- A
kubectl logs <pod-name>
Why wrong: The `kubectl logs` command shows container logs, not a listing of running processes. It cannot be used to examine processes.
- B
kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux
Correct. `kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux` executes the `ps aux` command inside the container, displaying all active processes. This is the appropriate kubectl command to check for a reverse shell without requiring node-level access.
- C
kubectl top pod <pod-name>
Why wrong: The `kubectl top pod` command displays CPU and memory usage metrics for pods, not a list of processes.
- D
kubectl describe pod <pod-name>
Why wrong: The `kubectl describe pod` command shows pod metadata, status, and events, but does not list running processes.
Question 86 of 997
Using kubectl exec to List Running Processes in a Container
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of monitoring, logging and runtime security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. A key principle to apply: kubectl exec. 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.
During a runtime incident, you suspect a container has a reverse shell. Which kubectl command can you use to examine the container's running processes from the node level without entering the container?
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
✓
kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux
The correct answer is B: `kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux`. While `kubectl exec` runs commands inside the container, it is the only kubectl command that allows you to list the processes running within the container. The question's phrasing "from the node level" is misleading; kubectl commands are issued from a client, but `kubectl exec` is the standard way to inspect container processes without directly accessing the node. Options A, C, and D do not provide process listings.
Key principle: kubectl exec
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
kubectl logs <pod-name>
Why it's wrong here
The `kubectl logs` command shows container logs, not a listing of running processes. It cannot be used to examine processes.
- ✓
kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux
Why this is correct
Correct. `kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux` executes the `ps aux` command inside the container, displaying all active processes. This is the appropriate kubectl command to check for a reverse shell without requiring node-level access.
Related concept
kubectl exec
- ✗
kubectl top pod <pod-name>
Why it's wrong here
The `kubectl top pod` command displays CPU and memory usage metrics for pods, not a list of processes.
- ✗
kubectl describe pod <pod-name>
Why it's wrong here
The `kubectl describe pod` command shows pod metadata, status, and events, but does not list running processes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The exam may test that `kubectl exec` is the kubectl command used to run commands inside a container, enabling process inspection, even though it's not node-level access.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The `kubectl logs` command shows container logs, not a listing of running processes. It cannot be used to examine processes.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, `kubectl exec` uses the Kubernetes API server to send a command to the kubelet on the node, which then uses the container runtime (e.g., containerd or CRI-O) to execute the command inside the container's namespaces (PID, mount, etc.). The `ps aux` command relies on the `/proc` filesystem within the container's PID namespace, which only shows processes in that namespace—not host-level processes. In a real-world scenario, a reverse shell often spawns a child process (e.g., `/bin/sh -i` or a netcat listener) that would appear in `ps aux` output, making this a critical forensic step.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- kubectl exec
- Container process inspection
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
kubectl exec
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the CKS 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. kubectl exec 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.
Review kubectl exec, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
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Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this CKS question test?
Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — This question tests Monitoring, Logging and Runtime Security — kubectl exec.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux — The correct answer is B: `kubectl exec <pod-name> -- ps aux`. While `kubectl exec` runs commands inside the container, it is the only kubectl command that allows you to list the processes running within the container. The question's phrasing "from the node level" is misleading; kubectl commands are issued from a client, but `kubectl exec` is the standard way to inspect container processes without directly accessing the node. Options A, C, and D do not provide process listings.
What should I do if I get this CKS question wrong?
Review kubectl exec, then practise related CKS questions on the same topic to reinforce the concept.
What is the key concept behind this question?
kubectl exec
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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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