The answer is that by default, containers run with a reduced set of Linux capabilities, and using `--cap-drop=ALL` is a critical container security best practice for Docker. This is correct because Linux capabilities break down root privileges into smaller, distinct units; dropping all capabilities with `--cap-drop=ALL` eliminates any privileged operations the container could perform, forcing it to run with absolute minimum privileges and significantly reducing the attack surface. On the CompTIA Linux+ XK0-005 exam, this concept tests your understanding of kernel security features and the principle of least privilege, often appearing as a distractor where candidates mistakenly think containers share the host’s full root access. A common trap is assuming `--privileged` is the default, but it is not—containers start with a restricted set of capabilities by design. Remember the mnemonic “Drop All Caps for Safe Apps” to recall that dropping all capabilities is the most secure starting point for any Docker container.
XK0-005 Scripting, Containers and Automation Practice Question
This XK0-005 practice question tests your understanding of scripting, containers and automation. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which TWO statements about container security are correct when using Docker? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Using --cap-drop=ALL removes all capabilities, making the container more secure.
Option C is correct because using `--cap-drop=ALL` removes all Linux capabilities from the container, which eliminates any privileged operations the container could perform. This forces the container to run with the absolute minimum privileges, significantly reducing the attack surface and making it more secure.
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.
✗
SELinux is automatically enabled inside containers.
Why it's wrong here
SELinux must be configured; it's not automatically enabled.
✗
Containers have their own kernel, isolated from the host.
Why it's wrong here
Containers share the host kernel.
✓
Using --cap-drop=ALL removes all capabilities, making the container more secure.
Why this is correct
Dropping all capabilities and adding only needed ones is a security best practice.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
By default, containers run with a reduced set of Linux capabilities.
Why this is correct
Docker drops many capabilities by default for security.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Using --network=host increases container isolation.
Why it's wrong here
Host network reduces isolation by sharing the host's network stack.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that containers have their own kernel or that SELinux is automatically active, while the real focus is on Linux capabilities and the shared kernel model.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Linux capabilities break down root privileges into distinct units (e.g., CAP_NET_BIND_SERVICE, CAP_SYS_ADMIN). By default, Docker containers run with a whitelist of capabilities (around 14 out of 40+), but `--cap-drop=ALL` followed by selective `--cap-add` allows fine-grained control. In a real-world scenario, a web server container might only need CAP_NET_BIND_SERVICE to bind to a low port, making it safer to drop all other capabilities.
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 small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
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: Using --cap-drop=ALL removes all capabilities, making the container more secure. — Option C is correct because using `--cap-drop=ALL` removes all Linux capabilities from the container, which eliminates any privileged operations the container could perform. This forces the container to run with the absolute minimum privileges, significantly reducing the attack surface and making it more secure.
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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