- A
Set securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true
Prevents the container from running as root, reducing the impact of a compromise.
- B
Drop all capabilities via securityContext.capabilities.drop: ["ALL"]
Removes all Linux capabilities, following the principle of least privilege.
- C
Set high CPU requests to ensure performance
Why wrong: CPU requests do not impact security; they are for resource management.
- D
Set securityContext.readOnlyRootFilesystem: true
Prevents writing to the root filesystem, limiting the ability to modify binaries or write malicious files.
- E
Expose secrets as environment variables for convenience
Why wrong: Secrets in environment variables can be leaked via logs, /proc, or debug endpoints; prefer mounted volumes.
Question 838 of 997
Which Security Context Settings Reduce Microservice Vulnerabilities?
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of minimize microservice vulnerabilities. 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.
Which THREE of the following are recommended practices for minimizing microservice vulnerabilities related to container security?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true
Setting `securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true` forces the container to run with a user ID (UID) other than 0 (root). This is a critical defense-in-depth measure because if an attacker exploits a vulnerability in the application or runtime, they will not gain root privileges on the host, limiting the blast radius. It enforces the principle of least privilege at the container level, and Kubernetes will reject the pod if the container image attempts to run as root.
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.
- ✓
Set securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true
Why this is correct
Prevents the container from running as root, reducing the impact of a compromise.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✓
Drop all capabilities via securityContext.capabilities.drop: ["ALL"]
Why this is correct
Removes all Linux capabilities, following the principle of least privilege.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Set high CPU requests to ensure performance
Why it's wrong here
CPU requests do not impact security; they are for resource management.
- ✓
Set securityContext.readOnlyRootFilesystem: true
Why this is correct
Prevents writing to the root filesystem, limiting the ability to modify binaries or write malicious files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Expose secrets as environment variables for convenience
Why it's wrong here
Secrets in environment variables can be leaked via logs, /proc, or debug endpoints; prefer mounted volumes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Kubernetes CKS exams often test the misconception that resource limits (CPU/memory) are security controls, but they are only for resource isolation and DoS prevention, not for mitigating container escape or privilege escalation vulnerabilities.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `runAsNonRoot: true` leverages the container runtime's user namespace support and the kernel's UID check to reject any container that attempts to start with UID 0. Dropping all capabilities via `capabilities.drop: ["ALL"]` removes all Linux capabilities (e.g., CAP_NET_RAW, CAP_SYS_ADMIN) from the container's bounding set, preventing even a non-root user from performing privileged operations like creating raw sockets or mounting filesystems. Setting `readOnlyRootFilesystem: true` mounts the container's root filesystem as read-only, which prevents attackers from writing malicious binaries or modifying configuration files even if they gain code execution, forcing all writes to explicitly mounted writable volumes.
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 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.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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.
- →
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — This question tests Minimize Microservice Vulnerabilities — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Set securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true — Setting `securityContext.runAsNonRoot: true` forces the container to run with a user ID (UID) other than 0 (root). This is a critical defense-in-depth measure because if an attacker exploits a vulnerability in the application or runtime, they will not gain root privileges on the host, limiting the blast radius. It enforces the principle of least privilege at the container level, and Kubernetes will reject the pod if the container image attempts to run as root.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This CKS 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 CKS exam.
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