This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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 financial institution uses a Linux server with a custom application that runs as the 'appuser' and writes logs to /var/log/app/. The security team recently detected that the application is vulnerable to a local privilege escalation via log injection. To mitigate, they decide to implement mandatory access control (MAC) using SELinux. The system is CentOS 7 with SELinux in enforcing mode. The current context of /var/log/app is 'unconfined_u:object_r:var_log_t:s0'. The application should only be allowed to write to logs in that directory, and no other processes should modify them. Which SELinux policy change should be made?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a custom SELinux policy module that defines a new type for the log directory and transitions for the application domain.
Option D is correct. Creating a custom policy allows defining rules for the application's domain, restricting it to only the necessary operations. Option A (chcon) is temporary and not persistent across relabeling. Option B (semanage permissive) would allow the application to break out without restriction, defeating the purpose. Option C (audit2allow) generates allow rules from denials, but the application might still have unwanted access; it's better to craft a targeted policy.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use 'semanage permissive -a app_t' to put the application domain in permissive mode.
Why it's wrong here
This would allow all actions for that domain, including potential exploits.
✓
Create a custom SELinux policy module that defines a new type for the log directory and transitions for the application domain.
Why this is correct
A targeted policy ensures least privilege and persistent enforcement.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Run 'chcon -t var_log_t /var/log/app' to set the correct context.
Why it's wrong here
The context is already var_log_t; chcon is not persistent and doesn't confine the application.
✗
Use 'audit2allow' to create a local policy module based on current denials.
Why it's wrong here
This might allow too much and is reactive rather than proactive.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
System Security — This question tests System Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a custom SELinux policy module that defines a new type for the log directory and transitions for the application domain. — Option D is correct. Creating a custom policy allows defining rules for the application's domain, restricting it to only the necessary operations. Option A (chcon) is temporary and not persistent across relabeling. Option B (semanage permissive) would allow the application to break out without restriction, defeating the purpose. Option C (audit2allow) generates allow rules from denials, but the application might still have unwanted access; it's better to craft a targeted policy.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related LPIC-2 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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