mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
CV0-004 Practice Question: A cloud administrator launches a new EC2 instance…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` [cloud-init] Output from: /var/log/cloud-init-output.log ... 2024-01-15 10:32:45,123 - util.py[WARNING]: Running module <module-name> (<module-path>) failed ... ```
A cloud administrator launches a new EC2 instance with a userdata script that installs a web server. The instance launches but the web server is not running. The administrator checks the cloud-init logs and sees the warning shown in the exhibit. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that security groups or IAM roles are the cause of application startup failures, but the trap here is that cloud-init warnings specifically point to script execution issues, not network or permission problems.
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 userdata script contains a syntax error.
The warning in cloud-init logs indicates that the userdata script failed to execute, which most commonly occurs due to a syntax error in the script. Cloud-init processes userdata as a shell script by default, and any syntax error (e.g., missing quotes, incorrect commands) will cause the script to exit prematurely, preventing the web server from starting. The administrator confirmed the instance launched successfully, so the issue is isolated to the script execution, not infrastructure or permissions.
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 userdata script contains a syntax error.
Why this is correct
Syntax errors cause cloud-init modules to fail.
- ✗
The instance type does not have enough memory.
Why it's wrong here
Would not cause script failure.
- ✗
The instance does not have an IAM role assigned.
Why it's wrong here
IAM role not needed for simple script.
- ✗
The security group does not allow HTTP traffic.
Why it's wrong here
Does not prevent web server installation.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This CV0-004 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 CV0-004 exam.