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
A user reports that the Apache web server cannot serve the file /var/www/html/index.html on a RHEL 9 system when SELinux is in enforcing mode. Given the exhibit output, 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 the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The SELinux context of the file is incorrect for web serving.
Option D is correct because the default SELinux context for files served by Apache in /var/www/html is `httpd_sys_content_t`. If the file has a different context (e.g., `unconfined_u:object_r:admin_home_t:s0`), SELinux will deny Apache read access even if standard Linux permissions are permissive. The `ls -Z` output would reveal the mismatch, and `restorecon -v /var/www/html/index.html` would fix it.
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 firewalld service is blocking HTTP traffic on port 80.
Why it's wrong here
There is no indication of firewall issues; the exhibit shows SELinux context.
✗
The file is owned by root and Apache cannot read it.
Why it's wrong here
Ownership by root is fine; Apache runs as apache user but accesses files via group/other permissions.
✗
The file permissions do not allow the apache user to read the file.
Why it's wrong here
The permissions show read for others (644), so Apache can read it.
✓
The SELinux context of the file is incorrect for web serving.
Why this is correct
The context user_home_t is not allowed for httpd_t; it should be httpd_sys_content_t.
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.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
The trap here is that candidates often focus on file permissions or ownership (options B and C) because they are familiar from non-SELinux systems, but the question explicitly states SELinux is in enforcing mode, which overrides DAC permissions when a type mismatch exists.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
There is no indication of firewall issues; the exhibit shows SELinux context.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
SELinux uses type enforcement (TE) to control access; the `httpd_t` domain (Apache process) is allowed to read files labeled `httpd_sys_content_t`. If a file is labeled `unconfined_u:object_r:default_t:s0` (e.g., after being copied from a non-web directory), SELinux denies access with an AVC denial logged in `/var/log/audit/audit.log`. The `semanage fcontext` command can set persistent contexts, and `restorecon` applies the policy-defined default. In RHEL 9, the `httpd` package includes a SELinux policy that enforces this strictly.
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 security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
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 SELinux context of the file is incorrect for web serving. — Option D is correct because the default SELinux context for files served by Apache in /var/www/html is `httpd_sys_content_t`. If the file has a different context (e.g., `unconfined_u:object_r:admin_home_t:s0`), SELinux will deny Apache read access even if standard Linux permissions are permissive. The `ls -Z` output would reveal the mismatch, and `restorecon -v /var/www/html/index.html` would fix it.
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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