XK0-005 Question #872: Real Exam Question with Answer & Explanation

The correct answer is A: To allow normal users to update the /etc/shadow file. The Set User ID (SUID) permission allows a file to execute with the privileges of the file owner, rather than the user who runs it. The /bin/passwd command is used by users to change their own passwords. The actual password hashes are stored in /etc/shadow, which is only writable

System Management

Question

Which of the following best explains why the SUID permission is set on the file? /bin/passwd

Options

ATo allow normal users to update the /etc/shadow file
BTo ensure group permission on the file stay up to date
CTo indicate an attacker has compromised the system
DTo mark the file as immutable

Explanation

The Set User ID (SUID) permission allows a file to execute with the privileges of the file owner, rather than the user who runs it. The /bin/passwd command is used by users to change their own passwords. The actual password hashes are stored in /etc/shadow, which is only writable by the root user. Since normal users do not have direct write permissions on /etc/shadow, the SUID bit on /bin/passwd enables the command to run with root privileges, allowing password changes.

Topics

#Linux Permissions#SUID#File System Security#System Utilities

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