The answer is to configure the Lambda function as VPC-enabled and place it in the same subnet as the database. This is correct because the Secrets Manager rotation Lambda must have direct network access to the database endpoint within the private VPC; by attaching the Lambda to the same VPC and subnet, it receives an elastic network interface with a private IP, enabling it to reach the database without traversing the internet. On the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how Lambda-based rotation interacts with VPC networking, often appearing as a trap where candidates mistakenly suggest VPC Peering or NAT Gateways—both of which are unnecessary here since the Lambda and database reside in the same VPC. Remember the key principle: for Secrets Manager rotation to succeed, the Lambda must be a resident of the database’s VPC subnet, not just a visitor. Memory tip: “Same subnet, same network—Lambda rotates without a trek.”
DOP-C02 Configuration Management and IaC Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of configuration management and iac. 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 DevOps engineer uses AWS Secrets Manager to rotate database credentials. The rotation fails because the Lambda function used for rotation does not have network access to the database. The database is in a private VPC. How should the engineer fix this?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Configure the Lambda function to be VPC-enabled and place it in the same subnet as the database.
Option A is correct because the Lambda function must be configured to run in the same VPC and subnet as the database to access it. Option B is incorrect because Secrets Manager uses Lambda for rotation, not direct access. Option C is incorrect because VPC Peering adds complexity and is unnecessary. Option D is incorrect because NATGateway is for outbound internet access, not inbound.
Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Configure the Lambda function to be VPC-enabled and place it in the same subnet as the database.
Why this is correct
VPC-enabled Lambda can access resources within the VPC.
Assign a public IP address to the database and update the security group to allow access from the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
Exposing the database to the internet is a security risk.
✗
Set up a VPC Peering connection between the Lambda service and the VPC.
Why it's wrong here
Lambda runs in an AWS-managed VPC; VPC Peering is not applicable.
✗
Add a NAT Gateway to the VPC to allow Lambda to reach the database.
Why it's wrong here
NATGateway is for outbound traffic to the internet, not for accessing private resources.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses
Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.
KKey Concepts to Remember
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.
TExam Day Tips
→Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
→Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
→Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.
Key takeaway
Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.
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 block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DOP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
Configuration Management and IaC — This question tests Configuration Management and IaC — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Configure the Lambda function to be VPC-enabled and place it in the same subnet as the database. — Option A is correct because the Lambda function must be configured to run in the same VPC and subnet as the database to access it. Option B is incorrect because Secrets Manager uses Lambda for rotation, not direct access. Option C is incorrect because VPC Peering adds complexity and is unnecessary. Option D is incorrect because NAT Gateway is for outbound internet access, not inbound.
What should I do if I get this DOP-C02 question wrong?
Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related DOP-C02 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.
What is the key concept behind this question?
CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
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Question Discussion
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