How AFS Interprets the UNIX Mode Bits

Although AFS uses ACLs to protect file data rather than the mode bits that UFS uses, it does not ignore the mode bits entirely. When you issue the chmod command on an AFS file or directory, AFS changes the bits appropriately. To change a file's mode bits, you must have the AFS w (write) permission on the ACL of the file's directory. To change a directory's mode bits, you must have the d (delete), i (insert), and l (lookup) permissions on its ACL.

AFS also uses the UNIX mode bits as follows: