LPIC-2 Network Client Management Practice Question
An organization uses LDAP for centralized authentication. The /etc/nsswitch.conf contains 'passwd: files ldap' and 'shadow: files ldap'. The /etc/pam.d/system-auth includes 'auth requisite pam_ldap.so' and 'account required pam_ldap.so'. However, users can log in using local accounts but not LDAP accounts. The ldapsearch command works correctly against the LDAP server. Logs show 'pam_ldap: error trying to bind as user (No such object)'. Which configuration change is most likely needed?
⚠ Common exam trap
Candidates often confuse a working ldapsearch (which may use anonymous bind or a different credential) with the PAM module's need for a dedicated binddn and bindpw, leading them to focus on network or caching issues instead of the missing authentication credentials for the search user.
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
✓
Ensure /etc/ldap.conf contains a valid 'binddn' and 'bindpw' for the search user.
The error 'pam_ldap: error trying to bind as user (No such object)' indicates that PAM LDAP cannot find the user entry in the LDAP directory. This typically occurs because the binddn (the search user) specified in /etc/ldap.conf is incorrect or missing, preventing PAM from performing the initial search to locate the user's DN. Since ldapsearch works manually, the LDAP server is reachable, but the PAM module lacks the credentials to bind and search for users.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Open TCP port 389 on the client firewall.
Why it's wrong here
Already working per ldapsearch.
- ✗
Add 'uri ldaps://ldap.example.com' to /etc/ldap.conf.
Why it's wrong here
LDAPS is not required; bind issue is unrelated to encryption.
- ✗
Restart the nscd service.
Why it's wrong here
Not related to bind failure.
- ✓
Ensure /etc/ldap.conf contains a valid 'binddn' and 'bindpw' for the search user.
Why this is correct
pam_ldap needs a bind DN to search for users.
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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.