The answer is the noexec mount option, which prevents any script from executing on a partition regardless of its file permissions. Even though the script at /usr/local/bin/script.sh shows -rwxr-xr-x, meaning others have execute permission, the noexec mount flag overrides those bits at the filesystem level, causing the kernel to deny execution and return a “Permission denied” error. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that mount options can silently block script execution without any permission changes—a common trap where candidates focus only on chmod or ownership. Remember that noexec is often applied to partitions like /home or /var for security, but if applied to /usr/local/bin, it breaks scripts for all users. Memory tip: “noexec = no execute, no matter the bits.”
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 user reports that a script they run daily now fails with 'Permission denied' even though they haven't changed any permissions. The script is located in /usr/local/bin/script.sh and has permissions -rwxr-xr-x. The user is in the 'users' group. What is the most likely issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The /usr/local/bin partition is mounted with the noexec option.
The script has execute permission for owner and group, but if the user is not the owner or in the group, they cannot execute it. The 'others' permission is r-x, so if the user is not owner or in the group, they can execute. However, the script is in /usr/local/bin which may require root to execute? Actually, the permissions allow others to execute, so the issue might be that the script's shebang or interpreter is missing. A more common issue is that the script's interpreter (e.g., /bin/bash) might be missing or the script has Windows line endings. But given the options, the most plausible is that the script's execute bit was removed accidentally. However, the scenario says they haven't changed permissions. Another possibility is that the filesystem was remounted with noexec. For this question, we'll focus on the noexec mount.
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.
✗
The script's shebang line is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
While a bad shebang can cause errors, it usually gives 'command not found' or similar, not 'Permission denied'.
✓
The /usr/local/bin partition is mounted with the noexec option.
Why this is correct
If the filesystem is mounted with noexec, no binaries or scripts can be executed, even if permissions are correct.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The user does not have read permission on the script.
Why it's wrong here
The script has r-x for others, so read permission is present.
✗
The script has been replaced with a directory.
Why it's wrong here
If it were a directory, the error would be different, such as 'Is a directory'.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Trap categories for this question
Similar concept trap
While a bad shebang can cause errors, it usually gives 'command not found' or similar, not 'Permission denied'.
Command / output trap
While a bad shebang can cause errors, it usually gives 'command not found' or similar, not 'Permission denied'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 220-1202 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The /usr/local/bin partition is mounted with the noexec option. — The script has execute permission for owner and group, but if the user is not the owner or in the group, they cannot execute it. The 'others' permission is r-x, so if the user is not owner or in the group, they can execute. However, the script is in /usr/local/bin which may require root to execute? Actually, the permissions allow others to execute, so the issue might be that the script's shebang or interpreter is missing. A more common issue is that the script's interpreter (e.g., /bin/bash) might be missing or the script has Windows line endings. But given the options, the most plausible is that the script's execute bit was removed accidentally. However, the scenario says they haven't changed permissions. Another possibility is that the filesystem was remounted with noexec. For this question, we'll focus on the noexec mount.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Identify which 220-1202 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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