- A
NetworkPolicy
Why wrong: NetworkPolicy controls network traffic, not pod spec validation.
- B
MutatingWebhookConfiguration
A mutating webhook can automatically modify the pod spec to replace env vars with volume mounts, enforcing the policy without rejecting the pod.
- C
PodSecurityPolicy (deprecated)
Why wrong: PodSecurityPolicy does not have a specific setting to control how secrets are consumed.
- D
ValidatingWebhookConfiguration
Why wrong: A validating webhook can deny pods that use secrets as env vars, but it cannot automatically fix them. However, the question asks for an admission controller that could be used; both are possible, but mutating is more proactive. However, the typical answer is 'MutatingWebhookConfiguration' for automatic enforcement.
Question 571 of 997
Forcing Secrets to be Mounted as Volumes Only
This CKS practice question tests your understanding of minimize microservice vulnerabilities. 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.
An administrator wants to prevent pods from using secrets as environment variables and enforce that secrets are only mounted as volumes. Which admission controller could be used to achieve this?
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
✓
MutatingWebhookConfiguration
A MutatingWebhookConfiguration can intercept Pod creation requests and mutate them to enforce that Secrets are only mounted as volumes, not used as environment variables. This admission controller allows you to define a webhook that modifies the Pod spec before it is persisted, enabling custom validation and mutation logic beyond built-in controllers.
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.
- ✗
NetworkPolicy
Why it's wrong here
NetworkPolicy controls network traffic, not pod spec validation.
- ✓
MutatingWebhookConfiguration
Why this is correct
A mutating webhook can automatically modify the pod spec to replace env vars with volume mounts, enforcing the policy without rejecting the pod.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
PodSecurityPolicy (deprecated)
Why it's wrong here
PodSecurityPolicy does not have a specific setting to control how secrets are consumed.
- ✗
ValidatingWebhookConfiguration
Why it's wrong here
A validating webhook can deny pods that use secrets as env vars, but it cannot automatically fix them. However, the question asks for an admission controller that could be used; both are possible, but mutating is more proactive. However, the typical answer is 'MutatingWebhookConfiguration' for automatic enforcement.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The CKS exam often tests the distinction between mutating and validating webhooks — the trap here is that candidates pick ValidatingWebhookConfiguration (D) because they think validation is enough, but only a mutating webhook can actively rewrite the Pod spec to enforce the desired behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, a MutatingWebhookConfiguration registers an external webhook server that receives AdmissionReview requests with the Pod object. The webhook can patch the Pod spec to remove `env` entries referencing secrets and add volume mounts instead, using JSON Patch operations. This approach is commonly used in real-world scenarios to enforce security policies like preventing secret exposure via environment variables, which can leak in logs or debugging tools.
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.
- →
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: MutatingWebhookConfiguration — A MutatingWebhookConfiguration can intercept Pod creation requests and mutate them to enforce that Secrets are only mounted as volumes, not used as environment variables. This admission controller allows you to define a webhook that modifies the Pod spec before it is persisted, enabling custom validation and mutation logic beyond built-in controllers.
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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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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