The answer is `find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000`. This command is correct because it combines two essential conditions: it restricts the search to files owned by root using `-user root`, and it uses the `-perm /6000` syntax, which tells the `find` command to match any file that has either the SUID bit (4000) or the SGID bit (2000) set. The forward slash before the permission mask is a GNU extension that means “match if any of these bits are set,” making it the most efficient way to locate both privilege-escalation vectors in a single pass. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this question tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and security auditing, often appearing in scenarios about vulnerability investigations. A common trap is using `-perm -6000` (with a dash), which requires all bits to be set—a much rarer condition—or forgetting the `-user root` filter, which would return SUID/SGID files owned by any user. Memory tip: think of the forward slash as a “sieve” that catches files with either the 4 (SUID) or the 2 (SGID) bit, so “/6000” means “any of these six thousand bits.”
220-1202 Linux Commands and File Permissions Practice Question
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. 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.
A technician is investigating a privilege escalation vulnerability. They need to list all files in /usr/bin that have the SUID or SGID bit set and are owned by root. Which single command will achieve this?
Why wrong: This matches files with both SUID and SGID bits set (6000), not either one, so it would miss files with only SUID or only SGID.
B
find /usr/bin -user root -perm 4000 -o -perm 2000
Why wrong: This is syntactically incorrect; the -o operator needs to be properly grouped with parentheses, and it does not combine the conditions correctly.
C
ls -la /usr/bin | grep '^...s'
Why wrong: This uses grep to find SUID files but does not filter by owner root, and it does not capture SGID files correctly.
D
find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000
This correctly uses the / prefix to match files with either SUID or SGID bit set, and filters by owner root.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000
The correct answer is D because find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000 finds files owned by root with either SUID (4000) or SGID (2000) bit set. The -perm /6000 uses the 'any' match syntax (GNU find) to match files with either bit.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
find /usr/bin -user root -perm -6000
Why it's wrong here
This matches files with both SUID and SGID bits set (6000), not either one, so it would miss files with only SUID or only SGID.
✗
find /usr/bin -user root -perm 4000 -o -perm 2000
Why it's wrong here
This is syntactically incorrect; the -o operator needs to be properly grouped with parentheses, and it does not combine the conditions correctly.
✗
ls -la /usr/bin | grep '^...s'
Why it's wrong here
This uses grep to find SUID files but does not filter by owner root, and it does not capture SGID files correctly.
✓
find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000
Why this is correct
This correctly uses the / prefix to match files with either SUID or SGID bit set, and filters by owner root.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000 — The correct answer is D because find /usr/bin -user root -perm /6000 finds files owned by root with either SUID (4000) or SGID (2000) bit set. The -perm /6000 uses the 'any' match syntax (GNU find) to match files with either bit.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related 220-1202 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Variation 1. A security incident response team needs to find all files in /var/www that have the SUID bit set, which may indicate a privilege escalation risk. Which command should they use?
hard
A.find /var/www -type f -perm 4000
✓ B.find /var/www -type f -perm /4000
C.ls -la /var/www | grep '^...s'
D.chmod -R u+s /var/www
Why B: The find command with the -perm /4000 option searches for files with the SUID bit set (the setuid permission). This is a standard security audit technique.
Last reviewed: Jun 19, 2026
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