CISSP Security Architecture and Engineering Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security architecture and engineering. 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.
Exhibit
// Security-constrained model in SELinux policy
policy_module(myapp, 1.0.0)
type myapp_t;
type myapp_exec_t;
init_daemon_domain(myapp_t, myapp_exec_t)
allow myapp_t self:capability { dac_override };
allow myapp_t self:process { fork };
allow myapp_t myapp_data_t:file { read write create open };
// Audit log snippet
AUDIT: type=AVC msg=audit(1633028000.123:456): avc: denied { read } for pid=1234 comm="myapp" name="shadow" dev="dm-0" ino=789 scontext=system_u:system_r:myapp_t:s0 tcontext=system_u:object_r:shadow_t:s0 tclass=file
Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst observes the audit log entry while troubleshooting a file access issue. The application is running under the myapp_t domain. Which action should the analyst take to resolve the issue while adhering to the principle of least privilege?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add rule: allow myapp_t shadow_t:file read;
The exhibit shows that the SELinux policy currently allows myapp_t to read and write files of type myapp_data_t, but the application is trying to read a file of type shadow_t (the password file), which is denied. To resolve the access issue without over-privileging, the analyst should add a specific rule allowing myapp_t to read shadow_t files, but only if the application requires it. Option A is correct because it directly addresses the denied permission. Option B is incorrect because it allows write which is not needed. Option C removes the denial but is overbroad. Option D is unnecessary if the application runs in the correct domain.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Allows write, which is a privilege escalation not required.
✗
Change the file context of /etc/shadow to myapp_data_t
Why it's wrong here
This would expose sensitive password data to all myapp_data_t processes.
✓
Add rule: allow myapp_t shadow_t:file read;
Why this is correct
This grants only the needed read access to the shadow file.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Set the application to run in unconfined_t domain
Why it's wrong here
Removes all SELinux protections, violating least privilege.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Architecture and Engineering — This question tests Security Architecture and Engineering — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add rule: allow myapp_t shadow_t:file read; — The exhibit shows that the SELinux policy currently allows myapp_t to read and write files of type myapp_data_t, but the application is trying to read a file of type shadow_t (the password file), which is denied. To resolve the access issue without over-privileging, the analyst should add a specific rule allowing myapp_t to read shadow_t files, but only if the application requires it. Option A is correct because it directly addresses the denied permission. Option B is incorrect because it allows write which is not needed. Option C removes the denial but is overbroad. Option D is unnecessary if the application runs in the correct domain.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CISSP questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
This CISSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 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 CISSP exam.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.