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Network DesignmediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

ANS-C01 Network Design Practice Question

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.

IAM policy:
{
  "Version": "2012-10-17",
  "Statement": [
    {
      "Effect": "Allow",
      "Action": [
        "ec2:DescribeVpcs",
        "ec2:DescribeSubnets",
        "ec2:DescribeRouteTables",
        "ec2:DescribeSecurityGroups"
      ],
      "Resource": "*"
    },
    {
      "Effect": "Allow",
      "Action": [
        "ec2:CreateVpc",
        "ec2:CreateSubnet",
        "ec2:DeleteVpc",
        "ec2:DeleteSubnet"
      ],
      "Resource": "*"
    }
  ]
}

Refer to the exhibit. A network architect is reviewing an IAM policy for a junior engineer. What is the security concern with this policy?

⚠ Common exam trap

AWS often tests the misconception that allowing creation actions (like `ec2:CreateVpc`) is the primary risk, but the trap here is that destructive actions (like `ec2:DeleteVpc`) pose a more immediate and severe security concern due to potential data loss and service disruption.

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 policy allows deletion of VPCs and subnets, which could lead to resource loss

The IAM policy grants `ec2:DeleteVpc` and `ec2:DeleteSubnet` permissions, which allow the junior engineer to delete VPCs and subnets. This could lead to irreversible resource loss, including all associated resources like route tables, security groups, and network interfaces, disrupting network connectivity and services.

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 policy does not include a condition to restrict the actions to specific VPCs

    Why it's wrong here

    While not ideal, the main issue is the delete permission.

  • The policy allows deletion of VPCs and subnets, which could lead to resource loss

    Why this is correct

    Delete actions are destructive.

  • The policy allows creation of VPCs and subnets, which could cause resource exhaustion

    Why it's wrong here

    Creation is less critical than deletion.

  • The policy allows read-only actions that could expose sensitive network configurations

    Why it's wrong here

    Read-only actions are less risky.

Visual reference

192.168.1.0 /24 256 addresses (254 usable) 192.168.1.0 /25 Subnet A 128 addr (126 usable) 192.168.1.128 /25 Subnet B 128 addr (126 usable) Borrowing 1 bit from host portion creates 2 subnets (/25)

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This ANS-C01 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Amazon Web Services certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the ANS-C01 exam.