This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of manage security. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
Exhibit
User jane may run the following commands on this host:
(ALL) NOPASSWD: /usr/bin/less
Refer to the exhibit. What is the primary security concern with this sudo configuration?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "primary"
Why it matters: Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The less command allows executing shell commands via !, enabling privilege escalation.
The less command has the ability to execute other commands by typing '! command' within the pager. This allows jane to execute any command as root, effectively bypassing the restriction.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 NOPASSWD option eliminates the need for a password.
Why it's wrong here
While NOPASSWD is a risk, the main concern is the command choice.
✗
The entry uses (ALL) instead of (root), allowing jane to run as any user.
Why it's wrong here
While that is true, the main risk is the command's ability to spawn a shell.
✓
The less command allows executing shell commands via !, enabling privilege escalation.
Why this is correct
This is a well-known sudo escape vector.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "primary" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
The command /usr/bin/less can be used to read any file.
Why it's wrong here
Reading files is a valid use of less and not a direct privilege escalation.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
While NOPASSWD is a risk, the main concern is the command choice.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related EX200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Manage security — This question tests Manage security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The less command allows executing shell commands via !, enabling privilege escalation. — The less command has the ability to execute other commands by typing '! command' within the pager. This allows jane to execute any command as root, effectively bypassing the restriction.
What should I do if I get this EX200 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related EX200 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "primary". Asks for the main purpose or function, not a secondary benefit. Eliminate answers that describe side-effects or partial functions.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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