300-300 Question #66: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

Question

Options

• AAll users listed in write list can write to the share regardless of the Linux file system's permissions.
• BGiven sufficient Linux file system permissions, users listed in write list can only write to the share
• CIf read only = yes is set for the share, even the users in write list are denied write access to the
• DGiven sufficient Linux file system permissions, all users listed in the write list are allowed to write
• EUsers contained in write list can use a share even when they are not contained in valid users.

Explanation

Option D is correct because the write list directive in Samba grants write access at the Samba layer, but it does not bypass the underlying Linux filesystem permissions - both layers must allow the operation for a write to succeed. Think of it as a two-gate system: Samba opens its gate for write list users, but the Linux OS gate must also be open.

Why the distractors are wrong:

• A is wrong because Linux filesystem permissions are never bypassed by Samba - if the OS denies write access, the write fails regardless of Samba config.
• B is misleadingly worded and implies an unnecessary restriction; write list users can both read and write, not "only write."
• C is the most dangerous distractor - it's actually the opposite of true. The write list directive overrides read only = yes, which is its primary purpose.
• E confuses two separate directives; valid users controls share access, while write list controls write permissions - a user must still appear in valid users (or not be excluded) to even connect to the share.

Memory tip: Think of write list as a VIP upgrade, not a skeleton key - it upgrades your Samba permissions above read only, but you still need the OS bouncer (Linux filesystem permissions) to let you in.

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