LPIC-2 System Security Practice Question
Which TWO commands can be used to list currently loaded iptables rules in the filter table? (Choose two.)
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates often forget the default table is the filter table and mistakenly think `-t nat` or `-t mangle` is required, or they confuse listing rules with destructive actions like flushing or zeroing counters.
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
✓
iptables -nL
`iptables -nL` lists all rules in the default filter table without resolving hostnames (the `-n` flag disables DNS lookups). Option C is correct because `iptables -L -t filter` explicitly specifies the filter table and lists its rules. Both commands display the currently loaded rules in the filter table, which is the default table for iptables.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
iptables -L -t nat
Why it's wrong here
Lists rules in nat table, not filter.
- ✓
iptables -nL
Why this is correct
Lists rules numerically (default filter table).
- ✓
iptables -L -t filter
Why this is correct
Lists rules in filter table.
- ✗
iptables -Z
Why it's wrong here
Zeroes counters, not list.
- ✗
iptables -F
Why it's wrong here
Flushes rules, not list.
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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.