- A
chcon -R -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why wrong: chcon changes context directly but is not persistent across relabels; restorecon is better.
- B
restorecon -Rv /var/www/html
Correct. restorecon applies the default context recursively.
- C
fixfiles -R restore /var/www/html
Why wrong: fixfiles is used for full filesystem relabel, not for specific paths.
- D
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why wrong: This modifies policy defaults but does not immediately apply changes; requires restorecon.
Question 38 of 1,000
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 system administrator needs to ensure that the Apache web server can read files in /var/www/html, which has the SELinux context httpd_sys_content_t. However, Apache is unable to access the files. What command should be used to apply the correct context to the directory and its contents?
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
✓
restorecon -Rv /var/www/html
The directory /var/www/html already has the correct SELinux type (httpd_sys_content_t) as stated, but Apache cannot access the files. This suggests that the file contexts are not correctly applied or are mislabeled. The restorecon -Rv command resets the SELinux context of the directory and its contents to the default policy-defined context (httpd_sys_content_t), ensuring consistent labeling. This directly resolves the access issue without needing to define or change the context type.
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 -R -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
chcon changes context directly but is not persistent across relabels; restorecon is better.
- ✓
restorecon -Rv /var/www/html
Why this is correct
Correct. restorecon applies the default context recursively.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
fixfiles -R restore /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
fixfiles is used for full filesystem relabel, not for specific paths.
- ✗
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
This modifies policy defaults but does not immediately apply changes; requires restorecon.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume the context is missing and choose `chcon` or `semanage fcontext` to set it, when in fact the context is already present but not applied correctly, and `restorecon` is the proper tool to enforce the policy-defined context.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux contexts consist of user:role:type:level, and the type (e.g., httpd_sys_content_t) is the primary attribute controlling access. The `restorecon` command reads the file context rules from the SELinux policy (stored in `/etc/selinux/targeted/contexts/files/`) and applies the correct type to files based on their path. A common real-world scenario is when files are moved or copied from another location, they retain their original SELinux context, causing access denial even if the directory has the correct type; `restorecon` fixes this by resetting the context to match the policy.
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: restorecon -Rv /var/www/html — The directory /var/www/html already has the correct SELinux type (httpd_sys_content_t) as stated, but Apache cannot access the files. This suggests that the file contexts are not correctly applied or are mislabeled. The restorecon -Rv command resets the SELinux context of the directory and its contents to the default policy-defined context (httpd_sys_content_t), ensuring consistent labeling. This directly resolves the access issue without needing to define or change the context type.
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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