Quick Answer
The answer is to mount /tmp with the noexec option, set the sticky bit, and mount /tmp with the nosuid option. The sticky bit on a world-writable directory like /tmp prevents users from deleting or renaming files they do not own, which is a fundamental security hardening measure against unauthorized file tampering. The noexec option blocks execution of binaries from /tmp, stopping malware or scripts from running there, while nosuid disables setuid bit effects, preventing privilege escalation attacks. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of securing shared temporary directories against common exploits; a frequent trap is confusing the sticky bit with execution control—remember, the sticky bit only protects file ownership, not execution. A useful memory tip is “STOP, NO RUN, NO ROOT”: sticky bit stops deletion, noexec stops running, nosuid stops root escalation.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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 security audit identified that the /tmp directory is world-writable. Which THREE steps should be taken to secure /tmp on a Linux system? (Select THREE.)
Set the sticky bit on /tmp
Prevents users from deleting others' files.
Remove world-writable permission from /tmp
Why wrong: Many applications require world-writable /tmp.
Mount /tmp with the nosuid option
Prevents setuid programs from running.
Mount /tmp with the noexec option
Prevents execution of binaries from /tmp.
Mount /tmp with the exec option
Why wrong: Allows execution, which is insecure.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Set the sticky bit on /tmp
Option A is correct because setting the sticky bit on /tmp prevents users from deleting or renaming files owned by other users, even though the directory is world-writable. This is a standard security hardening measure for shared temporary directories.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Set the sticky bit on /tmp
Why this is correct
Prevents users from deleting others' files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Remove world-writable permission from /tmp
Why it's wrong here
Many applications require world-writable /tmp.
Mount /tmp with the nosuid option
Why this is correct
Prevents setuid programs from running.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Mount /tmp with the noexec option
Why this is correct
Prevents execution of binaries from /tmp.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Mount /tmp with the exec option
Why it's wrong here
Allows execution, which is insecure.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may think removing world-writable permissions is the correct fix, but that would break system functionality; instead, the sticky bit and mount options are the proper hardening steps without breaking compatibility.
Detailed technical explanation
The sticky bit (chmod +t) on a directory restricts deletion so that only the file owner, directory owner, or root can remove files. Mounting /tmp with nosuid disables set-user-ID and set-group-ID bits on binaries, and noexec prevents direct execution of binaries from the filesystem, though scripts can still be run via interpreters. These three measures together mitigate privilege escalation and malware execution risks in a world-writable space.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Set the sticky bit on /tmp — Option A is correct because setting the sticky bit on /tmp prevents users from deleting or renaming files owned by other users, even though the directory is world-writable. This is a standard security hardening measure for shared temporary directories.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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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