LPIC-2 File Sharing and Samba Practice Question
A Samba share uses the 'acl_xattr' VFS module to store NT ACLs in extended attributes. The administrator runs 'getfattr -d /srv/share/file.txt' and sees no system attributes related to NT ACLs. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Many exam-takers confuse the 'user_xattr' mount option with the 'user' namespace for extended attributes, assuming it only affects user-defined attributes, when in fact it enables all extended attribute support on the filesystem.
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
✓
The filesystem is not mounted with the 'user_xattr' option.
The 'acl_xattr' VFS module stores NT ACLs in extended attributes within the 'system' namespace. If 'getfattr -d' shows no system attributes, the most likely cause is that the underlying filesystem is not mounted with the 'user_xattr' option, which is required to enable extended attribute support. Without this mount option, the filesystem cannot store or retrieve extended attributes, so the NT ACL data is not persisted.
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 VFS module is not loaded globally.
Why it's wrong here
The VFS module can be loaded per share, and it may be configured correctly.
- ✓
The filesystem is not mounted with the 'user_xattr' option.
Why this is correct
Extended attributes require the user_xattr mount option.
- ✗
The share does not have 'nt acl support = yes' set.
Why it's wrong here
This parameter enables NT ACL translation, but xattr storage still needs filesystem support.
- ✗
The file's extended attributes are stored in a different namespace.
Why it's wrong here
NT ACLs are stored in the system.security namespace, which getfattr -d should show.
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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.