hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A security analyst reviews logs and finds that an…
A security analyst reviews logs and finds that an attacker exploited a vulnerability in a web application to read arbitrary files from the server. The application runs on Apache with mod_php. Which of the following is the MOST likely vulnerability?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse LFI with RFI because both involve file inclusion, but the key distinction is that LFI reads local files from the server, while RFI requires remote file inclusion, which is less common and often blocked by default PHP settings.
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
✓
Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in a PHP include statement.
The scenario describes reading arbitrary files from the server, which is the hallmark of a Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability. In a PHP application using include statements, an attacker can manipulate a file path parameter (e.g., `?page=../../etc/passwd`) to include and read local files, exploiting the server's filesystem access. Apache with mod_php is particularly susceptible to LFI when user input is not sanitized before being passed to functions like `include()` or `require()`.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
XML External Entity (XXE) vulnerability.
Why it's wrong here
XXE can read files but typically requires XML processing.
- ✗
Remote File Inclusion (RFI) vulnerability.
Why it's wrong here
RFI includes remote files, not reading local files.
- ✗
Server-Side Request Forgery (SSRF) vulnerability.
Why it's wrong here
SSRF makes requests to internal resources, not reading files directly.
- ✓
Local File Inclusion (LFI) vulnerability in a PHP include statement.
Why this is correct
LFI allows reading local files via path traversal.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.