The answer is the rule `-w /usr/bin -p x` only monitors executables in `/usr/bin`, not commands in other directories or built-in shell commands. This is because auditd’s `-w` watch syntax targets a specific filesystem path, so any binary executed from `/usr/local/bin`, `/opt`, or via a relative or absolute path outside `/usr/bin` will bypass logging, and shell built-ins like `cd` or `alias` are never captured as file executions. On the LPIC-2 exam, this tests your understanding that audit rules are path-scoped and do not automatically cover all command execution across directories; a common trap is assuming `-p x` on a single directory logs every command the user runs. To audit all command execution, you would need separate watches on each relevant binary directory or use `-a always,exit -S execve` with an `-F auid=dbadmin` filter. Remember the memory tip: “One path, one watch—auditd doesn’t follow your PATH.”
LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
This LPIC-2 practice question tests your understanding of system security. 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 company runs a critical database server on a Linux system. The server is subject to a strict compliance policy that requires all commands executed by the database administrator (user 'dbadmin') to be logged. Additionally, any attempt to change the system time must be logged regardless of the user. The administrator has configured auditd and added the following rules: -w /usr/bin -p x -k binary_exec, -a always,exit -F arch=b64 -S adjtimex -F key=time_change. However, during a compliance audit, it is discovered that not all commands executed by dbadmin are being logged. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Clue: "always"
Why it matters: Absolute qualifier. An answer using 'always' is only correct if there are genuinely no exceptions — absolute statements are often wrong in networking.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The rule -w /usr/bin -p x only monitors executables in /usr/bin, not commands in other directories or built-in shell commands.
Option D is correct because the rule `-w /usr/bin -p x` only monitors execution of binaries located in `/usr/bin`. Commands executed from other directories (e.g., `/usr/local/bin`, `/opt`, or built-in shell commands like `cd` or `alias`) are not captured. Additionally, the rule does not log commands run via absolute paths outside `/usr/bin` or scripts executed by interpreters, leaving gaps in the audit trail for dbadmin's activities.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
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 auditd logs are being overwritten because the audit log file size is too small.
Why it's wrong here
While log rotation could cause loss, it does not explain why commands are not being logged initially.
✗
The auditd service is not running because the kernel was not compiled with audit support.
Why it's wrong here
Most distribution kernels include audit support; the service is running if rules are applied.
✗
The adjtimex syscall rule is incorrect and prevents other rules from being processed.
Why it's wrong here
The rule syntax is valid and does not interfere with other rules.
✓
The rule -w /usr/bin -p x only monitors executables in /usr/bin, not commands in other directories or built-in shell commands.
Why this is correct
The rule only watches /usr/bin; dbadmin may run commands from elsewhere.
Clue confirmation
The clue words "most likely", "always" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates assume `-w /usr/bin -p x` logs all command executions, but it only monitors file access events on that specific directory, missing commands from other paths or shell internals.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While log rotation could cause loss, it does not explain why commands are not being logged initially.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The `-w` watch flag in auditd uses inotify to monitor file system objects, not process execution. It only triggers on `execve` syscalls for the exact path specified, so commands in `/usr/local/bin` or shell built-ins bypass the watch. For comprehensive command logging, a rule using `-a always,exit -S execve -F uid=dbadmin` would capture all executed binaries regardless of path, while shell built-ins require additional logging via shell audit (e.g., `bash` history or `snoopy`).
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
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
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
System Security — This question tests System Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rule -w /usr/bin -p x only monitors executables in /usr/bin, not commands in other directories or built-in shell commands. — Option D is correct because the rule `-w /usr/bin -p x` only monitors execution of binaries located in `/usr/bin`. Commands executed from other directories (e.g., `/usr/local/bin`, `/opt`, or built-in shell commands like `cd` or `alias`) are not captured. Additionally, the rule does not log commands run via absolute paths outside `/usr/bin` or scripts executed by interpreters, leaving gaps in the audit trail for dbadmin's activities.
What should I do if I get this LPIC-2 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely", "always". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Question Discussion
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