- A
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf && restorecon -v webapp.conf
This adds a default context rule and restores it. Both B and D could work, but D is more permanent. Since the question asks for 'most appropriate', D ensures persistence. However, B is also correct but may not be persistent if the file path is not covered by policy. In practice, D is better. But given options, D is more comprehensive. I'll choose D as correct.
- B
setenforce 0
Why wrong: Disabling SELinux is not a fix; it bypasses security.
- C
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf
Why wrong: chcon changes context but does not persist after relabeling; restorecon is better.
- D
restorecon -v webapp.conf
restorecon restores the default SELinux context for the file.
Question 24 of 1,000
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 file named 'webapp.conf' is being served by Apache but users get a 'Permission denied' error. The SELinux context of the file is 'unconfined_u:object_r:admin_home_t:s0'. What is the most appropriate command to fix the SELinux context?
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
✓
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf && restorecon -v webapp.conf
Both options A and D are correct. Option D uses restorecon to apply the default SELinux context for the file's path, which can set httpd_sys_content_t if the path has a defined mapping. Option A first adds a persistent rule with semanage fcontext, then applies it with restorecon, ensuring the correct context regardless of the file's location and making the change survive system relabeling. While both resolve the 'Permission denied' error, A is the most appropriate because it guarantees persistence and correctness even if the default mapping is missing.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf && restorecon -v webapp.conf
Why this is correct
This adds a default context rule and restores it. Both B and D could work, but D is more permanent. Since the question asks for 'most appropriate', D ensures persistence. However, B is also correct but may not be persistent if the file path is not covered by policy. In practice, D is better. But given options, D is more comprehensive. I'll choose D as correct.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
setenforce 0
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SELinux is not a fix; it bypasses security.
- ✗
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf
Why it's wrong here
chcon changes context but does not persist after relabeling; restorecon is better.
- ✓
restorecon -v webapp.conf
Why this is correct
restorecon restores the default SELinux context for the file.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap is that candidates often choose chcon (option C) because it works immediately without additional commands. However, chcon changes are not persistent across file relabeling (e.g., after a full restorecon or system policy update), making semanage fcontext the recommended approach for a permanent fix.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses a policy database to define default file contexts via 'semanage fcontext' rules, which are stored in the 'file_contexts' file under '/etc/selinux/targeted/contexts/files/'. The 'chcon' command modifies the extended attribute directly on the inode but does not create a policy entry, making it volatile. In real-world scenarios, automated system updates or 'restorecon' runs (e.g., during package installations) will overwrite 'chcon' changes, so 'semanage fcontext' is essential for persistent fixes in production environments.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
- Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
- Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
- Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Visual reference
What to study next
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this XK0-005 question test?
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t webapp.conf && restorecon -v webapp.conf — Both options A and D are correct. Option D uses restorecon to apply the default SELinux context for the file's path, which can set httpd_sys_content_t if the path has a defined mapping. Option A first adds a persistent rule with semanage fcontext, then applies it with restorecon, ensuring the correct context regardless of the file's location and making the change survive system relabeling. While both resolve the 'Permission denied' error, A is the most appropriate because it guarantees persistence and correctness even if the default mapping is missing.
What should I do if I get this XK0-005 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This XK0-005 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 XK0-005 exam.
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