How IAM Conditions Deny EC2 Instance Launches for Non-Allowed Instance Types
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of continuous improvement for existing 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Resource: "arn:aws:ec2:us-east-1:123456789012:instance/*"
Condition:
StringEquals:
ec2:InstanceType:
- "t2.micro"
- "t2.small"
An IAM policy condition allows launching EC2 instances only if the instance type is t2.micro or t2.small. A developer tries to launch a t2.medium instance. What happens?
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Resource: "arn:aws:ec2:us-east-1:123456789012:instance/*"
Condition:
StringEquals:
ec2:InstanceType:
- "t2.micro"
- "t2.small"
A
The launch is denied only if the user does not have a separate policy allowing t2.medium.
Why wrong: No separate policy needed; the condition is binding.
B
The launch succeeds because the condition only allows, not denies.
Why wrong: The condition restricts allowed types.
C
The launch succeeds if the user has an additional Allow for t2.medium.
Why wrong: The condition explicitly allows only t2.micro and t2.small.
D
The launch is denied because t2.medium is not in the allowed list.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The launch is denied because t2.medium is not in the allowed list.
The IAM policy condition explicitly allows only t2.micro and t2.small. When the developer tries to launch a t2.medium instance, the condition restricts the allowed types, so the launch is denied. Option D is correct because t2.medium is not in the allowed list. Option A is incorrect because the condition is explicit and no additional policy can override a deny from the condition. Option B is incorrect because the condition applies to both allow and deny. Option C is incorrect because even with an additional Allow for t2.medium, the condition would still deny it unless the condition is modified.
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 launch is denied only if the user does not have a separate policy allowing t2.medium.
Why it's wrong here
No separate policy needed; the condition is binding.
✗
The launch succeeds because the condition only allows, not denies.
Why it's wrong here
The condition restricts allowed types.
✗
The launch succeeds if the user has an additional Allow for t2.medium.
Why it's wrong here
The condition explicitly allows only t2.micro and t2.small.
✓
The launch is denied because t2.medium is not in the allowed list.
Why this is correct
Only allowed types are permitted.
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 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 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.
Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — This question tests Continuous Improvement for Existing Solutions — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The launch is denied because t2.medium is not in the allowed list. — The IAM policy condition explicitly allows only t2.micro and t2.small. When the developer tries to launch a t2.medium instance, the condition restricts the allowed types, so the launch is denied. Option D is correct because t2.medium is not in the allowed list. Option A is incorrect because the condition is explicit and no additional policy can override a deny from the condition. Option B is incorrect because the condition applies to both allow and deny. Option C is incorrect because even with an additional Allow for t2.medium, the condition would still deny it unless the condition is modified.
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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