CEH Web Application and Injection Attacks Practice Question
Which of the following tools is primarily used for automated SQL injection exploitation and database fingerprinting?
⚠ Common exam trap
CEH often tests the confusion between general-purpose web proxies/scanners (like Burp Suite) and specialized exploitation tools (like SQLMap), so candidates must remember that SQLMap is the dedicated tool for automated SQL injection and database fingerprinting.
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
✓
SQLMap
SQLMap is an open-source penetration testing tool specifically designed to automate the detection and exploitation of SQL injection flaws and database server fingerprinting. It supports a wide range of database management systems (MySQL, Oracle, PostgreSQL, Microsoft SQL Server, etc.) and can automate tasks such as retrieving data, accessing the file system, and executing commands. Its core purpose aligns exactly with automated SQL injection exploitation and database fingerprinting.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
SQLMap
Why this is correct
SQLMap automates SQL injection exploitation and database fingerprinting, satisfying the stem's requirement for both capabilities in one tool. It detects injection points, identifies the backend database management system, and extracts data through techniques such as boolean-blind, time-blind, error-based and union-based injection, removing the need for manual payload crafting during penetration tests.
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Nmap
Why it's wrong here
Nmap performs port scanning, host discovery, and service/version detection; it does not automate SQL injection or fingerprint database engines. SQLmap fills that role. Nmap is the correct choice for network reconnaissance and mapping exposed services before deeper exploitation.
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Burp Suite
Why it's wrong here
Burp Suite is a general-purpose web proxy for manual and semi-automated request manipulation, not a dedicated SQL injection exploitation framework. sqlmap is the tool built specifically for automated SQLi exploitation and database fingerprinting, which is what the question asks for.
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John the Ripper
Why it's wrong here
John the Ripper cracks password hashes offline; it cannot inject SQL payloads or fingerprint database schemas. It is tempting because it is a well-known penetration-testing tool, but its purpose is credential recovery from captured hash files, not interacting with a live database through an application's input.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official EC-Council exam blueprint
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.