CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-004) — Question 18

A Linux server needs to be accessed, but the root password is not available.
Which of the following would BEST allow an administrator to regain access and set a new known password at the same time?

Answer options

• A. Boot into single-user mode and reset the password via the passwd command.
• B. Boot into single-user mode and reset the password by editing the /etc/passwd file.
• C. Boot into single-user mode and reset the password by editing the /etc/shadow file.
• D. Boot into single-user mode and reset the password via the chage command.

Correct answer: A

Explanation

The correct option is A because booting into single-user mode allows the administrator to use the passwd command to reset the root password directly. Options B and C involve editing files that are not intended for direct password modification, which can lead to system errors, while option D is used for managing password aging rather than resetting the password itself.