SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
A system administrator is configuring a Linux server to ensure that only authorized users can execute commands with superuser privileges. Which file should be edited to control sudo access?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse authentication files (/etc/passwd, /etc/shadow) with authorization files (/etc/sudoers) — SSCP often tests whether candidates know that sudo rights are defined in sudoers, not in the password or group databases.
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
✓
/etc/sudoers
The /etc/sudoers file is the central configuration file that defines which users and groups may run which commands with elevated privileges via sudo. It uses a specific syntax (user/group, host, runas, command) and is edited with visudo to prevent syntax errors that could lock out sudo access. Editing this file is the standard way to control sudo authorization on Linux.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
/etc/shadow
Why it's wrong here
/etc/shadow stores hashed passwords and ageing fields, so it governs authentication secrets rather than which users may run commands via sudo. It is tempting because it is the protected companion to /etc/passwd, and it would be the correct file for enforcing password expiry or locking an account.
- ✗
/etc/passwd
Why it's wrong here
/etc/passwd holds user account records (UID, GID, home directory, shell), not sudo authorisation rules, so editing it cannot grant or restrict superuser command execution. It is tempting because it defines local users, and it would be the correct file for adding an account or changing a login shell.
- ✗
/etc/group
Why it's wrong here
/etc/group defines group membership, which sudoers can reference, but it holds no sudo privilege specifications itself, so editing it alone cannot authorise superuser execution. It is tempting because group-based delegation is common, and it would be correct for adding a user to a supplementary group.
- ✓
/etc/sudoers
Why this is correct
/etc/sudoers defines which users and groups may run commands as root via sudo, using User_Spec and Cmnd_Spec entries. Editing it satisfies the stem's requirement to restrict superuser command execution to authorised users, unlike /etc/passwd or /etc/shadow.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official ISC2 exam blueprint
This SSCP 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 SSCP exam.