SSCP Systems and Application Security Practice Question
An administrator wants to ensure that a Linux web server only allows the www-data user to run specific commands with elevated privileges. Which configuration file should be modified?
⚠ Common exam trap
SSCP often tests file-path knowledge; candidates confuse authentication configuration (PAM) with authorization for command execution (sudoers), or pick SELinux config thinking it controls privileges.
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 defines which users or groups may run which commands with elevated privileges via sudo. To allow www-data to run specific commands as root, you add entries there (typically using visudo). This enforces least privilege by limiting the commands the web user can execute with sudo.
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/sudoers
Why this is correct
The /etc/sudoers file defines which users may run which commands with elevated privileges, so a rule granting www-data only specific commands enforces least privilege. Editing it via visudo validates syntax and prevents locking out administrative access.
- ✗
/etc/pam.d/
Why it's wrong here
/etc/pam.d/ configures pluggable authentication modules for login, password and session policy, not per-command privilege delegation. It is tempting because PAM governs who may authenticate, which is adjacent to but distinct from authorising specific elevated commands.
- ✗
/etc/chmod.conf
Why it's wrong here
No /etc/chmod.conf file exists on Linux; chmod is a binary whose behaviour is governed by file mode bits, not a configuration file. It is tempting because chmod controls permissions, so a file of that name appears to govern command execution rights.
- ✗
/etc/selinux/config
Why it's wrong here
/etc/selinux/config sets the SELinux enforcement mode and policy store, not which commands a named user may run with elevation. It is tempting because SELinux confines processes, which sounds like restricting the www-data account's command set.
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Same concept, more angles
1 more way this is tested on SSCP
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. 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?
medium- A./etc/shadow
- B./etc/passwd
- C./etc/group
- ✓ D./etc/sudoers
Why D: 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.
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.