The correct first step is to run rpm -V to compare the current file checksums against the original package manager database. This is because the AIDE database is six months old and will flag any legitimate package updates as changes, making it unreliable for distinguishing authorized modifications from malicious ones. By using rpm -V, the administrator can verify whether the altered files in /usr/bin match the checksums recorded by the RPM package manager at installation or update time, which provides a trusted baseline independent of the outdated AIDE snapshot. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of file integrity verification workflows and the common trap of relying solely on an old AIDE database without cross-referencing package manager data. A helpful memory tip: when AIDE cries wolf, let RPM verify the pack—if the checksum matches the package, the change was legit; if not, investigate the hack.
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
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.
An administrator is investigating a system that may have been compromised. The 'aide' database was created six months ago. After running 'aide --check', many files in /usr/bin are reported as changed. Which action should the administrator take first to identify the cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "first"
Why it matters: Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Compare the checksums with the original package manager database (rpm -V).
Option C is correct because the AIDE database is six months old, so any changes to system binaries in /usr/bin since then would be flagged. The first step should be to verify whether these changes are legitimate (e.g., from package updates) or malicious by comparing the current file checksums against the RPM package manager's database using 'rpm -V'. This distinguishes expected updates from unauthorized modifications without relying on the outdated AIDE baseline.
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.
✗
Increase the verbosity of AIDE to see which attributes changed.
Why it's wrong here
Provides details but does not directly indicate cause like package verification does.
✗
Update the AIDE database with 'aide --update'.
Why it's wrong here
Would accept current state, potentially hiding malicious changes.
✓
Compare the checksums with the original package manager database (rpm -V).
Why this is correct
Determines if changes are from package updates or unauthorized modifications.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "first" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Restore the original files from backup.
Why it's wrong here
May overwrite legitimate changes; should first investigate.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think updating the AIDE database (Option B) is the logical next step to stop false alerts, but this would overwrite the baseline and eliminate the ability to detect the compromise, whereas the correct first action is to cross-verify with the package manager's own integrity database.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'rpm -V' command verifies installed RPM packages by comparing file attributes (MD5 checksum, size, permissions, etc.) against the metadata stored in the RPM database, which is updated with each package installation or update. AIDE (Advanced Intrusion Detection Environment) uses a separately stored database of cryptographic hashes (e.g., SHA-256) and file metadata; if the database is stale, it cannot distinguish between a legitimate system update and an intrusion. In a real-world scenario, an attacker who replaces /usr/bin binaries would also need to modify the RPM database to avoid detection by 'rpm -V', making this check a reliable first step.
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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
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: Compare the checksums with the original package manager database (rpm -V). — Option C is correct because the AIDE database is six months old, so any changes to system binaries in /usr/bin since then would be flagged. The first step should be to verify whether these changes are legitimate (e.g., from package updates) or malicious by comparing the current file checksums against the RPM package manager's database using 'rpm -V'. This distinguishes expected updates from unauthorized modifications without relying on the outdated AIDE baseline.
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: "first". Order matters here. You are being tested on which action comes before the others — not which action is generally useful.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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