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Ethical Hacking: What Kind of Exploit is Used to Attack Web Application Vulnerabilities?

Why Are Remote Exploits the Primary Method for Targeting Web Apps?

Learn why remote exploits are the specific category designed for attacking web applications over a network. Understand the key differences between remote exploits, local exploits, and privilege escalation attacks.

Question

Which type of exploit is designed to target vulnerabilities in web applications?

A. Local exploits
B. Buffer overflow exploits
C. Remote exploits
D. Privilege escalation exploits

Answer

C. Remote exploits

Explanation

Remote exploits target web apps or services over a network connection.

Remote exploits are designed to target vulnerabilities in services, applications, and operating systems over a network connection, such as the internet or a local LAN. Since web applications are inherently network-facing services, they are the primary targets for this type of exploit. An attacker does not need prior access to the target system to launch a remote exploit; they only need network connectivity to the vulnerable service (e.g., an HTTP/HTTPS port for a web application).

The other options describe different categories or types of exploits:

A. Local exploits: These exploits require the attacker to already have some form of authenticated, low-level access to the target system. They are not used for initial compromise from the outside but rather to elevate privileges once a foothold has been gained.

B. Buffer overflow exploits: This describes a specific technique or vulnerability class, not the exploit’s operational context. A buffer overflow can be the underlying weakness exploited by either a remote or a local exploit. Therefore, it is a method, not a classification based on the target’s location.

D. Privilege escalation exploits: This describes the goal of an exploit, which is to gain higher-level permissions on a system (e.g., moving from a standard user to an administrator or root user). This is often the next step after a successful remote exploit grants initial, limited access. A local exploit is a type of privilege escalation exploit.

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