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 an application fails to start because a configuration file is owned by root with permissions 644, but the application runs as user 'appuser'. Which command will allow 'appuser' to edit the file without changing ownership?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Why wrong: 666 gives write to everyone, which is insecure and not the best practice for a configuration file.
B
chown appuser config.cfg
Why wrong: Changing ownership to appuser would work but violates the constraint of not changing ownership.
C
chgrp appgroup config.cfg && chmod g+w config.cfg
This changes the group to one that includes appuser and adds group write permission, allowing editing without changing the owner.
D
setfacl -m u:appuser:rw config.cfg
Why wrong: While ACLs could work, the scenario does not mention ACL support and the command syntax is correct but not the most standard approach without context.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
chgrp appgroup config.cfg && chmod g+w config.cfg
This tests understanding of file permissions and groups. By adding 'appuser' to the file's group and granting group write permission, the user can edit without being owner.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
chmod 666 config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
666 gives write to everyone, which is insecure and not the best practice for a configuration file.
✗
chown appuser config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
Changing ownership to appuser would work but violates the constraint of not changing ownership.
✓
chgrp appgroup config.cfg && chmod g+w config.cfg
Why this is correct
This changes the group to one that includes appuser and adds group write permission, allowing editing without changing the owner.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
setfacl -m u:appuser:rw config.cfg
Why it's wrong here
While ACLs could work, the scenario does not mention ACL support and the command syntax is correct but not the most standard approach without context.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While ACLs could work, the scenario does not mention ACL support and the command syntax is correct but not the most standard approach without context.
Scenario analysis trap
While ACLs could work, the scenario does not mention ACL support and the command syntax is correct but not the most standard approach without context.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this 220-1202 question in full detail.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1202 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: chgrp appgroup config.cfg && chmod g+w config.cfg — This tests understanding of file permissions and groups. By adding 'appuser' to the file's group and granting group write permission, the user can edit without being owner.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related 220-1202 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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