This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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 user is unable to create new files in a directory. Which command can the administrator use to view the Access Control Lists (ACLs) associated with that directory?
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.
getfacl
getfacl retrieves ACL entries.
ls -l
Why wrong: Shows basic permissions, not ACLs.
setfacl
Why wrong: setfacl modifies ACLs, does not read them.
chmod
Why wrong: chmod changes standard permissions, not ACLs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
getfacl
getfacl displays ACLs. ls -l shows standard permissions, setfacl sets ACLs, chmod changes permissions. Only getfacl shows ACLs.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
getfacl
Why this is correct
getfacl retrieves ACL entries.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
ls -l
Why it's wrong here
Shows basic permissions, not ACLs.
setfacl
Why it's wrong here
setfacl modifies ACLs, does not read them.
chmod
Why it's wrong here
chmod changes standard permissions, not ACLs.
Common exam traps
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Shows basic permissions, not ACLs.
Detailed technical explanation
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related XK0-005 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
System Management — This question tests System Management — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
The correct answer is: getfacl — getfacl displays ACLs. ls -l shows standard permissions, setfacl sets ACLs, chmod changes permissions. Only getfacl shows ACLs.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related XK0-005 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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.
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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