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 system administrator is managing a Red Hat Enterprise Linux 9 web server running Apache httpd. The server hosts a custom application that stores its files in /var/www/custom. The administrator has set ownership to apache:apache and file permissions to 755. However, when users access the web application, they receive a 'Forbidden' error. The httpd service is running, and SELinux is in enforcing mode. The administrator checks the SELinux context of the /var/www/custom directory and sees 'unconfined_u:object_r:default_t:s0'. What should the administrator do to resolve the issue without disabling SELinux?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Use semanage fcontext to set the SELinux type to httpd_sys_content_t and run restorecon
The SELinux type 'default_t' prevents httpd from reading the files. The correct approach is to change the context type to 'httpd_sys_content_t' persistently using semanage fcontext and then apply it with restorecon. Using chcon is temporary and will not survive a file system relabel.
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.
✓
Use semanage fcontext to set the SELinux type to httpd_sys_content_t and run restorecon
Why this is correct
This changes the file context persistently; semanage fcontext adds a rule to the file context database, and restorecon applies it.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
Set SELinux to permissive mode
Why it's wrong here
While this would allow access, it disables SELinux enforcement, which is not recommended and does not fix the underlying context issue.
✗
Use chcon to set the SELinux type to httpd_sys_content_t
Why it's wrong here
chcon changes the context temporarily; it will not persist after a full file system relabel (e.g., with fixfiles).
✗
Add the apache user to the group that owns the directory
Why it's wrong here
This does not address SELinux context; the denial is caused by type enforcement, not DAC permissions.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 EX200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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: Use semanage fcontext to set the SELinux type to httpd_sys_content_t and run restorecon — The SELinux type 'default_t' prevents httpd from reading the files. The correct approach is to change the context type to 'httpd_sys_content_t' persistently using semanage fcontext and then apply it with restorecon. Using chcon is temporary and will not survive a file system relabel.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Identify which EX200 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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