Quick Answer
The answer is `chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/index.html` because the `chcon` command is specifically designed to temporarily change the SELinux context of a file without altering the persistent SELinux policy, making it the ideal tool for immediate troubleshooting of access denials. By using the `-t` flag to set the type to `httpd_sys_content_t`, you match the expected type for Apache (httpd), instantly resolving the denial. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of SELinux troubleshooting versus permanent policy changes—a common trap is confusing `chcon` with `semanage fcontext`, which makes changes persistent across relabeling. Remember that `chcon` is like a sticky note: it works now but disappears if the filesystem is relabeled. A helpful memory tip is “chcon for change-on-the-fly, semanage for set-it-and-forget-it.”
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 application is being denied access to a file due to SELinux. Which command can be used to temporarily set the SELinux context of the file to match the expected type for the application?
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.
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/index.html
Changes SELinux context to the specified type.
setenforce 0
Why wrong: Disables SELinux enforcement, not recommended.
restorecon -v /var/www/html/index.html
Why wrong: Restores default context, may not fix if context was wrong.
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why wrong: Adds a rule, but does not apply immediately.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/index.html
Option A is correct because the `chcon` command is used to temporarily change the SELinux context of a file without modifying the SELinux policy. By specifying `-t httpd_sys_content_t`, the file's type is set to the expected type for Apache (httpd) to access it, resolving the denial immediately. This change is not persistent across file system relabeling, making it ideal for temporary troubleshooting.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/index.html
Why this is correct
Changes SELinux context to the specified type.
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.
setenforce 0
Why it's wrong here
Disables SELinux enforcement, not recommended.
restorecon -v /var/www/html/index.html
Why it's wrong here
Restores default context, may not fix if context was wrong.
semanage fcontext -a -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html
Why it's wrong here
Adds a rule, but does not apply immediately.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates confuse `chcon` (temporary, immediate change) with `restorecon` (reverts to policy default) or `semanage fcontext` (persistent policy rule that requires an extra step to apply), leading them to pick an option that either disables SELinux or does not immediately fix the file context.
Detailed technical explanation
SELinux uses a security context consisting of user:role:type:level, where the type is the primary attribute for access control. The `chcon` command directly modifies the extended attribute (security.selinux) on the file inode, which is read by the kernel's LSM (Linux Security Module) during access checks. In a real-world scenario, an administrator might use `chcon` to quickly test a context change before committing it permanently with `semanage fcontext` and `restorecon`, avoiding unintended policy modifications.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: chcon -t httpd_sys_content_t /var/www/html/index.html — Option A is correct because the `chcon` command is used to temporarily change the SELinux context of a file without modifying the SELinux policy. By specifying `-t httpd_sys_content_t`, the file's type is set to the expected type for Apache (httpd) to access it, resolving the denial immediately. This change is not persistent across file system relabeling, making it ideal for temporary troubleshooting.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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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