The answer is that the request is allowed. This is because the IAM policy condition uses the `aws:SourceIp` key to restrict `s3:GetObject` access to requests originating from the `10.0.0.0/16` CIDR range, and the user’s IP address `10.0.1.5` falls squarely within that subnet. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM policy conditions evaluate before any explicit deny—if the condition is met, the allow takes effect, and no other statement overrides it unless a separate deny rule exists. A common trap is assuming that any IP outside the specified range would still be allowed; in reality, the condition implicitly denies all other source IPs by not matching the allow rule. Memory tip: think of the condition as a bouncer checking a guest list—if your IP is on the list (within the CIDR), you get in; if not, you’re turned away at the door.
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
An IAM policy is attached to an IAM user. The user tries to download an object from S3 bucket 'example-bucket' from an IP address 10.0.1.5. What will happen?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The request is allowed.
The policy grants s3:GetObject only if the source IP is in 10.0.0.0/16. Since 10.0.1.5 is within that range, the request is allowed. Option A is correct. Option B would be true if IP outside range. Option C (deny) would override. Option D (no effect) is incorrect.
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 policy has no effect because the condition is invalid.
Why it's wrong here
The condition is valid.
✗
The request is denied unless there is another explicit deny.
Why it's wrong here
No explicit deny exists; allow applies.
✗
The request is denied.
Why it's wrong here
The IP is within the allowed range.
✓
The request is allowed.
Why this is correct
The IP matches the condition.
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 SAP-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Design for New Solutions — This question tests Design for New Solutions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The request is allowed. — The policy grants s3:GetObject only if the source IP is in 10.0.0.0/16. Since 10.0.1.5 is within that range, the request is allowed. Option A is correct. Option B would be true if IP outside range. Option C (deny) would override. Option D (no effect) is incorrect.
What should I do if I get this SAP-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 SAP-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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