Quick Answer
The answer is PodSecurity, as it is the Kubernetes admission controller designed to enforce pod security standards, including the restriction of privileged mode. PodSecurity with a restricted profile directly prevents containers from running with elevated privileges, satisfying the non-privileged requirement. For image signing, PodSecurity alone does not natively validate signatures, but it can be combined with an ImagePolicyWebhook or OPA to enforce that only signed images from a private registry are admitted. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this question tests your understanding of how admission controllers map to specific security controls—a common trap is choosing ImagePolicyWebhook alone, which handles signing but ignores privileged mode, or AlwaysPullImages, which ensures freshness but not signing. Remember the memory tip: “PodSecurity for privilege, add a webhook for the signature.”
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of application environment, configuration and security. 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.
A company is deploying a containerized application on Kubernetes. The security team requires that only signed images from a private registry be used and that containers run without privileged mode. Which Kubernetes admission controller should be configured to enforce both requirements?
NodeRestriction
Why wrong: Limits node access to API, not container security.
PodSecurity
PodSecurity (or Pod Security Admission) with a restricted profile disallows privileged containers and can be extended with external webhooks for image signing.
ImagePolicyWebhook
Why wrong: Enforces image signatures but not privileged mode restriction.
AlwaysPullImages
Why wrong: Pulls images every time but doesn't verify signatures or privilege.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
PodSecurity
Option D (PodSecurity) with a restricted profile enforces non-privileged containers and, when combined with ImagePolicyWebhook or OPA, can also enforce image signing. However, native PodSecurity alone covers privileged mode; for image signing, an additional webhook is needed. Among the options, PodSecurity is the primary admission controller for pod security standards. Option A (NodeRestriction) limits kubelet access; Option B (AlwaysPullImages) ensures fresh images but not signing; Option C (ImagePolicyWebhook) enforces image signing but not privileged mode. Thus, D is the best single choice to cover both.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
NodeRestriction
Why it's wrong here
Limits node access to API, not container security.
PodSecurity
Why this is correct
PodSecurity (or Pod Security Admission) with a restricted profile disallows privileged containers and can be extended with external webhooks for image signing.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
ImagePolicyWebhook
Why it's wrong here
Enforces image signatures but not privileged mode restriction.
AlwaysPullImages
Why it's wrong here
Pulls images every time but doesn't verify signatures or privilege.
Common exam traps
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
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.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
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
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.
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Application Environment, Configuration and Security — This question tests Application Environment, Configuration and Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
The correct answer is: PodSecurity — Option D (PodSecurity) with a restricted profile enforces non-privileged containers and, when combined with ImagePolicyWebhook or OPA, can also enforce image signing. However, native PodSecurity alone covers privileged mode; for image signing, an additional webhook is needed. Among the options, PodSecurity is the primary admission controller for pod security standards. Option A (NodeRestriction) limits kubelet access; Option B (AlwaysPullImages) ensures fresh images but not signing; Option C (ImagePolicyWebhook) enforces image signing but not privileged mode. Thus, D is the best single choice to cover both.
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.
Authentication checks who the user is.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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