The answer is that the IAM policy is missing the s3:PutObject permission on the bucket itself. While the policy correctly grants s3:PutObject on objects within my-bucket (using the my-bucket/* resource ARN), certain S3 write operations—such as uploading an object with a canned ACL—require the same permission on the bucket resource (my-bucket) to validate bucket-level policies. This is a common trap on the AWS Certified DevOps Engineer Professional DOP-C02 exam, where the distinction between bucket-level and object-level permissions is tested to ensure you understand that s3:PutObject can require both ARNs depending on the request parameters. A frequent memory tip is to remember that S3 actions often need the bucket ARN for permission checks on the bucket itself, even when the action targets objects. Think of it as “bucket for the gate, objects for the files” to avoid this oversight.
DOP-C02 SDLC Automation Practice Question
This DOP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of sdlc automation. 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.
The exhibit shows an IAM policy attached to an AWS Lambda execution role. The Lambda function is triggered by an S3 event and writes to the same bucket. However, the function fails with a permission error when trying to write to 'my-bucket'. What is the likely issue?
The S3 bucket is in a different region than the Lambda function.
Why wrong: Cross-region S3 events are supported; permissions would still work.
B
The policy is missing the 'lambda:InvokeFunction' permission on the function itself.
Why wrong: The function invokes itself? Not needed; the error is about S3.
C
The Lambda function does not have an S3 trigger configured.
Why wrong: The trigger is separate from IAM permissions; the error is permission-related.
D
The policy grants s3:PutObject only on objects (my-bucket/*), but the action also requires permission on the bucket (my-bucket) for certain operations like s3:PutObject with ACLs.
Some S3 operations require bucket-level permissions; adding a statement for the bucket ARN without /* can resolve.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy grants s3:PutObject only on objects (my-bucket/*), but the action also requires permission on the bucket (my-bucket) for certain operations like s3:PutObject with ACLs.
Option A is correct: the policy is missing s3:PutObject on the bucket itself (not just the objects). Option B is not relevant. Option C is not relevant. Option D is not relevant.
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.
✗
The S3 bucket is in a different region than the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
Cross-region S3 events are supported; permissions would still work.
✗
The policy is missing the 'lambda:InvokeFunction' permission on the function itself.
Why it's wrong here
The function invokes itself? Not needed; the error is about S3.
✗
The Lambda function does not have an S3 trigger configured.
Why it's wrong here
The trigger is separate from IAM permissions; the error is permission-related.
✓
The policy grants s3:PutObject only on objects (my-bucket/*), but the action also requires permission on the bucket (my-bucket) for certain operations like s3:PutObject with ACLs.
Why this is correct
Some S3 operations require bucket-level permissions; adding a statement for the bucket ARN without /* can resolve.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
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 DOP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
SDLC Automation — This question tests SDLC Automation — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy grants s3:PutObject only on objects (my-bucket/*), but the action also requires permission on the bucket (my-bucket) for certain operations like s3:PutObject with ACLs. — Option A is correct: the policy is missing s3:PutObject on the bucket itself (not just the objects). Option B is not relevant. Option C is not relevant. Option D is not relevant.
What should I do if I get this DOP-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 DOP-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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