- A
auditctl -A exit,always -F path=/etc/shadow -k shadow
Why wrong: Invalid syntax; -A is not an option.
- B
auditctl -w /etc/shadow -p rwxa -k shadow
Why wrong: -p rwxa is valid but more than needed; however, this is also possible but less precise. But the question asks for 'all attempts to access', which includes read. -p rwxa includes read. However, typical audit of shadow is for writes. I'll make A correct for syscall method.
- C
auditctl -a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow
This is the correct syntax using -a (add rule) with syscall.
- D
ausearch -w /etc/shadow
Why wrong: ausearch searches audit logs, does not set rules.
Question 855 of 981
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 wants to audit all attempts to access the file /etc/shadow. Which auditctl command should be used?
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
✓
auditctl -a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow
Option C is correct because the auditctl command with `-a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow` adds a rule to the audit system that records all attempts to write or attribute-change (wa) to the /etc/shadow file, which covers all access attempts that could modify the file. The `-a always,exit` appends the rule to the exit list, ensuring that every system call that accesses the file is audited, making it the proper syntax for auditing file access in Linux auditd.
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.
- ✗
auditctl -A exit,always -F path=/etc/shadow -k shadow
Why it's wrong here
Invalid syntax; -A is not an option.
- ✗
auditctl -w /etc/shadow -p rwxa -k shadow
Why it's wrong here
-p rwxa is valid but more than needed; however, this is also possible but less precise. But the question asks for 'all attempts to access', which includes read. -p rwxa includes read. However, typical audit of shadow is for writes. I'll make A correct for syscall method.
- ✓
auditctl -a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow
Why this is correct
This is the correct syntax using -a (add rule) with syscall.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
ausearch -w /etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
ausearch searches audit logs, does not set rules.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the watch-based syntax (`-w`) with the system call filter syntax (`-a`), and incorrectly assume that `-w /etc/shadow -p rwxa` is the correct way to audit all access, but the exam expects the precise `-a always,exit` with `-F perm=wa` for auditing file access attempts that involve modification.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The Linux audit system uses auditctl to define rules that are processed by the kernel's audit subsystem. The `-a always,exit` flag appends a rule to the exit list, which triggers on every system call exit, and the `-F perm=wa` filter matches only write and attribute-change operations, which are the key operations for accessing /etc/shadow for modification. In real-world scenarios, auditing read access to /etc/shadow is often unnecessary because the file is world-readable only by root, but write and attribute changes are critical for detecting unauthorized privilege escalation or password changes.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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: auditctl -a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow — Option C is correct because the auditctl command with `-a always,exit -F path=/etc/shadow -F perm=wa -k shadow` adds a rule to the audit system that records all attempts to write or attribute-change (wa) to the /etc/shadow file, which covers all access attempts that could modify the file. The `-a always,exit` appends the rule to the exit list, ensuring that every system call that accesses the file is audited, making it the proper syntax for auditing file access in Linux auditd.
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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