The answer is that the DeleteSnapshot API call will be denied. This occurs because the IAM policy contains an explicit Deny statement that specifically targets the resource arn:aws:ec2:*:*:snapshot/snap-0abcdef1234567890, and in AWS IAM, an explicit Deny always overrides any Allow, regardless of the order in which the statements appear. This concept, known as the explicit Deny override, is a fundamental principle of IAM policy evaluation logic and is frequently tested on the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, particularly in scenarios involving backup automation for SAP HANA. A common trap is assuming that an Allow statement earlier in the policy will take precedence, but the evaluation engine always applies an explicit Deny first. Memory tip: think of the Deny as a "veto power"—no matter how many Allow permissions you grant, a single explicit Deny on a specific resource will block the action.
PAS-C01 Operations and Maintenance Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. 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.
IAM policy attached to an EC2 instance role:
```json
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": [
"ec2:DescribeInstances",
"ec2:CreateSnapshot",
"ec2:CreateTags",
"ec2:DeleteSnapshot"
],
"Resource": "*"
},
{
"Effect": "Deny",
"Action": "ec2:DeleteSnapshot",
"Resource": "arn:aws:ec2:us-east-1:123456789012:snapshot/snap-0abcdef1234567890"
}
]
}
```
Refer to the exhibit. An operations team uses an EC2 instance with this IAM policy to manage EBS snapshots for SAP HANA backups. The backup script calls the DeleteSnapshot API for snapshot snap-0abcdef1234567890. 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 DeleteSnapshot API call will be denied.
Option C is correct. The explicit Deny overrides the Allow, so the DeleteSnapshot will be denied for that specific snapshot. Option A is wrong because the Deny is explicit. Option B is wrong because the Deny applies to the specific snapshot. Option D is wrong because the policy is not malformed.
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 snapshot will be deleted because the Deny applies only to other snapshots.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny explicitly applies to that snapshot ARN.
✗
The snapshot will be deleted because the Allow statement grants permission.
Why it's wrong here
The explicit Deny overrides the Allow.
✗
The policy is invalid and will cause an error.
Why it's wrong here
The policy is valid; Deny takes precedence.
✓
The DeleteSnapshot API call will be denied.
Why this is correct
Explicit Deny overrides Allow.
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 PAS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Operations and Maintenance — This question tests Operations and Maintenance — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The DeleteSnapshot API call will be denied. — Option C is correct. The explicit Deny overrides the Allow, so the DeleteSnapshot will be denied for that specific snapshot. Option A is wrong because the Deny is explicit. Option B is wrong because the Deny applies to the specific snapshot. Option D is wrong because the policy is not malformed.
What should I do if I get this PAS-C01 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 PAS-C01 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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