parameter.
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.
✗
Stored (persistent) XSS
Why it's wrong here
Stored XSS involves saving the payload on the server, which is not the case here; the payload is in the URL.
✗
Blind XSS
Why it's wrong here
Blind XSS is a stored XSS that executes in a different context (e.g., admin panel), not directly reflected.
✗
DOM-based XSS
Why it's wrong here
DOM-based XSS does not involve the server; it occurs entirely client-side. Here the server reflects the input.
✓
Reflected XSS
Why this is correct
The payload is part of the request and is reflected back in the response, which is characteristic of reflected XSS.
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: Reflected XSS — Reflected XSS occurs when user input is immediately returned by the server in the response, without being stored, and the example shows the payload in the URL parameter.
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 →
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 finds a web application that reflects user input in the page without sanitization. Which TWO types of XSS are potentially exploitable in this scenario?
medium
✓ A.DOM-based XSS
B.Blind XSS
C.Self-XSS
D.Stored (persistent) XSS
✓ E.Reflected XSS
Why A: Reflected XSS occurs when input is immediately returned in the response. DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side scripts process input unsafely. Stored XSS requires persistence on the server, which is not indicated.
Variation 2. A web application tester encounters a parameter that is reflected in the response without sanitization. The tester suspects XSS. Which TWO types of XSS could be present in this scenario? (Choose TWO.)
easy
✓ A.DOM-based XSS
✓ B.Reflected XSS
C.Self-XSS
D.Stored (persistent) XSS
E.Blind XSS
Why A: Reflected XSS occurs when the input is immediately reflected in the response. DOM-based XSS occurs when client-side JavaScript processes the input unsafely. Stored XSS requires data to be saved on the server, which is not indicated here.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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