This CKS practice question tests your understanding of cluster setup and hardening. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 cluster's API server is configured with --authorization-mode=RBAC,Node. A kubelet attempts to create a ConfigMap. Which authorizer will evaluate the request?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Both Node and RBAC authorizers, with Node first
When the API server is started with `--authorization-mode=RBAC,Node`, the request is evaluated by each authorizer in the order they are listed. The Node authorizer is designed to authorize kubelet requests, but it only permits specific node-related operations (e.g., reading secrets, creating pods, reporting node status). Creating a ConfigMap is not within the Node authorizer's allowed actions, so it will deny the request. The request then passes to the RBAC authorizer, which will evaluate it based on the kubelet's RBAC bindings. Therefore, both authorizers are consulted, with Node first.
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.
✗
Only the RBAC authorizer
Why it's wrong here
The Node authorizer runs first; if it denies, RBAC still evaluates.
✗
Neither; the request is denied because Node authorizer does not allow ConfigMap creation
Why it's wrong here
RBAC may still allow it if a role binding grants the permission.
✓
Both Node and RBAC authorizers, with Node first
Why this is correct
The chain runs Node first; if Node permits, RBAC may not be needed. If Node denies, RBAC grants if permitted by RoleBindings.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Only the Node authorizer
Why it's wrong here
The Node authorizer only grants limited permissions; for creating a ConfigMap, it would deny, then RBAC checks.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the Node authorizer will automatically allow all kubelet requests, but in reality it only permits a restricted set of node-specific operations, and any request not matching those patterns is passed to the next authorizer in the chain.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Node authorizer uses a special `node` subject access review that checks if the requesting kubelet's identity (via its TLS certificate) matches the node it claims to be, and then only allows operations defined in the `Node` policy (e.g., `get`, `list`, `watch` on pods, secrets, configmaps, and `create` on `nodes/status`). ConfigMap creation is not in that list, so the Node authorizer returns a denial. The RBAC authorizer then checks the kubelet's ClusterRoleBindings or RoleBindings; if the kubelet has a binding that allows `create` on `configmaps`, the request succeeds. This chaining behavior is defined in the Kubernetes authorization webhook and multi-authorizer flow, where each authorizer can either `Allow`, `Deny`, or `NoOpinion`.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CKS question in full detail.
Cluster Setup and Hardening — This question tests Cluster Setup and Hardening — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Both Node and RBAC authorizers, with Node first — When the API server is started with `--authorization-mode=RBAC,Node`, the request is evaluated by each authorizer in the order they are listed. The Node authorizer is designed to authorize kubelet requests, but it only permits specific node-related operations (e.g., reading secrets, creating pods, reporting node status). Creating a ConfigMap is not within the Node authorizer's allowed actions, so it will deny the request. The request then passes to the RBAC authorizer, which will evaluate it based on the kubelet's RBAC bindings. Therefore, both authorizers are consulted, with Node first.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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