Quick Answer
The answer is the `capabilities.add` field within the container’s `securityContext`. This field is correct because it explicitly grants specific Linux capabilities—like `NET_ADMIN`—to a container, enabling privileged network operations such as modifying iptables or changing interface settings without requiring full root access or the `privileged: true` flag. On the CKAD exam, this concept tests your understanding of fine-grained security controls in Kubernetes, often appearing in pod or container spec YAML where you must distinguish between `capabilities.add` and `capabilities.drop` or the broader `privileged` field. A common trap is confusing `capabilities.add` with the `securityContext` at the pod level, which lacks the `capabilities` field; remember that capabilities are always set per container. For a quick memory tip: think of “add” as granting a specific superpower—like `NET_ADMIN` for network admin tasks—without giving the whole superhero toolkit of privileged mode.
This CKAD practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. 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 container needs to run with the NET_ADMIN capability. Which securityContext field should be used?
capabilities: drop: ["ALL"]
Why wrong: This drops all capabilities, including NET_ADMIN.
capabilities: add: ["NET_ADMIN"]
This adds the NET_ADMIN capability to the container.
runAsUser: 0
Why wrong: Running as root does not necessarily provide NET_ADMIN if capabilities are dropped.
readOnlyRootFilesystem: true
Why wrong: This does not affect capabilities.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
capabilities: add: ["NET_ADMIN"]
Option B is correct because the `capabilities.add` field in a container's `securityContext` is specifically designed to grant Linux capabilities like `NET_ADMIN` to a container. This allows the container to perform network administration operations (e.g., configuring iptables, changing interface settings) without running as root or giving full privileged access.
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.
capabilities: drop: ["ALL"]
Why it's wrong here
This drops all capabilities, including NET_ADMIN.
capabilities: add: ["NET_ADMIN"]
Why this is correct
This adds the NET_ADMIN capability to the container.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
runAsUser: 0
Why it's wrong here
Running as root does not necessarily provide NET_ADMIN if capabilities are dropped.
readOnlyRootFilesystem: true
Why it's wrong here
This does not affect capabilities.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse `capabilities.add` with `capabilities.drop` or assume that running as root (`runAsUser: 0`) is the only way to gain network admin privileges, missing the precise capability-based approach that CKAD expects.
Detailed technical explanation
Linux capabilities break down the privileges of the root user into smaller, distinct units (e.g., `CAP_NET_ADMIN`, `CAP_NET_RAW`). The `NET_ADMIN` capability specifically allows operations such as interface configuration, IP firewall manipulation, and routing table changes. In Kubernetes, the `securityContext.capabilities.add` field directly maps to the `--cap-add` flag in Docker, enabling fine-grained privilege control without granting full root access.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
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FAQ
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: capabilities: add: ["NET_ADMIN"] — Option B is correct because the `capabilities.add` field in a container's `securityContext` is specifically designed to grant Linux capabilities like `NET_ADMIN` to a container. This allows the container to perform network administration operations (e.g., configuring iptables, changing interface settings) without running as root or giving full privileged access.
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 25, 2026
This CKAD practice question is part of Courseiva's free CNCF 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 CKAD exam.
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