CHFI Application, Email and Cloud Forensics Practice Question
An analyst examines the following Apache access log entry: 192.168.1.10 - - [10/Jan/2023:13:45:22 +0000] "GET /search.php?q=1%27%20UNION%20SELECT%201,2,3-- HTTP/1.1" 200 1234 "-" "Mozilla/5.0". Which attack is MOST likely indicated?
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
✓
SQL Injection
The log shows a UNION SELECT statement in the query parameter, indicating a SQL injection attempt. The URL-encoded single quote (') and comment (--) are classic SQLi payloads.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Path Traversal
Why it's wrong here
Path traversal uses '../' sequences to access files outside the web root.
- ✓
SQL Injection
Why this is correct
The UNION SELECT statement in the query parameter is a SQL injection technique to extract data from the database.
- ✗
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)
Why it's wrong here
Cross-Site Scripting (XSS) is incorrect because the payload `1%27%20UNION%20SELECT%201,2,3--` comprises SQL syntax designed to manipulate a server-side database query, not client-side script intended for browser execution. This option is tempting as both XSS and SQL Injection often utilise URL parameters for payload delivery. However, XSS would be indicated by the presence of client-side script elements, such as `<script>` tags, aimed at executing within a user's web browser, rather than database commands.
- ✗
Remote File Inclusion
Why it's wrong here
RFI involves including a remote file via parameters like '?file=http://...'.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.