LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
An administrator suspects that a critical system file has been modified after installation. Which command can be used to verify the integrity of all installed RPM packages on a RHEL system?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse `rpm -K` (key verification of package files) with `rpm -V` (verification of installed packages), or assume `--verify` alone works without the `-a` flag to target all packages.
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
✓
`rpm -Va`
(`rpm -Va`) is correct because it verifies all installed RPM packages against their original metadata, checking file sizes, permissions, checksums, and other attributes. The `-V` flag triggers verification, and `-a` applies it to every installed package, making it the proper command to detect modifications to critical system files.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
`rpm -K`
Why it's wrong here
Checks package signatures, not file integrity.
- ✗
`rpm --verify`
Why it's wrong here
Requires a package name; not all packages.
- ✗
`rpm -V all`
Why it's wrong here
Invalid syntax.
- ✓
`rpm -Va`
Why this is correct
Verifies all installed packages against RPM database.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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