The answer is to add an IAM policy to the CodeBuild service role allowing ecr:GetAuthorizationToken and ecr:Push, and to include the aws ecr get-login-password command in the pre-build phase. This resolves the codebuild ecr push no basic auth credentials error because CodeBuild’s service role must have explicit permissions to authenticate with Amazon ECR and push images, while the get-login-password command generates a temporary password that Docker uses to authenticate the push. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM roles and the Docker authorization flow work together in a CI/CD pipeline—a common trap is assuming the AWS CLI or Docker are missing, but both are pre-installed in CodeBuild. Remember the two-step fix: grant the IAM permissions first, then run the login command in pre-build. A useful mnemonic is “Policy first, password next” to avoid the auth credentials failure.
DVA-C02 Deployment Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of deployment. 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 developer is using AWS CodeBuild to build a Docker image and push it to Amazon ECR. The build fails with a 'no basic auth credentials' error when trying to push the image. Which TWO actions should the developer take to resolve this issue? (Choose two.)
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Add a pre-build command to run 'aws ecr get-login-password --region <region> | docker login --username AWS --password-stdin <account-id>.dkr.ecr.<region>.amazonaws.com'.
Options B and D are correct because the build project needs to have an IAM role with permissions to push to ECR, and the pre-build phase should include the 'aws ecr get-login-password' command to authenticate. Option A is wrong because AWS CLI is already installed in CodeBuild. Option C is wrong because Docker is already available. Option E is wrong because ECR access is via IAM, not SSH keys.
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.
✓
Add a pre-build command to run 'aws ecr get-login-password --region <region> | docker login --username AWS --password-stdin <account-id>.dkr.ecr.<region>.amazonaws.com'.
Why this is correct
This authenticates Docker to ECR.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Install the AWS CLI in the buildspec.yml file.
Why it's wrong here
AWS CLI is pre-installed in CodeBuild.
✗
Install Docker in the buildspec.yml file.
Why it's wrong here
Docker is already available.
✓
Add an IAM policy to the CodeBuild service role that allows ecr:GetAuthorizationToken and ecr:Push.
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 DVA-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Deployment — This question tests Deployment — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Add a pre-build command to run 'aws ecr get-login-password --region <region> | docker login --username AWS --password-stdin <account-id>.dkr.ecr.<region>.amazonaws.com'. — Options B and D are correct because the build project needs to have an IAM role with permissions to push to ECR, and the pre-build phase should include the 'aws ecr get-login-password' command to authenticate. Option A is wrong because AWS CLI is already installed in CodeBuild. Option C is wrong because Docker is already available. Option E is wrong because ECR access is via IAM, not SSH keys.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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