- A
evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow
This condition correctly matches open syscalls on /etc/shadow.
- B
evt.type=write and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Why wrong: write is for writing, but the question asks about reading.
- C
evt.type=read and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Why wrong: read is used for reading after the file is opened; the initial access is via open.
- D
evt.type=execve and proc.name=shadow
Why wrong: execve detects process execution, not file access.
Question 966 of 997
Detecting Read Attempts on /etc/shadow with Falco
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. 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 Falco rule condition would detect an attempt to read the /etc/shadow file in a 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
✓
evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Option A is correct because the Falco rule condition `evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow` specifically detects the `open` system call targeting the `/etc/shadow` file. Reading a file in Linux typically involves the `open` syscall (with flags like O_RDONLY) followed by `read`, but Falco's `open` event captures the initial access attempt, making it the standard way to detect file reads. This matches the requirement to detect an attempt to read `/etc/shadow` in a container.
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.
- ✓
evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Why this is correct
This condition correctly matches open syscalls on /etc/shadow.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
evt.type=write and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
write is for writing, but the question asks about reading.
- ✗
evt.type=read and fd.name=/etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
read is used for reading after the file is opened; the initial access is via open.
- ✗
evt.type=execve and proc.name=shadow
Why it's wrong here
execve detects process execution, not file access.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The exam often tests the misconception that `evt.type=read` directly detects file reads, but in Falco, the `read` syscall event is less reliable for initial detection because it occurs after the file is opened, and the `fd.name` field may not be populated in all cases; the correct approach is to use `evt.type=open` with the target file name.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Falco uses kernel module or eBPF probes to intercept system calls at the kernel level. The `open` syscall is the entry point for file access, and Falco's `evt.type=open` captures both read and write attempts depending on flags (e.g., O_RDONLY for read). In container environments, Falco can also filter by container ID or namespace, but the core condition here relies on the file path. A real-world scenario is detecting a compromised container attempting to exfiltrate password hashes by reading `/etc/shadow`—the `open` event is the first indicator before any data is read.
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 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. 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
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.
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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 — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow — Option A is correct because the Falco rule condition `evt.type=open and fd.name=/etc/shadow` specifically detects the `open` system call targeting the `/etc/shadow` file. Reading a file in Linux typically involves the `open` syscall (with flags like O_RDONLY) followed by `read`, but Falco's `open` event captures the initial access attempt, making it the standard way to detect file reads. This matches the requirement to detect an attempt to read `/etc/shadow` in a container.
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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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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