hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: An administrator is troubleshooting a web server…
Network Topology
An administrator is troubleshooting a web server that is not accessible from the internet. The server is running on port 80. Based on the iptables output, which of the following is the MOST likely reason?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the misconception that a default DROP policy is the primary cause of connectivity issues, when in fact a specific rule with an overly restrictive source or destination match is the actual problem.
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
✓
The HTTP rule only allows traffic from the internal network.
The iptables output shows an HTTP rule that explicitly matches traffic from the internal network (e.g., 192.168.1.0/24) and does not include a rule allowing HTTP traffic from external (internet) sources. Since the web server is running on port 80 but the only HTTP rule restricts source IPs to the internal subnet, traffic from the internet is not matched by any ACCEPT rule and will be subject to the default policy. This is the most likely reason the server is inaccessible from the internet.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
The HTTP rule only allows traffic from the internal network.
Why this is correct
The rule for port 80 sources from 192.168.1.0/24, so internet traffic is blocked.
- ✗
The SSH rule is blocking HTTP traffic.
Why it's wrong here
SSH rule only matches port 22, not port 80.
- ✗
The loopback interface is not accepting traffic.
Why it's wrong here
The loopback rule accepts all traffic on lo.
- ✗
The default INPUT policy is DROP.
Why it's wrong here
The default INPUT policy is actually ACCEPT, not DROP. Therefore, the default policy is not blocking traffic. The issue is that a specific HTTP rule only allows traffic from internal sources, preventing external access.
Visual reference
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
System Troubleshooting and Performance Tuning
Key term
Policy
A policy is a set of rules or guidelines that defines how an organization manages, secures, and operates its IT systems and services.
Key term
Output
In IT service management, output is the result or deliverable produced by a process, system, or component, such as data, reports, or services delivered to a customer.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This XK0-006 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 XK0-006 exam.