Quick Answer
The answer is chmod u+x script.sh. This command resolves the "script permission denied missing execute bit" error because the script’s current permissions, -rw-rw-r--, grant the owner read and write access but lack the execute bit required to run it as a program. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of Linux file permissions and the chmod command, often appearing as a straightforward question where you must identify that adding the user execute bit (u+x) is the fix, not changing ownership or using sudo. A common trap is confusing the octal mode (e.g., chmod 764) with symbolic mode, but the exam expects you to know that u+x specifically targets the owner’s execute permission. Memory tip: think "u+x" as "user eXecute" — if you own the file but can’t run it, you’re missing the x for yourself.
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of troubleshooting. 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 user reports that they receive 'Permission denied' when trying to run a script located in their home directory. The script has permissions -rw-rw-r-- and is owned by the user. Which command should the user run to resolve the issue?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "which command"
Why it matters: Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
chmod g-w script.sh
Why wrong: This removes write permission for group, which does not add execute.
sudo chown user:user script.sh
Why wrong: The user already owns the script; ownership is not the issue.
chmod u+x script.sh
Adds execute permission for the owner, allowing the script to run.
chmod a+x script.sh
Why wrong: While this works, it grants execute to everyone, which is less secure than needed.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
chmod u+x script.sh
The script has permissions -rw-rw-r--, meaning the owner (user) has read and write but not execute permission. To run it as a script, the execute bit must be set for the owner. The command chmod u+x script.sh adds execute permission for the user, allowing them to run the script directly.
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.
chmod g-w script.sh
Why it's wrong here
This removes write permission for group, which does not add execute.
sudo chown user:user script.sh
Why it's wrong here
The user already owns the script; ownership is not the issue.
chmod u+x script.sh
Why this is correct
Adds execute permission for the owner, allowing the script to run.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "which command" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
chmod a+x script.sh
Why it's wrong here
While this works, it grants execute to everyone, which is less secure than needed.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates may think 'Permission denied' always means ownership or group issues, leading them to choose chown or group permission changes, when in fact the missing execute bit is the specific cause for script execution failures.
Detailed technical explanation
In Linux, a file's execute permission (x) is required to run it as a script or binary. The permission string -rw-rw-r-- indicates octal 664, which lacks the execute bit (x) for any class. The chmod u+x command modifies the file's inode permission bits, setting the owner execute bit (bit 0 of the owner triad) to 1, resulting in -rwxrw-r-- (octal 764). This is a common scenario when a script is created with default umask permissions that omit execute.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A practitioner preparing for the XK0-005 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Troubleshooting — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Troubleshooting — This question tests Troubleshooting — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: chmod u+x script.sh — The script has permissions -rw-rw-r--, meaning the owner (user) has read and write but not execute permission. To run it as a script, the execute bit must be set for the owner. The command chmod u+x script.sh adds execute permission for the user, allowing them to run the script directly.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Yes — watch for: "which command". Tests specific CLI syntax. Recall the exact command and its required context — near-synonyms and partial matches are common distractors.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 11, 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.
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