The answer is an additional bucket policy that denies s3:ListBucket to this user. This is the most likely cause because IAM and bucket policy conflicts operate under a default allow model where an explicit deny in either policy overrides any allow. The user’s IAM policy grants s3:ListBucket, so the only way they are blocked from listing objects is if a separate S3 bucket policy contains an explicit Deny for that action, which takes precedence regardless of the IAM allow. On the AWS Certified SAP on AWS Specialty PAS-C01 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of how cross-policy evaluation works, especially when a Deny statement on one action (like s3:DeleteObject) does not cascade to other actions like ListBucket—a common trap where candidates assume a restrictive condition on one permission blocks all access. Remember the key rule: explicit Deny always wins, and each action is evaluated independently. Memory tip: “Deny is final, and each action stands alone.”
PAS-C01 Operations and Maintenance Practice Question
This PAS-C01 practice question tests your understanding of operations and maintenance. 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 SAP administrator has created this IAM policy for a backup user. The user can list and download backups but cannot delete them. However, the user is unable to list the objects in the bucket. 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
✓
There is an additional bucket policy that denies s3:ListBucket to this user.
Option C is correct because the Deny statement for s3:DeleteObject uses a condition that might not be evaluated correctly, but more importantly, the Deny statement does not affect ListBucket. The user has ListBucket permission, so the issue must be a bucket policy that denies list access. Option A is wrong because the Deny on DeleteObject does not affect list. Option B is wrong because GetObject is allowed. Option D is wrong because the policy allows ListBucket.
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 IAM policy does not include s3:ListBucket for the bucket.
Why it's wrong here
The policy does include s3:ListBucket on the bucket.
✓
There is an additional bucket policy that denies s3:ListBucket to this user.
Why this is correct
A bucket policy might be overriding the IAM policy.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
The user needs s3:GetObjectVersion permission to list objects.
Why it's wrong here
GetObjectVersion is for specific version retrieval, not listing.
✗
The Deny statement also denies s3:ListBucket because of the wildcard resource.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny statement only applies to DeleteObject, not ListBucket.
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 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 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: There is an additional bucket policy that denies s3:ListBucket to this user. — Option C is correct because the Deny statement for s3:DeleteObject uses a condition that might not be evaluated correctly, but more importantly, the Deny statement does not affect ListBucket. The user has ListBucket permission, so the issue must be a bucket policy that denies list access. Option A is wrong because the Deny on DeleteObject does not affect list. Option B is wrong because GetObject is allowed. Option D is wrong because the policy allows ListBucket.
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.
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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