350-601 Automation Practice Question
Exhibit
from cobra.mit.access import MoDirectory
from cobra.mit.session import LoginSession
session = LoginSession('https://apic-ip', 'admin', 'password')
md = MoDirectory(session)
md.login()
print(md.lookupByClass('fvTenant'))Refer to the exhibit. A Python script using the Cisco ACI Cobra SDK fails with 'AuthenticationError'. Which of the following is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
Cisco often tests the distinction between authentication failures (wrong credentials) and authorization failures (no API access), so candidates mistakenly choose 'user does not have API access' when the error message clearly points to the login phase.
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 username or password is incorrect
The 'AuthenticationError' in the Cisco ACI Cobra SDK indicates that the APIC rejected the login credentials. This error is raised specifically when the username or password provided in the script's login method (e.g., 'Login('apic_url', 'username', 'password')') does not match a valid APIC local or AAA-authenticated user. The SDK performs an HTTP POST to the APIC's '/api/aaaLogin.json' endpoint, and a non-200 response with an authentication failure triggers this exception.
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 APIC URL is incorrect
Why it's wrong here
An incorrect URL would cause a connection error, not AuthenticationError.
- ✗
The user does not have API access
Why it's wrong here
Lack of API access typically gives an authorization error after successful authentication.
- ✓
The username or password is incorrect
Why this is correct
AuthenticationError directly indicates failed login due to credentials.
- ✗
The script is missing required imports
Why it's wrong here
Missing imports cause ImportError, not AuthenticationError.
Quick reference
AAA Protocol Comparison
| Protocol | Port(s) | Encryption | Transport | Primary Use |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RADIUS | 1812 / 1813 | Password only | UDP | Network access control |
| TACACS+ | 49 | Full packet | TCP | Device administration |
| Diameter | 3868 | Full session | TCP / SCTP | Carrier / mobile networks |
| 802.1X | — | EAP-based | Layer 2 | Port-based access control |
TACACS+ encrypts the entire packet; RADIUS only encrypts the password field — a key exam distinction.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This 350-601 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Cisco certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the 350-601 exam.