The answer is `semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t '/webapps/company(/.*)?'`. This command is correct because `semanage fcontext` modifies the SELinux file context policy persistently, allowing you to define a custom directory context that survives file system relabels. The regex `/webapps/company(/.*)?` ensures the rule applies to the directory and all its contents, which is essential when Apache’s `httpd` process needs `httpd_sys_content_t` access to serve files from a non-standard path. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of persistent versus temporary context changes—a common trap is choosing `chcon`, which works immediately but is overwritten by `restorecon` or a relabel, or `restorecon` itself, which only applies the default policy (here, `default_t`). Remember the memory tip: “semanage sets the policy, chcon is temporary, restorecon reads the policy.”
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
An Apache web server (httpd) is serving content from a custom directory /webapps/company. The root directory is labeled with the default_t context, causing httpd to be denied access. Which command should the administrator use to persistently relabel the directory for httpd access?
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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t '/webapps/company(/.*)?'
Option D is correct because `semanage fcontext` modifies the SELinux file context policy persistently, and the regex `/webapps/company(/.*)?` ensures the rule applies to the directory and all its contents. This is necessary because `restorecon` (option A) only applies the default context from the policy, which is `default_t` for this custom path, and `chcon` (option B) is non-persistent and will be overwritten by a file system relabel. The `setsebool` (option C) controls a boolean for user content, not the file context of a custom directory.
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.
✗
restorecon -v /webapps/company
Why it's wrong here
restorecon applies the default context from the policy, but if no custom rule was added, it will revert to default_t.
✗
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /webapps/company
Why it's wrong here
chcon changes the context immediately but does not survive a restorecon or filesystem relabel.
✗
setsebool -P httpd_read_user_content on
Why it's wrong here
This boolean allows httpd to read user home directories, not custom paths.
✓
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t '/webapps/company(/.*)?'
Why this is correct
This sets the persistent default SELinux type for the directory and its contents.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates confuse `chcon` (immediate but non-persistent) with `semanage fcontext` (persistent via policy), or they incorrectly assume `restorecon` can change the context to a non-default type when it only restores the type defined in the policy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses a policy database managed by `semanage fcontext` to define default file contexts for paths. The regex `/webapps/company(/.*)?` matches the directory and all files/subdirectories recursively, ensuring the `httpd_sys_content_t` type is applied persistently. When `restorecon` is later run (e.g., after a system relabel), it reads this policy entry to set the correct context, whereas `chcon` only modifies the extended attribute directly without updating the policy, making it ephemeral.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t '/webapps/company(/.*)?' — Option D is correct because `semanage fcontext` modifies the SELinux file context policy persistently, and the regex `/webapps/company(/.*)?` ensures the rule applies to the directory and all its contents. This is necessary because `restorecon` (option A) only applies the default context from the policy, which is `default_t` for this custom path, and `chcon` (option B) is non-persistent and will be overwritten by a file system relabel. The `setsebool` (option C) controls a boolean for user content, not the file context of a custom directory.
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: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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