LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
A security audit reveals that a server with PAM authentication allows users to log in even when the '/etc/nologin' file exists, contrary to policy. Which PAM module is most likely misconfigured or missing?
⚠ Common exam trap
Watch out — candidates often confuse pam_nologin.so with pam_securetty.so, assuming both restrict login based on a file, but pam_securetty.so only applies to root and /etc/securetty, not to general user access via /etc/nologin.
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
✓
pam_nologin.so
The pam_nologin.so module is specifically designed to check for the existence of /etc/nologin and, if found, prevent non-root users from logging in. If users can still log in despite this file existing, the module is either missing from the PAM stack (e.g., not included in /etc/pam.d/login or /etc/pam.d/sshd) or misconfigured (e.g., placed after the authentication phase instead of the account phase).
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✓
pam_nologin.so
Why this is correct
Denies login if /etc/nologin exists.
- ✗
pam_securetty.so
Why it's wrong here
Controls root TTY access, not /etc/nologin.
- ✗
pam_access.so
Why it's wrong here
Controls access based on /etc/security/access.conf.
- ✗
pam_lastlog.so
Why it's wrong here
Records last login time, no denial.
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JA
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.