hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
XK0-006 Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
# systemctl status sshd
● sshd.service - OpenSSH server daemon
Loaded: loaded (/usr/lib/systemd/system/sshd.service; disabled; vendor preset: disabled)
Active: failed (Result: exit-code) since Mon 2023-10-23 14:30:01 UTC; 5min ago
Docs: man:sshd(8)
man:sshd_config(5)
Process: 1234 ExecStart=/usr/sbin/sshd -D $OPTIONS (code=exited, status=255)
Main PID: 1234 (code=exited, status=255)
Oct 23 14:30:01 server sshd[1234]: fatal: Cannot bind to port 22: Address already in useBased on the exhibit, what is the most likely cause of the sshd service failure?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates assume a firewall or permission issue is the cause, but the specific 'Address already in use' error directly points to a port conflict, which is a distinct and common scenario on Linux systems.
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
✓
Another process is already listening on port 22
The sshd service failed because another process is already listening on port 22, which prevents sshd from binding to that port. This is indicated by the error message in the exhibit (e.g., 'bind: Address already in use'), which is a common symptom when a conflicting service or a previously running instance of sshd occupies the port. The system cannot start a new instance of sshd until the port is freed.
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 firewall is blocking port 22
Why it's wrong here
Firewall would not cause 'address in use' error.
- ✗
The sshd configuration file has incorrect permissions
Why it's wrong here
Would show permission denied, not address in use.
- ✗
The sshd service is not installed
Why it's wrong here
The service file exists, so it is installed.
- ✓
Another process is already listening on port 22
Why this is correct
Error message directly indicates address already in use.
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Process Management and System Monitoring
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.
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.
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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.