The correct answer is path traversal, as the log entry clearly shows an attempt to access the /etc/passwd file using the “../” sequence to navigate upward from the web root. This attack exploits insufficient input validation, allowing an attacker to manipulate file paths and read sensitive files outside the intended directory. On the Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator CHFI exam, this scenario tests your ability to recognize common web attack patterns in server logs, a key skill for forensic analysts investigating breach attempts. A common trap is confusing path traversal with directory listing or command injection, but the giveaway here is the repeated “../../” pattern targeting a system file. For memory, remember that path traversal always involves dot-dot-slash sequences to escape the web root, and the 404 status does not negate the malicious intent—it simply means the file was not accessible.
CHFI Application, Email and Cloud Forensics Practice Question
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 finds the following entry in the Apache access log: 10.0.0.5 - - [20/Jan/2023:08:12:44 +0000] "GET /../../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1" 404 345 "-" "curl/7.68.0". Which attack was attempted?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Path Traversal
The URI contains '../../../../etc/passwd', which is a path traversal attempt to read the /etc/passwd file. The 404 status indicates the file was not found, but the intent is clear.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Remote File Inclusion
Why it's wrong here
RFI involves including remote files via URLs, not local path traversal.
✓
Path Traversal
Why this is correct
The '../' sequences are used to navigate directories outside the web root to access sensitive files.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
Command Injection
Why it's wrong here
Command injection involves executing OS commands, not traversing directories.
✗
Cross-Site Request Forgery (CSRF)
Why it's wrong here
CSRF involves forcing a user to perform actions, not directory traversal.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Command injection involves executing OS commands, not traversing directories.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CHFI question in full detail.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — This question tests Application, Email and Cloud Forensics — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Path Traversal — The URI contains '../../../../etc/passwd', which is a path traversal attempt to read the /etc/passwd file. The 404 status indicates the file was not found, but the intent is clear.
What should I do if I get this CHFI question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related CHFI NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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. An analyst finds the following in an IIS log: 10.0.0.5, -, 02/15/2024, 14:23:56, GET /../../windows/system32/cmd.exe, 404, 0, 0, 0, Mozilla/4.0. Which attack technique does this log entry represent?
medium
A.Cross-site scripting
B.SQL injection
✓ C.Path traversal
D.Remote code execution
Why C: The URI contains ../ patterns attempting to access a system file outside the web root, which is path traversal.
Variation 2. An IIS log entry shows: `2024-07-15 14:22:10 10.0.0.5 GET /../../windows/system32/cmd.exe 404 - Mozilla/5.0`. What attack technique does this log entry indicate?
medium
A.Remote code execution (RCE)
✓ B.Directory traversal
C.Cross-site request forgery (CSRF)
D.SQL injection
Why B: The presence of '../' sequences in the URI path indicates a path traversal attack attempting to access files outside the web root.
Last reviewed: Jun 21, 2026
Question Discussion
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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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