- A
SELinux boolean httpd_enable_homedirs is off.
Why wrong: This boolean affects home directories, not custom directories.
- B
The httpd process is running in permissive mode.
Why wrong: Permissive mode would not cause denials.
- C
The directory has incorrect permissions of 700.
Permissions 700 deny access to others, including Apache.
- D
The files are labeled with default_t.
Why wrong: The stem states the context is correct.
Question 163 of 537
SELinux DAC vs MAC: Why Apache Can’t Read /web Even with Correct Context
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of manage security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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 web server is running in enforcing mode with SELinux, but Apache cannot read content in a custom directory /web. The directory has been labeled correctly with httpd_sys_content_t. However, access is still denied. What 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.
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 directory has incorrect permissions of 700.
Option C is correct because even though the SELinux context is correctly set to httpd_sys_content_t, the directory has permissions of 700 (rwx------). This means only the owner (typically root) can read, write, or execute the directory. The Apache httpd process runs as the 'apache' or 'httpd' user, which is not the owner, so it is denied read access. SELinux enforces its own policy, but DAC (Discretionary Access Control) permissions are checked first; if DAC denies access, SELinux never gets to evaluate the context match.
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.
- ✗
SELinux boolean httpd_enable_homedirs is off.
Why it's wrong here
This boolean affects home directories, not custom directories.
- ✗
The httpd process is running in permissive mode.
Why it's wrong here
Permissive mode would not cause denials.
- ✓
The directory has incorrect permissions of 700.
Why this is correct
Permissions 700 deny access to others, including Apache.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
The files are labeled with default_t.
Why it's wrong here
The stem states the context is correct.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates focus solely on SELinux context and booleans, forgetting that DAC permissions are evaluated first and can block access even when SELinux labels are perfectly correct.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Under the hood, Linux checks DAC permissions (owner/group/other) before SELinux. The httpd process runs as the 'apache' user (UID 48 on RHEL), so for a directory owned by root with 700 permissions, the 'other' category has no access, causing an EACCES error. In real-world scenarios, administrators often forget to set group ownership (e.g., chown :apache /web) or adjust permissions (e.g., 755 or 750) after labeling, leading to this exact failure. The getfacl and ls -ld commands are essential for diagnosing such DAC vs. SELinux conflicts.
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 practitioner preparing for the EX200 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
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.
- →
Manage security — study guide chapter
Learn the concepts, then practise the questions
- →
Manage security practice questions
Targeted practice on this topic area only
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All EX200 questions
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Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 study guide
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Manage security — This question tests Manage security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The directory has incorrect permissions of 700. — Option C is correct because even though the SELinux context is correctly set to httpd_sys_content_t, the directory has permissions of 700 (rwx------). This means only the owner (typically root) can read, write, or execute the directory. The Apache httpd process runs as the 'apache' or 'httpd' user, which is not the owner, so it is denied read access. SELinux enforces its own policy, but DAC (Discretionary Access Control) permissions are checked first; if DAC denies access, SELinux never gets to evaluate the context match.
What should I do if I get this EX200 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". 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.
About these practice questions
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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