The correct approach is to create separate read-only and read-write database users with minimal privileges and modify the application to use the appropriate user for each operation. This directly implements the principle of least privilege by ensuring that read-only operations never have write access, thereby containing the blast radius of a SQL injection attack to only the permissions of the compromised user. On the AWS Certified Database Specialty DBS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that least privilege is enforced at the database user level, not through connection pooling or IAM alone—a common trap is assuming IAM database authentication alone solves the separation requirement, but it does not replace the need for distinct database users with different grants. Remember the memory tip: "Two users, two grants, one operation at a time" to keep read and write paths completely isolated.
DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
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.
A small business runs a web application on a single Amazon RDS for MySQL DB instance. The application uses a master user account for all database operations. The security team is concerned about the risk of SQL injection and wants to implement the principle of least privilege. They want to create separate database users for read-only and read-write operations. The application currently uses a single connection string. The developer needs to modify the application to use two separate users. What is the correct approach to implement this securely?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "least"
Why it matters: You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
Use stored procedures for all database operations and grant execute only to the master user.
Why wrong: Still uses a single user.
B
Keep using the master user but restrict its IP address.
Why wrong: Master user has full privileges.
C
Enable IAM database authentication and use a single IAM role.
Why wrong: Does not create separate users.
D
Create a read-only user and a read-write user in the database, grant minimal privileges, and modify the application to use the appropriate user for each operation.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Create a read-only user and a read-write user in the database, grant minimal privileges, and modify the application to use the appropriate user for each operation.
Option C is correct because creating two users with appropriate grants and modifying the application to use them based on the operation reduces risk. Option A is wrong because using a single user does not enforce least privilege. Option B is wrong because IAM database authentication is a different mechanism but does not solve the user separation issue. Option D is wrong because stored procedures do not eliminate the need for separate users.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
Use stored procedures for all database operations and grant execute only to the master user.
Why it's wrong here
Still uses a single user.
✗
Keep using the master user but restrict its IP address.
Why it's wrong here
Master user has full privileges.
✗
Enable IAM database authentication and use a single IAM role.
Why it's wrong here
Does not create separate users.
✓
Create a read-only user and a read-write user in the database, grant minimal privileges, and modify the application to use the appropriate user for each operation.
Why this is correct
Enforces least privilege.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "least" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
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 Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Database Security — This question tests Database Security — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Create a read-only user and a read-write user in the database, grant minimal privileges, and modify the application to use the appropriate user for each operation. — Option C is correct because creating two users with appropriate grants and modifying the application to use them based on the operation reduces risk. Option A is wrong because using a single user does not enforce least privilege. Option B is wrong because IAM database authentication is a different mechanism but does not solve the user separation issue. Option D is wrong because stored procedures do not eliminate the need for separate users.
What should I do if I get this DBS-C01 question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related DBS-C01 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "least". You want the option with minimum overhead, fewest steps, or lowest impact — not the most feature-rich or comprehensive answer.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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