scenario
hard
Analyze
chmod-recursive-trap
2 points
Question 42. CSCD240-E1-C
chmod -R 644 /etc/ssh — what broke and why?
Work the drill
Answer on paper or in a terminal before revealing the ideal answer.
Ideal answer
Directories lost their execute (x) bit. You can no longer cd into /etc/ssh or read files inside. Applying literal 644 recursively to both files AND directories removes directory traversal.
Misconception bank
Each row below is a plausible wrong answer, the thinking that produces it, and the remedy that corrects the misconception. These are the foundation of the multiple-choice framing and the targeted feedback a student receives after answering.
Nothing broke
Misconception. Misses the directory-x implication.
Remedy. Distinguish file vs dir semantics of x.
Authority mappings
Hover any chip for the mapping justification; click to open the authority record.
DCWF roles:
IT-451 System Administrator
DCWF tasks:
T0136
KU outcomes:
CO-M9-O2
KU topics:
CD-OSC-T7
Course-artifact links
Lectures
- CSCD240-S26-L06. Permissions part 2: chmod octal + symbolic, directory x bit