Quick Answer
The correct answer is that root can read /etc/shadow despite the displayed permission bits showing no read access for any user. This is because Linux’s Discretionary Access Control (DAC) includes a superuser bypass: the root user is not bound by file mode bits and can read any file on the system, regardless of the permissions shown by `ls -l`. The /etc/shadow file stores hashed passwords, so it must be readable only by root to prevent unauthorized access, but the standard permission display (---------- 1 root root) is misleading—it only reflects the mode bits, not root’s inherent override capability. On the Red Hat Certified System Administrator EX200 exam, this concept tests your understanding of Linux privilege escalation and the distinction between file permissions and root’s DAC override. A common trap is assuming that “no permissions” means no one can read the file, but root always can. Memory tip: “Root reads through the cracks—mode bits don’t block the superuser.”
This EX200 practice question tests your understanding of essential tools. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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. $ ls -l /etc/shadow ----------. 1 root root 1234 Oct 5 14:30 /etc/shadow
Refer to the exhibit. Why does the /etc/shadow file have no read permissions for any user?
Refer to the exhibit. $ ls -l /etc/shadow ----------. 1 root root 1234 Oct 5 14:30 /etc/shadow
Only root can read it, but the permissions are not displayed correctly.
Root can bypass permissions.
The file is empty.
Why wrong: Not indicated.
The file is a symbolic link.
Why wrong: It's a regular file.
The file is a character device.
Why wrong: No.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Only root can read it, but the permissions are not displayed correctly.
The /etc/shadow file stores hashed user passwords and must be readable only by root to prevent unauthorized access to password hashes. The displayed permissions (---------- 1 root root) indicate that no user, including root, has read access according to standard `ls -l` output, but this is misleading because root can always read the file regardless of permission bits due to Linux's superuser bypass (DAC override). The correct answer is A because root's ability to read the file is not reflected in the permission display, which only shows the file's mode bits.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Only root can read it, but the permissions are not displayed correctly.
Why this is correct
Root can bypass permissions.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
The file is empty.
Why it's wrong here
Not indicated.
The file is a symbolic link.
Why it's wrong here
It's a regular file.
The file is a character device.
Why it's wrong here
No.
Common exam traps
Red Hat often tests the misconception that permission bits shown by `ls -l` are absolute and that root is bound by them, when in fact root can always read any file regardless of the mode.
Detailed technical explanation
Under the hood, the Linux kernel's discretionary access control (DAC) allows the root user (UID 0) to bypass all file permission checks, including read, write, and execute, as defined in the kernel's `inode_permission()` function. This is why `cat /etc/shadow` works for root even with mode 0000. In real-world scenarios, administrators might set restrictive permissions like 000 on sensitive files to prevent accidental reads by non-root processes, relying on root's override capability.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
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
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FAQ
Essential Tools — This question tests Essential Tools — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Only root can read it, but the permissions are not displayed correctly. — The /etc/shadow file stores hashed user passwords and must be readable only by root to prevent unauthorized access to password hashes. The displayed permissions (---------- 1 root root) indicate that no user, including root, has read access according to standard `ls -l` output, but this is misleading because root can always read the file regardless of permission bits due to Linux's superuser bypass (DAC override). The correct answer is A because root's ability to read the file is not reflected in the permission display, which only shows the file's mode bits.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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