Quick Answer
The answer is the /etc/sudoers file. This is the correct choice because it serves as the central authorization database for the sudo utility, defining precisely which users or groups can execute commands with elevated privileges and under what conditions. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of privilege escalation controls and system security policies—a common trap is forgetting that this file must always be edited using the visudo command, which locks the file and validates syntax before saving, preventing a misconfiguration that could lock out all administrative access. The search intent for configuring sudo access on Linux revolves around mastering this file’s syntax, such as the standard rule 'username ALL=(ALL) ALL', which grants full sudo rights. A reliable memory tip: think of "visudo" as "vi safe" for sudo—always use it to avoid breaking your system.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A system administrator needs to ensure that only specific users can execute the 'sudo' command. Which configuration file should be modified?
/etc/sudoers
This file specifies which users or groups can run sudo and which commands.
/etc/shadow
Why wrong: This file stores password hashes and age information.
/etc/passwd
Why wrong: This file contains user account information but not sudo permissions.
/etc/group
Why wrong: This file defines groups, not sudo permissions.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
/etc/sudoers
The /etc/sudoers file controls which users and groups can execute commands with elevated privileges via the sudo utility. It uses a specific syntax to define user privileges, such as 'username ALL=(ALL) ALL', and must be edited with the visudo command to prevent syntax errors that could lock out administrative access. Modifying this file is the standard method for granting or restricting sudo access on Linux systems.
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.
/etc/sudoers
Why this is correct
This file specifies which users or groups can run sudo and which commands.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
/etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
This file stores password hashes and age information.
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
This file contains user account information but not sudo permissions.
/etc/group
Why it's wrong here
This file defines groups, not sudo permissions.
Common exam traps
CompTIA often tests the misconception that /etc/group or /etc/passwd controls sudo privileges, but only /etc/sudoers (or files in /etc/sudoers.d/) defines sudo access, and it must be edited with visudo to enforce syntax checking.
Detailed technical explanation
The /etc/sudoers file is parsed by the sudo binary using a grammar that supports aliases (User_Alias, Runas_Alias, Host_Alias, Cmnd_Alias) and default parameters (e.g., 'Defaults requiretty'). A common subtlety is that the 'ALL' keyword in the sudoers file is a wildcard that matches any host or command, and using 'NOPASSWD' tags can bypass password prompts, which is a frequent source of privilege escalation if misconfigured. In real-world scenarios, administrators often use the /etc/sudoers.d/ directory for drop-in files to avoid editing the main file directly, which is also managed by visudo.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
Security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All XK0-005 questions
510 questions across all exam domains
CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
XK0-005 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Security.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Troubleshooting.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to Scripting, Containers and Automation.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to System Management.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 fundamentals.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 scenario.
Practise XK0-005 questions linked to XK0-005 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: /etc/sudoers — The /etc/sudoers file controls which users and groups can execute commands with elevated privileges via the sudo utility. It uses a specific syntax to define user privileges, such as 'username ALL=(ALL) ALL', and must be edited with the visudo command to prevent syntax errors that could lock out administrative access. Modifying this file is the standard method for granting or restricting sudo access on Linux systems.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.