The answer is SYS_TIME. This capability is required because the `clock_settime` syscall, which modifies the system clock, is a privileged operation that the Linux kernel restricts to processes holding the `SYS_TIME` capability. Without it, a container lacks the necessary privilege to change the system time, even if other capabilities like `SYS_ADMIN` are present. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this tests your understanding of Linux capabilities as a granular alternative to full root access—a common trap is assuming `SYS_ADMIN` covers all time-related operations. Remember that `SYS_TIME` specifically governs the `clock_settime` and `settimeofday` syscalls, while `SYS_NICE` or `SYS_RESOURCE` handle different privileges. A useful memory tip: think of “TIME” as literally giving you control over the system’s time—if you need to set the clock, you need the capability that has “TIME” in its name.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. 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.
A container started with the above Compose configuration fails to set the system time (clock_settime syscall). Which additional capability is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SYS_TIME
The `clock_settime` syscall requires the `SYS_TIME` capability to modify the system clock. In Docker Compose, capabilities are added via the `cap_add` directive, and without `SYS_TIME`, the container lacks the privilege to change the system time, resulting in a failure.
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.
✗
SYS_NICE
Why it's wrong here
Allows adjusting process priority, not time.
✓
SYS_TIME
Why this is correct
Required for changing the system clock.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
SYS_RESOURCE
Why it's wrong here
Used for resource limits, not time.
✗
SYS_CLOCK
Why it's wrong here
Not a valid Linux capability.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between `SYS_TIME` and the non-existent `SYS_CLOCK` to trap candidates who assume a capability name must match the syscall name exactly.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Linux capabilities are fine-grained privileges that can be granted to containers without full root access. The `SYS_TIME` capability maps to the `CAP_SYS_TIME` constant (value 25) in the kernel, enabling calls like `clock_settime`, `settimeofday`, and `adjtimex`. In real-world scenarios, containers running NTP daemons or time-synchronization services require this capability to adjust the system clock.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
Scripting, Containers and Automation — This question tests Scripting, Containers and Automation — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SYS_TIME — The `clock_settime` syscall requires the `SYS_TIME` capability to modify the system clock. In Docker Compose, capabilities are added via the `cap_add` directive, and without `SYS_TIME`, the container lacks the privilege to change the system time, resulting in a failure.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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