This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of file sharing and samba. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 Samba server is configured to store NT ACLs on a Linux filesystem that does not support them natively. Which VFS module should be used to map NT ACLs to POSIX ACLs?
vfs objects = recycle
Why wrong: recycle is for recycle bin functionality.
vfs objects = full_audit
Why wrong: full_audit is used for auditing VFS operations, not ACL mapping.
vfs objects = streams_xattr
Why wrong: streams_xattr is for NTFS streams, not ACL mapping.
vfs objects = acl_xattr
acl_xattr stores NT ACLs in xattr and maps them to POSIX ACLs.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
vfs objects = acl_xattr
Option D is correct because the `acl_xattr` VFS module is specifically designed to store NT ACLs in extended attributes on a Linux filesystem that lacks native NT ACL support. When Samba is configured with `vfs objects = acl_xattr`, it maps Windows NT ACLs to POSIX ACLs by serializing the NT ACL into the `user.NTACL` extended attribute, allowing Samba to enforce Windows-style permissions even on filesystems like ext4 or XFS that only support POSIX ACLs natively.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
vfs objects = recycle
Why it's wrong here
recycle is for recycle bin functionality.
vfs objects = full_audit
Why it's wrong here
full_audit is used for auditing VFS operations, not ACL mapping.
vfs objects = streams_xattr
Why it's wrong here
streams_xattr is for NTFS streams, not ACL mapping.
vfs objects = acl_xattr
Why this is correct
acl_xattr stores NT ACLs in xattr and maps them to POSIX ACLs.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
The trap here is that candidates often confuse the `streams_xattr` module (which handles alternate data streams) with the `acl_xattr` module, because both use extended attributes, but only `acl_xattr` maps NT ACLs to POSIX ACLs.
Detailed technical explanation
The `acl_xattr` module works by intercepting SMB/CIFS ACL operations and converting the Windows security descriptor (which includes owner, group, SACL, and DACL) into a POSIX ACL stored in the `user.NTACL` extended attribute. This allows Samba to provide full Windows ACL semantics—including inheritance and deny entries—on filesystems that only support POSIX ACLs, which is critical in mixed environments where Windows clients expect granular permission control. A real-world scenario is a Samba file server using an ext4 filesystem where POSIX ACLs are enabled but NT ACLs are required for compliance with Windows group policies.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
File Sharing and Samba — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
File Sharing and Samba practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
All LPIC-2 questions
511 questions across all exam domains
Linux Professional Institute Certification Level 2 LPIC-2 study guide
Full concept coverage aligned to exam objectives
LPIC-2 practice test guide
How to use practice tests most effectively before exam day
Related practice questions
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Linux Kernel and System Startup.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Block Devices, Filesystems and Advanced Storage.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Advanced Networking Configuration.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to DNS, Web and Mail Services.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to File Sharing and Samba.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to System Security.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to Network Client Management.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 fundamentals.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 scenario.
Practise LPIC-2 questions linked to LPIC-2 troubleshooting.
Practice this exam
Short sessions build daily habit. Longer sessions build exam-day stamina. Try a timed session to simulate real conditions.
FAQ
File Sharing and Samba — This question tests File Sharing and Samba — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: vfs objects = acl_xattr — Option D is correct because the `acl_xattr` VFS module is specifically designed to store NT ACLs in extended attributes on a Linux filesystem that lacks native NT ACL support. When Samba is configured with `vfs objects = acl_xattr`, it maps Windows NT ACLs to POSIX ACLs by serializing the NT ACL into the `user.NTACL` extended attribute, allowing Samba to enforce Windows-style permissions even on filesystems like ext4 or XFS that only support POSIX ACLs natively.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
About these practice questions
Courseiva creates original exam-style practice questions with explanations and wrong-answer analysis. It does not publish real exam questions, exam dumps, or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
Last reviewed: Jun 25, 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.
Question Discussion
Share a tip, memory trick, or ask about the reasoning behind this question. Do not post real exam questions, leaked content, braindumps, or copyrighted exam material. Comments are moderated and may be removed without notice.
Sign in to join the discussion.