CompTIA Linux+ (XK0-006)Services and User ManagementMedium
A system administrator is auditing the `/etc/group` file and encounters an entry for `developers:x:1001:jane,john`. What does the `x` field signify in this entry?
- AThe group's password hash is stored in `/etc/gshadow`.
- BThe group is locked and no new members can be added.
- CThe group is a system group and cannot be modified.
- DThe group requires a password for membership.
Show answer & explanationAnswer & explanation
Correct answer: A. The group's password hash is stored in `/etc/gshadow`.
In the `/etc/group` file, the 'x' in the password field indicates that the group has a password, and its hash is stored in the `/etc/gshadow` file. This is similar to how 'x' in `/etc/passwd` indicates the password hash is in `/etc/shadow`.
Why the other options are wrong
- B. The 'x' does not indicate a locked group; that would be managed by other means or specific entries in `/etc/gshadow`.
- C. The 'x' does not denote a system group. System groups are typically identified by low GIDs.
- D. It means a password exists, not necessarily that it's required for membership (which is generally managed by `gpasswd`).
/etc/group 'x' field
In `/etc/group`, an 'x' in the password field indicates that the group has an encrypted password, which is stored in the `/etc/gshadow` file for security.
- Analogous to 'x' in `/etc/passwd`.
- Group passwords are rare on most Linux systems.
- Managed by `gpasswd` command.
Memory trick: Group 'X': e'X'tra secure password in gshadow.