The correct answer is that SELinux is preventing the move due to a file context mismatch. This occurs because SELinux enforces mandatory access controls (MAC) that override standard Linux discretionary access controls (DAC); even if the file’s permissions allow reading and writing, the `mv` command checks whether the source file’s SELinux context matches the expected type for the target directory. For example, moving a file with a `user_home_t` context into `/etc`, which expects `etc_t`, triggers a denial logged in `/var/log/audit/audit.log`. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your ability to distinguish between DAC and MAC failures, often appearing as a “Permission denied” error that standard `ls -l` permissions cannot explain. A common trap is assuming the error is due to ownership or file system permissions, when the real culprit is SELinux policy. Memory tip: “Context clash, move gets the bash”—if the file’s context doesn’t match the target directory’s expected type, SELinux blocks the operation.
XK0-005 System Management Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of system management. 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
Based on the exhibit, why does the mv command fail?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
SELinux is preventing the move due to file context mismatch.
Option C is correct because SELinux enforces mandatory access controls that can prevent file operations even when standard Linux permissions (DAC) allow them. When moving a file from one directory to another, SELinux checks the file context of the source and the target directory; if the context of the file does not match the expected type for the target directory (e.g., moving a file with `unconfined_u:object_r:user_home_t` into `/etc` which expects `etc_t`), the move is denied. The `mv` command fails with a 'Permission denied' error, and the denial is logged in `/var/log/audit/audit.log`.
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.
✗
The user has exceeded the disk quota on the /etc partition.
Why it's wrong here
No quota error is shown.
✗
The /etc filesystem is mounted read-only.
Why it's wrong here
No indication of read-only mount; the error is about inter-device move.
✓
SELinux is preventing the move due to file context mismatch.
Why this is correct
SELinux enforcing mode and context mismatch cause denial.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The /etc directory does not have write permissions for root.
Why it's wrong here
Root typically has write access to /etc; the error is SELinux-related.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the distinction between DAC (standard Linux permissions) and MAC (SELinux) by presenting a scenario where root appears to have permission but the command still fails, leading candidates to overlook SELinux and incorrectly blame filesystem mount options or directory permissions.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
No quota error is shown.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses a security context consisting of user:role:type:level (e.g., `system_u:object_r:etc_t:s0`). When a file is moved, SELinux checks whether the source file's type is allowed to be written into the target directory's type based on the policy's `type_transition` rules. If the file's context does not match the expected type for the target (e.g., moving a file labeled `user_home_t` into `/etc` which expects `etc_t`), the operation is denied unless the process has `relabelto` or `relabelfrom` permissions. This can be diagnosed using `ls -Z` to view contexts and `audit2why` to interpret denials.
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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this XK0-005 question in full detail.
System Management — This question tests System Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: SELinux is preventing the move due to file context mismatch. — Option C is correct because SELinux enforces mandatory access controls that can prevent file operations even when standard Linux permissions (DAC) allow them. When moving a file from one directory to another, SELinux checks the file context of the source and the target directory; if the context of the file does not match the expected type for the target directory (e.g., moving a file with `unconfined_u:object_r:user_home_t` into `/etc` which expects `etc_t`), the move is denied. The `mv` command fails with a 'Permission denied' error, and the denial is logged in `/var/log/audit/audit.log`.
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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