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XK0-006 Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` $ cat /var/log/containers/web.log | grep "ERROR" | head -5 [2024-03-21 10:15:23] ERROR: Connection refused to database at 10.0.0.1:3306 [2024-03-21 10:15:24] ERROR: Connection refused to database at 10.0.0.1:3306 [2024-03-21 10:15:25] ERROR: Connection refused to database at 10.0.0.1:3306 [2024-03-21 10:15:26] ERROR: Connection refused to database at 10.0.0.1:3306 [2024-03-21 10:15:27] ERROR: Connection refused to database at 10.0.0.1:3306 ```
Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause of the repeated connection refused errors?
⚠ Common exam trap
CompTIA often tests the distinction between 'connection refused' (service down) and 'connection timeout' (firewall blocking) — candidates confuse the two because both prevent access, but the TCP error message uniquely identifies the cause.
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 database service is down.
The 'connection refused' error indicates that the client's TCP SYN packet reached the target host on port 3306, but the host actively rejected the connection because no process is listening on that port. This is the classic symptom of the MySQL/MariaDB database service being stopped or crashed, as the OS TCP stack sends an RST packet when a connection attempt hits a port with no listening socket.
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 DNS resolution for the database host fails.
Why it's wrong here
Would get unknown host.
- ✗
A firewall is blocking port 3306.
Why it's wrong here
Firewall would drop, not refuse.
- ✓
The database service is down.
Why this is correct
Connection refused typically means no process listening.
- ✗
The database credentials are incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
Would get auth error.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Process Management and System Monitoring
Key term
Service
A service is a software component or system that performs a specific function and is available to be used by other programs or users over a network.
Key term
Process
In IT service management, a process is a structured set of activities designed to accomplish a specific objective, such as managing incidents or changes, by transforming inputs into defined outputs.
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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.