The answer is `/srv/nfs 192.168.10.0/24(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,secure,root_squash)`. This configuration is correct because it restricts the NFS exports to the specified 192.168.10.0/24 network, enforces the `secure` option to require client connections from a privileged port (below 1024), and applies `root_squash` to map any root user on the client to the anonymous `nobody` user, thereby preventing root-level access to the share. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this question tests your understanding of securing NFS exports by combining network restriction, port security, and user mapping—a common scenario where junior administrators must harden a file server. A frequent trap is forgetting that `root_squash` is the default behavior in many distributions, but explicitly including it reinforces the security requirement, while omitting `secure` would leave the share vulnerable to connections from high-numbered ports. Remember the mnemonic “No Root on Random Ports” to recall that `root_squash` blocks root access and `secure` mandates privileged ports.
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
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 junior administrator is tasked with setting up a file server using NFS on a Linux server. The /etc/exports file currently contains: /srv/nfs *(rw,sync,no_subtree_check). The administrator wants to restrict access to only the 192.168.10.0/24 network and require clients to use a privileged port (less than 1024) for added security. Additionally, the administrator wants to prevent root users on the client from having root access to the NFS share. Which exports configuration meets these requirements?
Option C is correct because it restricts access to the 192.168.10.0/24 network, uses the 'secure' option to require client connections from a privileged port (less than 1024), and applies 'root_squash' to map root users on the client to the anonymous 'nobody' user, preventing root-level access to the NFS share.
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.
no_root_squash allows root access, which is not desired.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often confuse 'secure' with 'insecure' — the 'secure' option requires privileged ports, while 'insecure' allows any port, and many mistakenly think 'insecure' is needed for security or that 'no_root_squash' is the default safe behavior.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The 'secure' option in /etc/exports enforces that NFS client connections originate from a TCP/UDP port below 1024, which is a standard security measure to ensure only privileged processes (like the kernel NFS client) can mount the share. Root squashing works by remapping UID 0 to the anonymous UID (typically 65534 or 'nobody'), which prevents remote root users from having superuser privileges on the exported filesystem. In real-world scenarios, failing to use 'root_squash' on an NFS export can lead to privilege escalation if a client machine is compromised.
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.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: /srv/nfs 192.168.10.0/24(rw,sync,no_subtree_check,secure,root_squash) — Option C is correct because it restricts access to the 192.168.10.0/24 network, uses the 'secure' option to require client connections from a privileged port (less than 1024), and applies 'root_squash' to map root users on the client to the anonymous 'nobody' user, preventing root-level access to the NFS share.
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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