The correct answer is Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) and SQL injection, as both are injection attacks that rely on untrusted user input being executed by the application. Input validation and sanitization prevent these attacks by ensuring that data conforms to expected formats and that any malicious code—such as JavaScript in XSS or SQL commands in SQL injection—is neutralized before processing. On the Certified Ethical Hacker CEH exam, this concept tests your understanding of secure coding practices and common web application vulnerabilities. A frequent trap is confusing injection attacks with other threats: Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF) requires anti-CSRF tokens, not input validation, and clickjacking is mitigated by frame-busting headers. To remember this, think of input validation as a gatekeeper that only allows safe data through—any attack that smuggles code inside user input, like XSS or SQLi, is stopped at the gate. A simple mnemonic is “XSS and SQLi: validate or they’ll fly.”
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 TWO of the following attacks can be prevented by properly validating and sanitizing user input? (Select 2)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SQL injection
SQL injection and XSS are both injection attacks that can be prevented by input validation and sanitization. CSRF requires tokens, and clickjacking requires frame-busting headers.
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.
✗
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF requires tokens, not input validation.
✓
SQL injection
Why this is correct
Input validation/sanitization can prevent SQL injection (e.g., parameterized queries).
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Man-in-the-Middle (MitM) attack
Why it's wrong here
MitM is prevented by encryption (HTTPS), not input validation.
✗
Clickjacking
Why it's wrong here
Clickjacking is prevented by X-Frame-Options header, not input validation.
✓
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Why this is correct
Sanitizing output prevents 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: SQL injection — SQL injection and XSS are both injection attacks that can be prevented by input validation and sanitization. CSRF requires tokens, and clickjacking requires frame-busting headers.
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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