The answer is `lsblk -f`, which displays filesystem UUIDs without root by reading block device attributes from the sysfs virtual filesystem, a read-only operation accessible to any user. This works because `lsblk` queries kernel-provided metadata rather than performing privileged raw device reads, making it the safest and most portable method for non-root users. On the LPIC-1 exam, this tests your understanding of filesystem identification tools and privilege separation—a common trap is assuming `blkid` or `dumpe2fs` always work without root, but they often require superuser access for certain filesystem types or when device files have restrictive permissions. The other two correct commands are `findmnt -o UUID` and `file -s /dev/sda1`, which also inspect metadata read-only. Remember the mnemonic: “List, Find, File—no root required for a UUID style.”
LPIC-1 Devices, Filesystems and FHS Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of devices, filesystems and fhs. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Which THREE commands can be used to display the UUID of a filesystem on a Linux system without superuser privileges? (Choose three.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
file -s /dev/sda1
The `file -s /dev/sda1` command reads the superblock of the specified block device and displays filesystem type information, which typically includes the UUID for filesystems like ext4, XFS, or Btrfs. This works without superuser privileges because it only performs a read-only inspection of the device file's metadata, not requiring any write access or privileged system calls.
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.
✓
file -s /dev/sda1
Why this is correct
file -s reads filesystem superblock and can display UUID for some filesystems; works without root if device permissions allow.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✓
blkid
Why this is correct
blkid can display UUIDs; though it may need root for some devices, it often works for non-root users on accessible devices.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
dumpe2fs -h
Why it's wrong here
dumpe2fs requires root privileges to read the superblock.
✗
findfs UUID=...
Why it's wrong here
findfs requires root to search for filesystems by UUID.
✓
lsblk -f
Why this is correct
lsblk -f shows filesystem information including UUID; typically works without root.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often assume `dumpe2fs -h` works without root because it only reads metadata, but Linux requires root for direct block device access unless the device file has world-readable permissions (which is rare), while `blkid` and `lsblk -f` leverage cached data to bypass this restriction.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `lsblk -f` command reads the `/sys` filesystem and the `blkid` cache (e.g., `/run/blkid/blkid.tab`) to display filesystem labels, UUIDs, and types without needing direct device access, making it safe for unprivileged users. `blkid` without options outputs all known block devices and their attributes from the same cache, but it can also fall back to direct device reads if the cache is missing; however, on modern systems, the cache is populated by udev at boot, allowing unprivileged reads. The UUID is stored in the filesystem superblock (e.g., at offset 0x468 for ext4) and is a 128-bit value formatted as a 36-character string per RFC 4122.
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 junior network technician can log in to a core router but cannot reach the enable prompt or configuration mode. The AAA server is authenticating the login — but the authorisation policy only grants privilege level 1, not 15. Authentication (who you are) is working; authorisation (what you can do) is not.
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.
Devices, Filesystems and FHS — This question tests Devices, Filesystems and FHS — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: file -s /dev/sda1 — The `file -s /dev/sda1` command reads the superblock of the specified block device and displays filesystem type information, which typically includes the UUID for filesystems like ext4, XFS, or Btrfs. This works without superuser privileges because it only performs a read-only inspection of the device file's metadata, not requiring any write access or privileged system calls.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-1 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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Question Discussion
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