Quick Answer
The correct answer is path traversal and privilege escalation. This single IIS log entry reveals both attacks because the GET request uses `../` sequences to traverse directories outside the web root, targeting the Security Accounts Manager (SAM) file at `/../../windows/system32/config/sam`. The SAM database stores hashed Windows user credentials, and successfully accessing it would allow an attacker to extract password hashes for offline cracking, directly enabling privilege escalation to a higher-level account. On the CHFI exam, this question tests your ability to correlate a single log line with multiple attack indicators—a common scenario where one entry shows both the method (path traversal via directory climbing) and the objective (privilege escalation via credential theft). A frequent trap is focusing only on the 404 status code and dismissing the attempt, but remember: a failed request still indicates intent. Memory tip: “Two dots up, SAM down”—the `../` climbs directories, while the SAM file brings privileges down.
This CHFI practice question tests your understanding of application, email and cloud forensics. 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 security analyst notices repeated entries in an IIS log: 10.0.0.2, -, 05/Feb/2023:08:12:34 +0000, GET /../../windows/system32/config/sam, 404, 0, 532. Which TWO of the following attack types are indicated by this log entry?
SQL injection
Why wrong: No SQL syntax is present; the request is a path traversal.
Directory traversal
'../' sequences aim to traverse directories to access restricted files.
Privilege escalation attempt
Accessing the SAM file could lead to credential theft and privilege escalation.
Denial of service
Why wrong: The log shows a single request, not a flood.
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: No script injection is present.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Directory traversal
The use of '../' indicates path traversal, and the target file (SAM) is a common target for privilege escalation.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
No SQL syntax is present; the request is a path traversal.
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
'../' sequences aim to traverse directories to access restricted files.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Privilege escalation attempt
Why this is correct
Accessing the SAM file could lead to credential theft and privilege escalation.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Denial of service
Why it's wrong here
The log shows a single request, not a flood.
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
No script injection is present.
Common exam traps
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The log shows a single request, not a flood.
Detailed technical explanation
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CHFI questions on access control and AAA configuration.
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FAQ
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: Directory traversal — The use of '../' indicates path traversal, and the target file (SAM) is a common target for privilege escalation.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CHFI questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
This CHFI 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 CHFI exam.
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