Quick Answer
The correct answer is directory traversal, as the GET request with multiple “../” sequences targeting /etc/passwd is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack. This attack exploits insufficient path sanitization in the web server, allowing an attacker to navigate outside the web root directory and read arbitrary files on the file system, such as password hashes or configuration data. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this log entry tests your ability to recognize attack patterns in web server logs, a common scenario for SOC analysts. A frequent trap is confusing directory traversal with SQL injection or XSS, but remember that traversal targets file paths, not database queries or client scripts. A useful memory tip: think of the “../” as “up and out” of the web root, like climbing a ladder to escape a fenced area.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of security operations. 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 SOC analyst is reviewing logs from a web server and sees the following entry: GET /../../../../etc/passwd HTTP/1.1 Which type of attack is being attempted?
Cross-site scripting
Why wrong: XSS involves injecting script into web pages.
SQL injection
Why wrong: SQLi involves injecting SQL queries.
Directory traversal
The '..' sequence indicates an attempt to navigate directories.
Cross-site request forgery
Why wrong: CSRF tricks user into performing actions.
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 log entry shows a GET request with '../' sequences attempting to navigate outside the web root to access the '/etc/passwd' file. This is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack, which exploits insufficient path sanitization to read arbitrary files on the server. The correct answer is C because the attack targets the file system, not the application's data layer or client-side scripts.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Cross-site scripting
Why it's wrong here
XSS involves injecting script into web pages.
SQL injection
Why it's wrong here
SQLi involves injecting SQL queries.
Directory traversal
Why this is correct
The '..' sequence indicates an attempt to navigate directories.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Cross-site request forgery
Why it's wrong here
CSRF tricks user into performing actions.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests directory traversal by including a file path like '/etc/passwd' in the URL, which candidates may mistakenly associate with SQL injection or XSS due to the presence of 'passwd' or the GET method, but the key indicator is the '../' sequence indicating file system navigation.
Detailed technical explanation
Directory traversal exploits insufficient validation of file paths; the '../' sequence moves up one directory level, and repeated sequences can reach the root filesystem. On Unix-like systems, '/etc/passwd' is a common target because it contains user account information, though modern systems often use shadow passwords. Real-world mitigations include canonicalizing paths (e.g., using realpath()) and rejecting any input containing '../' or null bytes.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
What to study next
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FAQ
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Directory traversal — The log entry shows a GET request with '../' sequences attempting to navigate outside the web root to access the '/etc/passwd' file. This is the classic signature of a directory traversal attack, which exploits insufficient path sanitization to read arbitrary files on the server. The correct answer is C because the attack targets the file system, not the application's data layer or client-side scripts.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
This CC practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CC exam.
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