The answer is kms:Encrypt on the KMS key. When uploading objects to S3 with SSE-KMS, the s3:PutObject action requires the kms:Encrypt permission on the specific KMS key used for encryption, because the upload process calls KMS to encrypt the data before writing it to the bucket. The provided policy includes kms:Decrypt and kms:GenerateDataKey, which are sufficient for reading or generating data keys, but without kms:Encrypt, the upload fails with Access Denied. On the AWS Certified Developer Associate DVA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding that SSE-KMS uploads demand both S3 and KMS permissions, and a common trap is confusing the permissions needed for upload (Encrypt) versus download (Decrypt). Remember the memory tip: “To put, you must encrypt; to get, you must decrypt.”
DVA-C02 Security Practice Question
This DVA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM role has the attached policy. A developer is writing an application that will upload objects to the S3 bucket using server-side encryption with AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). The application is failing with an Access Denied error when trying to upload. What is the missing permission?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
kms:Encrypt on the KMS key
Option C is correct because s3:PutObject with SSE-KMS requires kms:Encrypt on the KMS key. The policy allows kms:Decrypt and GenerateDataKey, but not Encrypt. Option A is wrong because kms:Decrypt is not needed for upload. Option B is wrong because kms:ListKeys is not required. Option D is wrong because the bucket name is correct.
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.
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 media company stores terabytes of video archives that are accessed once a year for audit purposes. Moving these objects to a cold storage tier (Azure Archive, S3 Glacier, or Google Nearline) costs a fraction of hot storage. Questions like this test whether you understand storage tiers, access frequency tradeoffs, and retrieval latency requirements.
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 DVA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Security — This question tests Security — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: kms:Encrypt on the KMS key — Option C is correct because s3:PutObject with SSE-KMS requires kms:Encrypt on the KMS key. The policy allows kms:Decrypt and GenerateDataKey, but not Encrypt. Option A is wrong because kms:Decrypt is not needed for upload. Option B is wrong because kms:ListKeys is not required. Option D is wrong because the bucket name is correct.
What should I do if I get this DVA-C02 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 DVA-C02 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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