The answer is that the upload request does not include the required ACL header. This is correct because the IAM policy explicitly requires the `x-amz-acl` header to be set to `bucket-owner-full-control` for any cross-account S3 upload, and without that header, the request is denied even though the policy allows the `PutObject` action. On the AWS Certified Solutions Architect Professional SAP-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how IAM policies can enforce specific request conditions using the `s3:x-amz-acl` condition key, a common trap where candidates assume a missing bucket policy is the issue. Remember, when a policy demands a header, the upload must include it or access is denied. A useful memory tip: “No ACL header? No cross-account upload—owner stays in control.”
SAP-C02 Design for New Solutions Practice Question
This SAP-C02 practice question tests your understanding of design for new solutions. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to a user who needs to upload objects to an S3 bucket owned by another AWS account. The uploads are failing with access denied. What is the most likely cause?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The upload request does not include the required ACL header.
Option C is correct. The policy requires the x-amz-acl header to be set to 'bucket-owner-full-control', but the user's upload request likely does not include that header. Options A and B are wrong because the policy explicitly allows PutObject. Option D is wrong because the bucket policy is not shown.
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 request does not include the required ACL header.
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The resource ARN is incorrect.
Why it's wrong here
The ARN is valid.
✗
The bucket policy denies the request.
Why it's wrong here
No bucket policy is shown.
✗
The user does not have s3:PutObject permission.
Why it's wrong here
The policy allows s3:PutObject.
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
No bucket policy is shown.
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 request does not include the required ACL header. — Option C is correct. The policy requires the x-amz-acl header to be set to 'bucket-owner-full-control', but the user's upload request likely does not include that header. Options A and B are wrong because the policy explicitly allows PutObject. Option D is wrong because the bucket policy is not shown.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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