PAS-C01 Technology Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
```
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"ec2:DescribeInstances",
"ec2:StartInstances",
"ec2:StopInstances"
],
"Resource": "*"
},
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"s3:GetObject",
"s3:PutObject"
],
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::sap-backup-bucket/*"
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "*",
"Resource": "*",
"Condition": {
"Bool": {
"aws:SecureTransport": "false"
}
}
}
]
}
```Refer to the exhibit. An IAM policy is attached to an IAM role used by an SAP automation script. The script is failing to start an EC2 instance. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
AWS often tests the nuance that a Deny statement with a condition (like aws:SecureTransport) can override all Allow statements, leading candidates to overlook the condition and incorrectly focus on missing permissions.
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 script is not using HTTPS, so the Deny statement blocks all actions.
The Deny statement in the policy blocks all actions unless the request uses HTTPS. Since the SAP automation script is failing to start an EC2 instance, the most likely cause is that the script is making HTTP requests instead of HTTPS, triggering the Deny and preventing any action, including ec2:StartInstances. This is a common security control to enforce encryption in transit.
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 grant permission to start instances.
Why it's wrong here
The policy allows ec2:StartInstances on all resources.
- ✗
The policy does not allow ec2:DescribeInstances.
Why it's wrong here
The policy allows ec2:DescribeInstances.
- ✗
The script does not have access to the S3 bucket.
Why it's wrong here
The policy allows s3:GetObject and s3:PutObject on the bucket.
- ✓
The script is not using HTTPS, so the Deny statement blocks all actions.
Why this is correct
The Deny statement with aws:SecureTransport: false blocks all actions if not using HTTPS.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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