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.
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A web server is serving content from /var/www/html. SELinux is in enforcing mode. The web client reports 'Forbidden'. 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.
Network Topology
A
The file is owned by root, and Apache runs as apache user, so it cannot read.
Why wrong: Ownership does not affect read access if permissions allow.
B
The directory /var/www/html may have incorrect context or permissions preventing Apache from listing files.
Directory context or permissions are a common cause of forbidden errors.
C
The file permissions are 644, which restricts access.
Why wrong: 644 allows read access for all.
D
The file has an incorrect SELinux context; it should be httpd_user_content_t.
Why wrong: The current context httpd_sys_content_t is correct for web content.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The directory /var/www/html may have incorrect context or permissions preventing Apache from listing files.
Option B is correct because the most likely cause of a 'Forbidden' error when SELinux is enforcing is that the directory or file lacks the correct SELinux context (e.g., httpd_sys_content_t) or the permissions do not allow the Apache user (apache) to read or traverse the directory. Even if file permissions are 644, SELinux can block access if the context is wrong, such as being set to default_t or user_home_t. The error indicates Apache cannot access the content, which is typically resolved by restoring the correct context with restorecon or setting it with chcon.
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 file is owned by root, and Apache runs as apache user, so it cannot read.
Why it's wrong here
Ownership does not affect read access if permissions allow.
✓
The directory /var/www/html may have incorrect context or permissions preventing Apache from listing files.
Why this is correct
Directory context or permissions are a common cause of forbidden errors.
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 file permissions are 644, which restricts access.
Why it's wrong here
644 allows read access for all.
✗
The file has an incorrect SELinux context; it should be httpd_user_content_t.
Why it's wrong here
The current context httpd_sys_content_t is correct for web content.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
A common pitfall in Red Hat RHCSA is assuming that file permissions alone cause 'Forbidden' errors, but with SELinux enforcing, incorrect context (e.g., httpd_user_content_t instead of httpd_sys_content_t) is the primary cause. Candidates must remember that SELinux overrides DAC permissions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux enforces mandatory access controls (MAC) beyond traditional DAC permissions; the httpd_t domain is allowed to read files labeled httpd_sys_content_t, but if the context is incorrect (e.g., unconfined_u:object_r:default_t:s0), access is denied even if DAC permissions allow it. The 'Forbidden' error typically results from SELinux denials logged in /var/log/audit/audit.log, which can be analyzed with ausearch or sealert. In real-world scenarios, administrators often forget to run restorecon after moving files into /var/www/html, leading to this exact issue.
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.
Visual reference
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 — 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 /var/www/html may have incorrect context or permissions preventing Apache from listing files. — Option B is correct because the most likely cause of a 'Forbidden' error when SELinux is enforcing is that the directory or file lacks the correct SELinux context (e.g., httpd_sys_content_t) or the permissions do not allow the Apache user (apache) to read or traverse the directory. Even if file permissions are 644, SELinux can block access if the context is wrong, such as being set to default_t or user_home_t. The error indicates Apache cannot access the content, which is typically resolved by restoring the correct context with restorecon or setting it with chcon.
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.
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Question Discussion
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