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LFCS · Question #233

Which of the following configuration files does sudo read when determining if a user is permitted to run applications with root privileges?

The correct answer is C. /etc/sudoers. The /etc/sudoers file is the primary configuration file that determines which users are allowed to execute commands with root privileges via the sudo command.

Submitted by hans_de· Apr 18, 2026User and Group Management

Question

Which of the following configuration files does sudo read when determining if a user is permitted to run applications with root privileges?

Options

  • A/etc/groups
  • B/etc/passwd
  • C/etc/sudoers
  • D/etc/sudo.conf

How the community answered

(20 responses)
  • A
    5% (1)
  • B
    5% (1)
  • C
    90% (18)

Why each option

The `/etc/sudoers` file is the primary configuration file that determines which users are allowed to execute commands with root privileges via the `sudo` command.

A/etc/groups

`/etc/groups` defines user groups, but it does not specify `sudo` permissions for those groups.

B/etc/passwd

`/etc/passwd` stores basic user account information, but it does not contain `sudo` permissions.

C/etc/sudoersCorrect

The `/etc/sudoers` file contains the rules that define who can run what commands with `sudo` and under what conditions. This file is parsed by the `sudo` command to enforce privilege elevation policies.

D/etc/sudo.conf

`/etc/sudo.conf` is a general configuration file for `sudo` and its plugins, but the specific user permission rules are defined in `/etc/sudoers`.

Concept tested: `sudo` configuration file location

Source: https://man7.org/linux/man-pages/man5/sudoers.5.html

Topics

#sudo#privilege escalation#configuration files#access control

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