The correct answer is to create a custom role named 'zone-viewer' and apply the commands `permit command show zone*` and `permit command show zoneset*`. This configuration works because Cisco MDS RBAC uses an implicit-deny model: any command not explicitly permitted is denied, so by only permitting the `show` commands for zones and zonesets, all zone-modifying commands (like `zone name` or `zoneset name` under `configure terminal`) are automatically blocked. On the Cisco DCCOR 350-601 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of RBAC role-based access control on the MDS 9000 series, specifically how to craft a custom role that grants read-only zone viewer access without relying on the broader `network-operator` role. A common trap is to add a `deny` statement for configuration commands, but that is unnecessary—and potentially risky—since the implicit deny already covers it. Memory tip: think “permit the view, deny the rest” – only list the exact show commands you want, and the switch handles the rest.
350-601 Security Practice Question
This 350-601 practice question tests your understanding of security. 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.
A Cisco MDS 9000 switch is used in a storage network. The security policy requires that a junior administrator named 'user1' can view zone configurations but cannot make any changes. Currently, 'user1' is assigned the default 'network-operator' role, which allows read-only access to most configuration, but the engineer wants to ensure that zone modification is explicitly denied. The engineer creates a custom role named 'zone-viewer' and assigns it to 'user1'. The role should permit viewing of the running configuration related to zones but deny any command that modifies zone or zoneset configurations. Which configuration best achieves this objective?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "best"
Why it matters: Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
role name zone-viewer
permit command show zone*; permit command show zoneset*
Option B is correct because it uses the 'permit command' statements with wildcard patterns ('show zone*' and 'show zoneset*') to explicitly allow only show commands related to zones and zonesets. By not including any 'permit' or 'deny' statements for configuration commands (like 'configure terminal', 'zone', or 'zoneset'), the role implicitly denies all other commands, including those that modify zone or zoneset configurations. This matches the requirement to allow viewing but deny modifications.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
role name zone-viewer
feature zone; permit command configure terminal ; zone name etc.
Why it's wrong here
Incorrect syntax; 'feature zone' is not a valid command for role configuration.
✓
role name zone-viewer
permit command show zone*; permit command show zoneset*
Why this is correct
Permits show commands for zone and zoneset, denying configuration commands by default.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
role name zone-viewer
rule 1 permit read-write; feature zone
Why it's wrong here
This uses rule-based syntax not applicable to MDS; also read-write would allow changes.
✗
role name zone-viewer
permit command zone; permit command zoneset; permit command zone-create
Why it's wrong here
These commands are for configuration, which would allow modification.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Cisco often tests the implicit deny behavior of RBAC, where candidates mistakenly think they must explicitly deny modification commands, when in fact only permitting the desired show commands is sufficient to block all other commands.
Trap categories for this question
Command / output trap
Incorrect syntax; 'feature zone' is not a valid command for role configuration.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In Cisco NX-OS role-based access control (RBAC), commands are matched against permit/deny statements in order, and any command not explicitly permitted is denied by default. The 'show zone*' pattern uses a wildcard to match all show commands starting with 'zone', such as 'show zone', 'show zone active', and 'show zone status', while 'show zoneset*' matches similar zoneset show commands. This granular control allows administrators to tailor permissions precisely, avoiding the need to list every individual show command.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Find the constraint that changes the correct option.
Eliminate answers that are true in general but not in this case.
TExam Day Tips
→Watch for words such as best, first, most likely and least administrative effort.
→Review why wrong options are wrong, not only why the correct option is correct.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A small business has 20 workstations on the 192.168.1.0/24 network and one public IP from its ISP. The router uses PAT (NAT overload) so all 20 devices share one public address using different source ports. NAT questions test whether you understand the four address terms and which direction each translation applies.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Security — This question tests Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: role name zone-viewer
permit command show zone*; permit command show zoneset* — Option B is correct because it uses the 'permit command' statements with wildcard patterns ('show zone*' and 'show zoneset*') to explicitly allow only show commands related to zones and zonesets. By not including any 'permit' or 'deny' statements for configuration commands (like 'configure terminal', 'zone', or 'zoneset'), the role implicitly denies all other commands, including those that modify zone or zoneset configurations. This matches the requirement to allow viewing but deny modifications.
What should I do if I get this 350-601 question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "best". Signals that multiple options may be partially correct. Choose the option that most directly solves the exact problem described, not the one that sounds most complete.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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