CAPNG\_GET\_CAPS\_FD(3) Libcap-ng API CAPNG\_GET\_CAPS\_FD(3)

# [NAME](#NAME)

capng\_get\_caps\_fd - read file-based capabilities from extended attributes

# [SYNOPSIS](#SYNOPSIS)

**#include <cap-ng.h>**

int capng\_get\_caps\_fd(int fd);

# [DESCRIPTION](#DESCRIPTION)

This function will read the file based capabilities stored in extended attributes of the file that the descriptor was opened against. The bounding set is not included in file based capabilities operations. Note that this function will only work if compiled on a kernel that supports file based capabilities such as 2.6.26 and later. If the "magic" bit is set, then all effective capability bits are set. Otherwise the bits are cleared.

# [RETURN VALUE](#RETURN_VALUE)

This returns 0 on success and -1 on failure.

# [SEE ALSO](#SEE_ALSO)

[**capng\_apply\_caps\_fd**(3)](/man/os/libcap-ng/capng_apply_caps_fd.3), [**capabilities**(7)](/man/os/libcap-ng/capabilities.7)

# [AUTHOR](#AUTHOR)

Steve Grubb

March 2026 Red Hat

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Document: capng_get_caps_fd(3) from libcap-ng 0.9.6-r0 (Chainguard OS)
Source: https://github.com/stevegrubb/libcap-ng.git