200-901 Application Deployment and Security Practice Question
This 200-901 practice question tests your understanding of application deployment and security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
Error: EACCES: permission denied, mkdir '/usr/src/app/node_modules/.cache'
at Object.mkdirSync (fs.js:753:3)
at ...
```
Refer to the exhibit. A developer is building a Docker image for a Node.js application. The Dockerfile contains:
```
FROM node:14
WORKDIR /usr/src/app
COPY package*.json ./
RUN npm install
COPY . .
CMD ["node", "app.js"]
```
When building, the error shown occurs. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The application is running as a non-root user (e.g., node) that lacks write permission to the working directory.
The error occurs because the official Node.js Docker image (node:14) runs as a non-root user named 'node' by default. The WORKDIR /usr/src/app is owned by root, so the 'node' user lacks write permission to that directory. When npm install tries to create node_modules or write package-lock.json, it fails with a permission error. Option D correctly identifies this user-permission mismatch.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The Dockerfile should use the root user for running npm install.
Why it's wrong here
Running as root is a security risk; the issue is about file permissions, not user.
✗
The npm install command should be run with the --unsafe-perm flag.
Why it's wrong here
The --unsafe-perm flag allows npm to run as root, but that is not the recommended solution; the proper fix is to set directory permissions.
✗
The base image node:14 is outdated and contains a bug.
Why it's wrong here
The error is permission-related, not a bug in the base image.
✓
The application is running as a non-root user (e.g., node) that lacks write permission to the working directory.
Why this is correct
The node image often uses the node user; if the WORKDIR is owned by root, the node user cannot write to it. The fix is to ensure proper ownership.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the misconception that npm install always requires root privileges, when in fact the official Node.js image deliberately runs as a non-root user and the fix is to adjust directory ownership, not to escalate privileges.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, the Dockerfile's COPY command copies files with root ownership by default. Even though WORKDIR sets the working directory, it does not change ownership. To fix this, you must either chown the directory to the 'node' user (e.g., RUN chown -R node:node /usr/src/app) or use a multi-stage build. In real-world CI/CD pipelines, this permission issue is common when developers forget to adjust ownership after copying files from the build context.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the 200-901 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Application Deployment and Security — This question tests Application Deployment and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The application is running as a non-root user (e.g., node) that lacks write permission to the working directory. — The error occurs because the official Node.js Docker image (node:14) runs as a non-root user named 'node' by default. The WORKDIR /usr/src/app is owned by root, so the 'node' user lacks write permission to that directory. When npm install tries to create node_modules or write package-lock.json, it fails with a permission error. Option D correctly identifies this user-permission mismatch.
What should I do if I get this 200-901 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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