DBS-C01 Database Security Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"rds:DescribeDBInstances",
"rds:CreateDBSnapshot"
],
"Resource": "*"
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "rds:DeleteDBInstance",
"Resource": "arn:aws:rds:us-east-1:123456789012:db:prod-db"
}
]
}Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to a user. What is the effect when the user attempts to delete the RDS DB instance named 'prod-db'?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The user cannot delete the instance because of the explicit Deny statement.
The policy explicitly denies the rds:DeleteDBInstance action on the specific resource. Even though there is an Allow on other actions, an explicit Deny overrides any Allow. The user cannot delete the instance. Option A is wrong because the Deny takes precedence. Option B is wrong because the policy explicitly prevents deletion. Option D is wrong because the Deny is on the specific instance.
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 other instance except 'prod-db'.
Why it's wrong here
The Allow on DescribeDBInstances and CreateDBSnapshot does not grant Delete.
- ✗
The user can delete the instance because the Deny statement only applies to snapshots.
Why it's wrong here
Deny is on DeleteDBInstance, not snapshots.
- ✓
The user cannot delete the instance because of the explicit Deny statement.
Why this is correct
Explicit Deny overrides Allow.
- ✗
The user can delete the instance because of the Allow on DescribeDBInstances.
Why it's wrong here
Describe does not allow Delete.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
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