- A
Copy the script to /tmp and run from there
Why wrong: This is a workaround but not a solution to allow execution on the mount point; the question asks for a change to allow execution on the mount.
- B
Use chmod +x /mnt/data/test.file
Why wrong: The file already has execute permissions (shown by the error is Permission denied, not 'command not found'); the noexec mount option overrides file permissions.
- C
Change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount
The noexec option prevents execution; changing to exec in /etc/fstab and remounting (mount -o remount /mnt/data) allows execution.
- D
Remount without noexec and add setuid bit
Why wrong: Removing noexec allows execution, but adding setuid may reduce security; setuid is not relevant to execution permission.
Allow Execution on a noexec Filesystem
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of create and configure file systems. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. After mounting /dev/sdb1 with the noexec option, a script located at /mnt/data/test.file cannot be executed. What change will allow execution while maintaining security?
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
Change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount
Option C is correct because the noexec mount option prevents execution of any binaries or scripts on the filesystem, regardless of file permissions. To allow execution while maintaining security, you must change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount the filesystem (e.g., mount -o remount,exec /mnt/data). This approach preserves other mount options and avoids the security risks of removing noexec globally.
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.
- ✗
Copy the script to /tmp and run from there
Why it's wrong here
This is a workaround but not a solution to allow execution on the mount point; the question asks for a change to allow execution on the mount.
- ✗
Use chmod +x /mnt/data/test.file
Why it's wrong here
The file already has execute permissions (shown by the error is Permission denied, not 'command not found'); the noexec mount option overrides file permissions.
- ✓
Change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount
Why this is correct
The noexec option prevents execution; changing to exec in /etc/fstab and remounting (mount -o remount /mnt/data) allows execution.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
- ✗
Remount without noexec and add setuid bit
Why it's wrong here
Removing noexec allows execution, but adding setuid may reduce security; setuid is not relevant to execution permission.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
In RHEL, the noexec mount option overrides any execute permissions set on files, regardless of chmod. The common mistake is trying to fix permissions instead of modifying the mount options via /etc/fstab and remounting with exec.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The file already has execute permissions (shown by the error is Permission denied, not 'command not found'); the noexec mount option overrides file permissions.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
The noexec mount option is enforced by the VFS (Virtual File System) layer in the Linux kernel; when a file is on a noexec filesystem, the do_execve() syscall returns -EACCES even if the file has execute permissions. In real-world scenarios, administrators often mount /tmp with noexec to prevent arbitrary script execution, but then must selectively mount specific directories (e.g., /mnt/data) with exec for trusted scripts, balancing security and functionality.
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.
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.
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Create and configure file systems — study guide chapter
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this EX200 question test?
Create and configure file systems — This question tests Create and configure file systems — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount — Option C is correct because the noexec mount option prevents execution of any binaries or scripts on the filesystem, regardless of file permissions. To allow execution while maintaining security, you must change the mount option to exec in /etc/fstab and remount the filesystem (e.g., mount -o remount,exec /mnt/data). This approach preserves other mount options and avoids the security risks of removing noexec globally.
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.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jul 4, 2026
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