LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
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?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently 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.
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
✓
vfs objects = acl_xattr
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.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
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.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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.