The answer is to assign an IAM role to the Lambda function with DynamoDB permissions. This is correct because Lambda functions run in a trust boundary defined by an execution role, which is an IAM role that the Lambda service assumes on your behalf. Without this role, the function has no AWS credentials and cannot make API calls to DynamoDB; the role’s attached policy must explicitly grant actions like GetItem, PutItem, or Query on the target table. On the AWS Certified SysOps Administrator Associate SOA-C02 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of least-privilege access and the Lambda execution model—a common trap is trying to attach a policy directly to the function or using a user’s credentials instead of a service role. Remember the memory tip: “Lambda needs a hat (role) to talk to the table (DynamoDB).”
SOA-C02 Networking and Content Delivery Practice Question
This SOA-C02 practice question tests your understanding of networking and content delivery. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A SysOps administrator needs to allow a Lambda function to access a DynamoDB table in the same AWS account. Which configuration is required?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Assign an IAM role to the Lambda function with DynamoDB permissions.
Lambda needs an IAM role with a policy granting DynamoDB actions. The role is assumed by the Lambda service.
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.
✗
Create a VPC endpoint for DynamoDB and attach it to the Lambda function.
Why it's wrong here
VPC endpoints are for VPC-based resources; Lambda can access DynamoDB over the internet if not in a VPC.
✗
Configure a network ACL to allow traffic from Lambda to DynamoDB.
Why it's wrong here
Network ACLs are for VPC subnets; Lambda in a VPC still needs IAM permissions.
✗
Add the Lambda function as a principal in the DynamoDB table's resource-based policy.
Why it's wrong here
DynamoDB does not support resource-based policies.
✓
Assign an IAM role to the Lambda function with DynamoDB permissions.
Why this is correct
Correct. IAM role grants permissions.
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 SOA-C02 ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Networking and Content Delivery — This question tests Networking and Content Delivery — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Assign an IAM role to the Lambda function with DynamoDB permissions. — Lambda needs an IAM role with a policy granting DynamoDB actions. The role is assumed by the Lambda service.
What should I do if I get this SOA-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 SOA-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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Question Discussion
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