The answer is to set the httpd_can_network_connect boolean to on. This is correct because SELinux enforces mandatory access controls that block the httpd daemon from initiating outbound TCP connections by default, even when local firewall rules permit traffic to port 3306. The boolean specifically governs whether Apache can act as a network client, so enabling it allows the web server to reach the remote database server without disabling SELinux entirely. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of SELinux booleans as a targeted fix for connectivity issues, often appearing as a distractor against disabling SELinux or opening firewall ports. A common trap is to adjust the firewall first, but SELinux will still block the outbound socket call. Remember the mnemonic: “Apache can’t call out? Boolean ‘connect’ is what it’s about.”
XK0-005 Security Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
Network Topology
An Apache web server hosted on a Linux system is unable to connect to a backend database server on port 3306. Based on the exhibit, which action should the administrator take to resolve the issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Set the httpd_can_network_connect boolean to on.
The Apache web server cannot connect to the backend database server on port 3306 because SELinux is blocking the outbound network connection. The boolean `httpd_can_network_connect` controls whether the httpd daemon is allowed to initiate outbound TCP connections to remote hosts. Setting this boolean to `on` permits Apache to connect to the database server, resolving the connectivity issue without disabling SELinux entirely.
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.
✓
Set the httpd_can_network_connect boolean to on.
Why this is correct
This boolean controls whether httpd can initiate outbound network connections.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Disable SELinux by setting SELINUX=disabled in /etc/selinux/config.
Why it's wrong here
Disabling SELinux is not a best practice and is unnecessary; the boolean can be changed.
✗
Enable the httpd_enable_home_dirs boolean.
Why it's wrong here
This boolean allows Apache to access home directories, not network connections.
✗
Change the SELinux context of the index.html file to httpd_sys_content_t.
Why it's wrong here
The file already has the correct context; this is not related to outbound connections.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that SELinux issues are always file-context problems, leading candidates to choose a file-context fix (Option D) when the actual issue is a network connection boolean.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux booleans are runtime toggles that modify policy rules without requiring policy recompilation. The `httpd_can_network_connect` boolean (default off) specifically allows the httpd_t domain to use TCP sockets for client connections. Under the hood, this boolean adds allow rules for `tcp_socket` and `node_bind` permissions, enabling Apache to act as a client to services like MySQL on port 3306. In real-world scenarios, administrators often forget to check SELinux booleans when adding new network dependencies, leading to silent connection failures that are logged in `/var/log/audit/audit.log`.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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: Set the httpd_can_network_connect boolean to on. — The Apache web server cannot connect to the backend database server on port 3306 because SELinux is blocking the outbound network connection. The boolean `httpd_can_network_connect` controls whether the httpd daemon is allowed to initiate outbound TCP connections to remote hosts. Setting this boolean to `on` permits Apache to connect to the database server, resolving the connectivity issue without disabling SELinux entirely.
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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