Quick Answer
The answer is SELinux and AppArmor. Both are Linux Security Modules (LSMs) that implement mandatory access control (MAC) by confining processes to a predefined set of permissions, rather than relying solely on the user-based discretionary access control (DAC) model. SELinux uses a label-based system with security contexts applied to files and processes, while AppArmor uses path-based profiles to restrict a daemon’s access to only necessary files and capabilities. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your ability to distinguish MAC technologies from DAC tools like standard file permissions or sudo; a common trap is confusing AppArmor’s path-based approach with SELinux’s label-based approach. Remember the mnemonic: “SELinux labels everything, AppArmor profiles the path.”
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 team wants to implement mandatory access control (MAC) on a Linux server to confine a potentially vulnerable daemon. Which TWO of the following technologies can be used for this purpose?
sudo
Why wrong: sudo controls command execution permissions, not MAC.
AppArmor
AppArmor is another Linux MAC implementation using profiles.
SELinux
SELinux implements MAC using security contexts and policies.
TCP wrappers
Why wrong: TCP wrappers provide host-based access control via /etc/hosts.allow/.deny, not MAC.
iptables
Why wrong: iptables is a packet filter, not a MAC system.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
AppArmor
AppArmor is a Linux Security Module (LSM) that implements mandatory access control (MAC) by confining programs to a set of listed files and capabilities defined in profiles. It operates on a path-based model, allowing the security team to restrict the daemon's access to only necessary resources, effectively containing a potential vulnerability.
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.
sudo
Why it's wrong here
sudo controls command execution permissions, not MAC.
AppArmor
Why this is correct
AppArmor is another Linux MAC implementation using profiles.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
SELinux
Why this is correct
SELinux implements MAC using security contexts and policies.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
TCP wrappers
Why it's wrong here
TCP wrappers provide host-based access control via /etc/hosts.allow/.deny, not MAC.
iptables
Why it's wrong here
iptables is a packet filter, not a MAC system.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may confuse network-level controls (TCP wrappers, iptables) or privilege escalation tools (sudo) with mandatory access control, which specifically restricts what a process can do on the local system regardless of the user running it.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
sudo controls command execution permissions, not MAC.
Detailed technical explanation
Both AppArmor and SELinux are Linux Security Modules that enforce MAC by mediating system calls and file accesses against a security policy. SELinux uses a label-based (security context) approach with type enforcement and role-based access control, while AppArmor uses path-based profiles. In a real-world scenario, a vulnerable web server daemon could be confined with an AppArmor profile that denies write access to /etc/passwd, preventing privilege escalation even if the daemon is compromised.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All XK0-005 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: AppArmor — AppArmor is a Linux Security Module (LSM) that implements mandatory access control (MAC) by confining programs to a set of listed files and capabilities defined in profiles. It operates on a path-based model, allowing the security team to restrict the daemon's access to only necessary resources, effectively containing a potential vulnerability.
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.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.