Courseiva
← CAS-004
Full test
Question 459 of 510
Scripting, Containers and Automation →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The answer is that the container can install new kernel modules, which most increases the attack surface. This is because the SYS_ADMIN capability, when granted to a container, effectively elevates it to near-host-level privileges, including the ability to load and unload kernel modules via commands like insmod or modprobe. A malicious or compromised container with this capability can introduce a rootkit or manipulate kernel memory, directly compromising the host operating system. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of container capabilities and sysadmin kernel modules as a critical security boundary; a common trap is to focus on NET_ADMIN for network changes, but SYS_ADMIN is far more dangerous because it bypasses container isolation. Remember the mnemonic: SYS_ADMIN = System Admin, meaning the container becomes the admin of the host kernel.

CAS-004 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question

This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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.

Exhibit

apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: security-example
spec:
  containers:
  - name: my-container
    image: nginx:latest
    securityContext:
      capabilities:
        add: ["NET_ADMIN", "SYS_ADMIN"]

Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst reviews this pod specification. Which attack surface is most increased by the added capabilities?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
Full question →

Exhibit

apiVersion: v1
kind: Pod
metadata:
  name: security-example
spec:
  containers:
  - name: my-container
    image: nginx:latest
    securityContext:
      capabilities:
        add: ["NET_ADMIN", "SYS_ADMIN"]

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

✓

The container can install new kernel modules

SYS_ADMIN grants many powerful privileges including loading kernel modules, which can lead to host compromise. NET_ADMIN allows network configuration but is less critical. The combination significantly increases attack surface.

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.

  • ✗

    The container can modify network settings

    Why it's wrong here

    NET_ADMIN allows network modification, but SYS_ADMIN is more severe.

  • ✗

    The container can kill other processes

    Why it's wrong here

    Killing processes requires CAP_KILL, not added here.

  • ✗

    The container can read all host files

    Why it's wrong here

    SYS_ADMIN does not directly allow reading all files; that requires other capabilities.

  • ✓

    The container can install new kernel modules

    Why this is correct

    SYS_ADMIN capability allows loading kernel modules, potentially compromising the host.

    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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CAS-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.

Related practice questions

Related CAS-004 practice-question pages

Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.

Scripting, Containers and Automation practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.

Application Environment, Configuration and Security practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Application Environment, Configuration and Security.

Governance, Risk and Compliance practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Governance, Risk and Compliance.

Security Engineering practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Engineering.

Security Architecture practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Architecture.

Security Operations practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to Security Operations.

CAS-004 fundamentals practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 fundamentals.

CAS-004 scenario practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 scenario.

CAS-004 troubleshooting practice questions

Practise CAS-004 questions linked to CAS-004 troubleshooting.

Practice this exam

Start a free CAS-004 practice session

Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.

10 questions20 questions30 questions50 questionsTimed 30
CAS-004 practice-test guide →Study guide →Browse all practice tests

FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this CAS-004 question test?

Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Authentication checks who the user is..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: The container can install new kernel modules — SYS_ADMIN grants many powerful privileges including loading kernel modules, which can lead to host compromise. NET_ADMIN allows network configuration but is less critical. The combination significantly increases attack surface.

What should I do if I get this CAS-004 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 CAS-004 questions on access control and AAA configuration.

What is the key concept behind this question?

Authentication checks who the user is.

About these practice questions

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 →

How Courseiva writes practice questions · Editorial policy

Keep practising

More CAS-004 practice questions

Browse all CAS-004 questions →

Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026

Question Discussion

Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.

Loading comments…

Sign in to join the discussion.

This CAS-004 practice question is part of Courseiva's free CompTIA 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 CAS-004 exam.