- A
Enable auditd to monitor the MySQL process and log all system calls.
Why wrong: auditd logs system calls, not the SQL query text.
- B
Enable MySQL's general query log, direct it to a file on a separate filesystem mounted with the 'noexec' and 'append' options, and set the file immutable with chattr +a.
The general query log logs plaintext queries; chattr +a makes the file append-only, preventing modification of existing logs.
- C
Enable the MySQL audit log plugin and configure rsyslog to forward logs to a remote log server.
Why wrong: The audit log plugin logs queries, but local logs may be tampered with; remote logging helps but doesn't guarantee immutability locally.
- D
Use tcpdump to capture all network traffic to port 3306 and save to a file with packet captures.
Why wrong: tcpdump captures packets, not queries if using local socket; also captures binary data, not readable queries.
LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 government agency runs a classified application on a Linux server with strict auditing requirements. The application writes sensitive data to a MySQL database. The auditor requires that all SQL queries executed by the application be logged with timestamps, user, and the full query text. Additionally, the audit logs must be immutable (cannot be altered by the application or any user except a designated auditor account). The database runs on the same server. Which combination of tools and configurations should the administrator deploy?
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
Enable MySQL's general query log, direct it to a file on a separate filesystem mounted with the 'noexec' and 'append' options, and set the file immutable with chattr +a.
Option D is correct. MySQL's general query log logs all queries, and using a separate filesystem with mount options like 'ro' for the auditor (or using append-only via chattr) can ensure immutability. Option A (auditd) can log system calls but not SQL queries directly. Option B (rsyslog) with MySQL audit plugin is possible but the audit plugin logs to a table, which may not be immutable. Option C (tcpdump) captures network traffic but not local connections via socket.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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 monitor the MySQL process and log all system calls.
Why it's wrong here
auditd logs system calls, not the SQL query text.
- ✓
Enable MySQL's general query log, direct it to a file on a separate filesystem mounted with the 'noexec' and 'append' options, and set the file immutable with chattr +a.
Why this is correct
The general query log logs plaintext queries; chattr +a makes the file append-only, preventing modification of existing logs.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- ✗
Enable the MySQL audit log plugin and configure rsyslog to forward logs to a remote log server.
Why it's wrong here
The audit log plugin logs queries, but local logs may be tampered with; remote logging helps but doesn't guarantee immutability locally.
- ✗
Use tcpdump to capture all network traffic to port 3306 and save to a file with packet captures.
Why it's wrong here
tcpdump captures packets, not queries if using local socket; also captures binary data, not readable queries.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
- PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
- Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
- NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
- Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
- Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
- Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-2 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this LPIC-2 question test?
System Security — This question tests System Security — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Enable MySQL's general query log, direct it to a file on a separate filesystem mounted with the 'noexec' and 'append' options, and set the file immutable with chattr +a. — Option D is correct. MySQL's general query log logs all queries, and using a separate filesystem with mount options like 'ro' for the auditor (or using append-only via chattr) can ensure immutability. Option A (auditd) can log system calls but not SQL queries directly. Option B (rsyslog) with MySQL audit plugin is possible but the audit plugin logs to a table, which may not be immutable. Option C (tcpdump) captures network traffic but not local connections via socket.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related LPIC-2 NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
This LPIC-2 practice question is part of Courseiva's free LPI 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 LPIC-2 exam.
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