- A
Enable auditd to log all SUID executions.
Why wrong: Logging is detective, not preventive.
- B
Set the umask to 077 for all users.
Why wrong: Controls default file permissions but does not affect existing SUID binaries.
- C
Mount the /tmp and /var partitions with the 'nosuid' option.
Prevents execution of SUID binaries on those partitions.
- D
Remove all SUID binaries from the system.
Why wrong: May break functionality; not practical.
Question 331 of 1,000
mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: A system administrator needs to ensure that a…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 system administrator needs to ensure that a Linux server is hardened against common attacks. Which configuration change is MOST effective in preventing privilege escalation via SUID binaries?
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
✓
Mount the /tmp and /var partitions with the 'nosuid' option.
Mounting partitions like /tmp and /var with the 'nosuid' option prevents SUID and SGID bits from taking effect on files stored there. Since attackers often place malicious SUID binaries in world-writable directories to escalate privileges, this configuration blocks the execution of such binaries regardless of their permissions. This is more effective than logging or removing all SUID binaries, as it proactively neutralizes a common attack vector without breaking system functionality.
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.
- ✗
Enable auditd to log all SUID executions.
Why it's wrong here
Logging is detective, not preventive.
- ✗
Set the umask to 077 for all users.
Why it's wrong here
Controls default file permissions but does not affect existing SUID binaries.
- ✓
Mount the /tmp and /var partitions with the 'nosuid' option.
Why this is correct
Prevents execution of SUID binaries on those partitions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Remove all SUID binaries from the system.
Why it's wrong here
May break functionality; not practical.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates may think logging (auditd) or removing all SUID binaries is a viable solution, but the exam tests the understanding that 'nosuid' is a practical, targeted control that prevents exploitation without breaking legitimate system functionality.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The SUID (Set User ID) bit allows a binary to execute with the privileges of its file owner (typically root) rather than the user who runs it. Attackers frequently place SUID binaries in world-writable directories like /tmp to exploit this. The 'nosuid' mount option is enforced at the filesystem level by the kernel's VFS layer, ignoring the SUID and SGID bits on any executable within that mount point. This is defined in the mount(2) system call and is a standard hardening practice per CIS benchmarks and DISA STIGs for Linux systems.
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 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. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
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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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this SSCP question test?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Mount the /tmp and /var partitions with the 'nosuid' option. — Mounting partitions like /tmp and /var with the 'nosuid' option prevents SUID and SGID bits from taking effect on files stored there. Since attackers often place malicious SUID binaries in world-writable directories to escalate privileges, this configuration blocks the execution of such binaries regardless of their permissions. This is more effective than logging or removing all SUID binaries, as it proactively neutralizes a common attack vector without breaking system functionality.
What should I do if I get this SSCP 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: Jun 11, 2026
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.
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