Quick Answer
The answer is only NET_ADMIN. This is correct because Kubernetes processes the `capabilities.drop` field before `capabilities.add` within the same container’s securityContext, so dropping all capabilities first removes every privilege, and then adding NET_ADMIN restores only that single capability. On the Certified Kubernetes Application Developer CKAD exam, this “capabilities order drop all then add” pattern frequently appears in pod security context questions, often as a trap where candidates mistakenly think the drop and add cancel out or that the add overrides the drop entirely. The key insight is that the order of operations is deterministic: drop executes first, then add, making the effective set exactly what is listed in the add field. A reliable memory tip is to think of it as “clear everything, then grant only what you need”—like starting from a blank slate and writing one permission.
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 pod has securityContext with capabilities.add: ['NET_ADMIN'] and capabilities.drop: ['ALL']. What effective capabilities does the container have?
No capabilities
Why wrong: NET_ADMIN is added after drop, so it is present.
All capabilities
Why wrong: Drop ALL overrides any prior additions.
Only NET_ADMIN
Drop ALL removes all capabilities, then add NET_ADMIN grants only that capability.
All capabilities except NET_ADMIN
Why wrong: Drop ALL removes all, so NET_ADMIN is added, but others are not present.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Only NET_ADMIN
Option C is correct because when a container's securityContext specifies both `capabilities.drop: ['ALL']` and `capabilities.add: ['NET_ADMIN']`, the `drop: ['ALL']` first removes all capabilities, and then `add: ['NET_ADMIN']` adds back only the NET_ADMIN capability. The final effective set is exactly `[NET_ADMIN]`. This is the intended Kubernetes behavior: `drop` is processed before `add` within the same container spec.
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.
No capabilities
Why it's wrong here
NET_ADMIN is added after drop, so it is present.
All capabilities
Why it's wrong here
Drop ALL overrides any prior additions.
Only NET_ADMIN
Why this is correct
Drop ALL removes all capabilities, then add NET_ADMIN grants only that capability.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
All capabilities except NET_ADMIN
Why it's wrong here
Drop ALL removes all, so NET_ADMIN is added, but others are not present.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates mistakenly think `drop: ['ALL']` overrides any `add` directives, or that the order of `drop` and `add` in the YAML matters, when in fact Kubernetes always processes `drop` first regardless of the order they are listed.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, Kubernetes translates these fields into Linux `capabilities(7)` system calls: `cap_drop()` is called for each capability in the `drop` list, then `cap_effective`, `cap_permitted`, and `cap_inheritable` bitmasks are modified. When `drop: ['ALL']` is used, it maps to `cap_drop(~0)` (all bits), clearing every capability. The subsequent `add: ['NET_ADMIN']` sets only the bit for `CAP_NET_ADMIN` (bit 12 on x86). In practice, this is common for network plugins or tools like `ping` that require raw socket access, while still adhering to the principle of least privilege.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the CKAD 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
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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: Only NET_ADMIN — Option C is correct because when a container's securityContext specifies both `capabilities.drop: ['ALL']` and `capabilities.add: ['NET_ADMIN']`, the `drop: ['ALL']` first removes all capabilities, and then `add: ['NET_ADMIN']` adds back only the NET_ADMIN capability. The final effective set is exactly `[NET_ADMIN]`. This is the intended Kubernetes behavior: `drop` is processed before `add` within the same container spec.
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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