- A
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file
Changes the type to httpd_sys_content_t, allowing web server read access.
- B
setsebool -P httpd_read_content on
Why wrong: Boolean enables read, but context mismatch is the issue.
- C
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file
Why wrong: This adds a file context rule but does not immediately change the context.
- D
restorecon -v /path/to/file
Why wrong: Resets to the default context, which may not be the correct one.
Question 60 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 on an SELinux-enabled system has the security context 'unconfined_u:object_r:httpd_sys_content_t:s0'. A web server needs to read it, but it is being denied. Which command changes the context to allow access?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"which command"Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
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
✓
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file
Option A is correct because the file already has the correct SELinux type `httpd_sys_content_t`, but the context shown includes `unconfined_u:object_r:httpd_sys_content_t:s0`. The web server is denied because the file's SELinux context may have been misapplied or the file was moved from a different location, causing the type to be incorrect. The `chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t` command directly changes the file's SELinux type to the one required for Apache to read it, without modifying the policy or requiring a relabel.
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.
- ✓
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file
Why this is correct
Changes the type to httpd_sys_content_t, allowing web server read access.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
setsebool -P httpd_read_content on
Why it's wrong here
Boolean enables read, but context mismatch is the issue.
- ✗
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file
Why it's wrong here
This adds a file context rule but does not immediately change the context.
- ✗
restorecon -v /path/to/file
Why it's wrong here
Resets to the default context, which may not be the correct one.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the distinction between `chcon` (immediate, temporary context change) and `semanage fcontext` + `restorecon` (persistent, policy-based change), tricking candidates into choosing the persistent method when the question asks for a quick fix to allow access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses a type enforcement model where processes (domains) are allowed to access files only if the file's type matches the process's allowed types. The `httpd_sys_content_t` type is the default type for web content that Apache (running in the `httpd_t` domain) can read. The `chcon` command changes the security context of a file in memory (the extended attribute) without altering the policy, making it ideal for one-off fixes. A real-world scenario is when a file is copied from a non-web directory (e.g., `/home/user`) to `/var/www/html`; the file retains its original context (e.g., `user_home_t`), and Apache is denied access until the type is changed to `httpd_sys_content_t`.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /path/to/file — Option A is correct because the file already has the correct SELinux type `httpd_sys_content_t`, but the context shown includes `unconfined_u:object_r:httpd_sys_content_t:s0`. The web server is denied because the file's SELinux context may have been misapplied or the file was moved from a different location, causing the type to be incorrect. The `chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t` command directly changes the file's SELinux type to the one required for Apache to read it, without modifying the policy or requiring a relabel.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
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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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