The upload fails because the IAM policy condition explicitly requires s3:PutObject to include the `x-amz-server-side-encryption` header set to `AES256`, which corresponds to SSE-S3, not SSE-KMS. When the application attempts to upload with SSE-KMS, the encryption header value is `aws:kms`, which does not satisfy the `StringEquals` condition for `AES256`, so the request is denied by default. This scenario tests your understanding of how IAM policy conditions enforce specific encryption methods at the API level, a common trap on the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam where candidates overlook that a condition key like `s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption` is case-sensitive and must match exactly. The exam often pairs this with bucket policies or S3 default encryption settings to confuse you, but remember: IAM conditions act as a gate—if the header value doesn’t match, the action is blocked regardless of other permissions. Memory tip: “AES256 means SSE-S3 only; if you see KMS, the condition says no.”
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.
Refer to the exhibit. A solutions architect has attached this IAM policy to an IAM role used by an application. The application is trying to upload an object to the S3 bucket example-bucket with server-side encryption using AWS KMS (SSE-KMS). 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 upload fails because the policy requires SSE-S3.
Option B is correct. The policy only allows s3:PutObject when the encryption header is AES256 (SSE-S3). Since the application uses SSE-KMS, the condition is not met, and the request is denied. Option A is incorrect because the condition explicitly requires AES256. Option C is incorrect because the bucket policy is not mentioned, and IAM policy alone can deny. Option D is incorrect because the policy denies the action due to unmet condition.
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 upload succeeds because the policy allows s3:PutObject for the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
The condition requires SSE-S3, not SSE-KMS.
✓
The upload fails because the policy requires SSE-S3.
Why this is correct
The condition StringEquals on s3:x-amz-server-side-encryption must be AES256, but the request uses SSE-KMS.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The upload fails because the bucket policy does not allow SSE-KMS.
Why it's wrong here
The bucket policy is not shown; the IAM policy alone denies the request.
✗
The upload succeeds because the condition only applies to encryption at rest.
Why it's wrong here
The condition applies to the request header, so it matters.
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.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
The bucket policy is not shown; the IAM policy alone denies the request.
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 upload fails because the policy requires SSE-S3. — Option B is correct. The policy only allows s3:PutObject when the encryption header is AES256 (SSE-S3). Since the application uses SSE-KMS, the condition is not met, and the request is denied. Option A is incorrect because the condition explicitly requires AES256. Option C is incorrect because the bucket policy is not mentioned, and IAM policy alone can deny. Option D is incorrect because the policy denies the action due to unmet condition.
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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