- A
find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f 2>/dev/null
Why wrong: This suppresses error messages but still does not show files in directories the user cannot access.
- B
sudo find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f
Running find with sudo gives root privileges, allowing access to all directories and files.
- C
find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f -exec ls -l {} \;
Why wrong: This still runs as the user and will encounter the same permission issues.
- D
chmod -R 755 /var/log && find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f
Why wrong: Changing permissions on system logs is insecure and may break logging; it is not the recommended approach.
Question 456 of 750
How to Use sudo find to Search All Directories Without Permission Errors
This 220-1202 practice question tests your understanding of linux commands and file permissions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 complains that when they run the command 'find /var/log -name "*.log" -type f', they get a 'Permission denied' error for several directories. They need to see all log files regardless. What is the most appropriate command to use instead?
Quick Answer
The correct command is sudo find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f, because prepending sudo elevates the user’s privileges to root, which bypasses all permission restrictions and allows the find utility to search every directory—even those normally blocked by "Permission denied" errors. On the CompTIA A+ Core 2 220-1202 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how file permissions interact with command-line tools and the proper use of privilege escalation to overcome access barriers. A common trap is to suggest chmod or chown to change permissions, but that would alter system security; the correct approach is to use sudo to temporarily gain the necessary rights without modifying the filesystem. Remember the mnemonic "Sudo Finds All" to recall that sudo with find grants full directory traversal, making it the go-to solution when permission errors block your search.
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
sudo find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f
Option B is correct because the 'Permission denied' errors indicate that the user lacks read or execute permissions on certain subdirectories under /var/log. Using 'sudo' elevates privileges to root, which has unrestricted access to all files and directories, allowing the find command to traverse and list every log file without encountering permission restrictions.
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.
- ✗
find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f 2>/dev/null
Why it's wrong here
This suppresses error messages but still does not show files in directories the user cannot access.
- ✓
sudo find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f
Why this is correct
Running find with sudo gives root privileges, allowing access to all directories and files.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f -exec ls -l {} \;
Why it's wrong here
This still runs as the user and will encounter the same permission issues.
- ✗
chmod -R 755 /var/log && find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f
Why it's wrong here
Changing permissions on system logs is insecure and may break logging; it is not the recommended approach.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
CompTIA often tests the misconception that suppressing error output (2>/dev/null) solves permission problems, when in fact it only hides the errors without granting access to the restricted directories.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
This suppresses error messages but still does not show files in directories the user cannot access.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The find command traverses directories by checking read and execute permissions on each directory; without execute permission on a directory, find cannot list its contents and reports 'Permission denied'. Using sudo runs find with effective UID 0, bypassing all discretionary access control checks (DAC) based on file permission bits, but does not affect mandatory access controls like SELinux or AppArmor if they are enforced. In real-world scenarios, system administrators often use 'sudo find' for auditing or log collection scripts to ensure complete coverage without altering system permissions.
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.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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Linux Commands and File Permissions — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this 220-1202 question test?
Linux Commands and File Permissions — This question tests Linux Commands and File Permissions — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: sudo find /var/log -name '*.log' -type f — Option B is correct because the 'Permission denied' errors indicate that the user lacks read or execute permissions on certain subdirectories under /var/log. Using 'sudo' elevates privileges to root, which has unrestricted access to all files and directories, allowing the find command to traverse and list every log file without encountering permission restrictions.
What should I do if I get this 220-1202 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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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
This 220-1202 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 220-1202 exam.
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