This DBS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of database security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. After answering, compare your reasoning against the explanation and wrong-answer breakdown below. Once you have made your selection, read the full explanation to reinforce the concept and understand why each distractor is designed to mislead on exam day.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user can modify 'prod-db' but cannot delete it.
Option D is correct because the policy allows DescribeDBInstances and ModifyDBInstance on all resources, but explicitly denies DeleteDBInstance on the specific database 'prod-db'. Since an explicit deny overrides any allow, the user cannot delete that database. However, the user can modify all databases including 'prod-db'. Option A is wrong because the deny is only for DeleteDBInstance. Option B is wrong because the user can modify all databases. Option C is wrong because the user can describe all databases.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
The user can delete any database except 'prod-db'.
Why it's wrong here
User cannot delete any database? The deny is only for prod-db; for others, no explicit allow for delete, so implicit deny.
✗
The user can describe all databases except 'prod-db'.
Why it's wrong here
Allow for DescribeDBInstances applies to all resources, so can describe prod-db.
✓
The user can modify 'prod-db' but cannot delete it.
Why this is correct
Modify allowed, delete explicitly denied.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The user can modify any database except 'prod-db'.
Why it's wrong here
The allow for ModifyDBInstance applies to all resources, so user can modify prod-db as well.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A company's IT admin needs to give a contractor read-only access to production logs without sharing account credentials. Using role-based access control (RBAC) and temporary scoped permissions — not a permanent shared password — is the correct pattern. Questions like this test whether you can apply least-privilege access across cloud identity services.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The user can modify 'prod-db' but cannot delete it. — Option D is correct because the policy allows DescribeDBInstances and ModifyDBInstance on all resources, but explicitly denies DeleteDBInstance on the specific database 'prod-db'. Since an explicit deny overrides any allow, the user cannot delete that database. However, the user can modify all databases including 'prod-db'. Option A is wrong because the deny is only for DeleteDBInstance. Option B is wrong because the user can modify all databases. Option C is wrong because the user can describe all databases.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related DBS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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