The answer is that a 'missing' line in rpm -V output means the file was deleted from the filesystem after installation. This is correct because rpm -V compares the current state of every file in the package against the metadata stored in the RPM database; when a file that was originally installed is no longer present on disk, the verification tool flags it as 'missing' rather than showing a changed attribute like size or permissions. On the LPIC-1 exam, this concept tests your understanding of RPM database integrity checks and file verification, often appearing in questions about system auditing or troubleshooting unexpected file absences. A common trap is confusing 'missing' with a file that has been modified—remember that 'missing' specifically indicates the file is gone, not just altered. Memory tip: think of 'missing' as "MIA from the filesystem," while other letters like 'S' or '5' indicate size or checksum changes.
LPIC-1 Linux Installation and Package Management Practice Question
This LPIC-1 practice question tests your understanding of linux installation and package management. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
$ rpm -qf /usr/bin/passwd
passwd-0.79-5.el7.x86_64
$ rpm -V passwd
S.5....T. c /etc/pam.d/passwd
missing c /etc/security/passwd
```
Refer to the exhibit. A system administrator checks the integrity of the passwd package on a CentOS 7 system using rpm -V. Based on the output, what is the most likely cause of the 'missing' line?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The file /etc/security/passwd was deleted from the filesystem.
The 'missing' line in the rpm -V output indicates that the file /etc/security/passwd is not present on the filesystem. Since rpm -V verifies file attributes and existence against the RPM database, a missing file means it was deleted after installation. Option D correctly identifies this as the most likely cause.
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.
✗
The package was updated to a newer version that no longer includes this file.
Why it's wrong here
rpm -V verifies against the installed package database; if the package was updated, it would show different metadata, not 'missing'.
✗
The file /etc/security/passwd was modified after installation.
Why it's wrong here
Modification would show flags like S.5....T, not 'missing'.
✗
The package was not installed completely.
Why it's wrong here
An incomplete installation would likely show multiple missing files, not just one.
✓
The file /etc/security/passwd was deleted from the filesystem.
Why this is correct
The 'missing' attribute indicates the file is not present on disk.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
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 may confuse 'missing' with 'modified' or think an incomplete installation would cause a single missing file, but rpm -V specifically distinguishes between missing files (deleted) and modified files (changed attributes).
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
rpm -V verifies against the installed package database; if the package was updated, it would show different metadata, not 'missing'.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The rpm -V command verifies installed files against the RPM database, checking attributes like size, permissions, and MD5 checksum. A 'missing' file (indicated by a '.' in the first column and 'missing' in the output) means the file is recorded in the RPM database but absent from the filesystem. This can happen if the file was manually deleted, or if a security tool like aide or tripwire removed it, but not due to package updates or modifications.
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 practitioner preparing for the LPIC-1 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
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.
Linux Installation and Package Management — This question tests Linux Installation and Package Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The file /etc/security/passwd was deleted from the filesystem. — The 'missing' line in the rpm -V output indicates that the file /etc/security/passwd is not present on the filesystem. Since rpm -V verifies file attributes and existence against the RPM database, a missing file means it was deleted after installation. Option D correctly identifies this as the most likely cause.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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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