350-401 Automation Practice Question
A network automation team is using Cisco DNA Center's Intent API to retrieve a list of all network devices. The team writes a Python script that sends a GET request to the /dna/intent/api/v1/network-device endpoint. The script includes a valid authentication token in the headers, but the response returns a 403 Forbidden error. The token was obtained successfully using the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint. What is the most likely reason for the 403 error?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is assuming that a valid authentication token automatically grants access to all API endpoints, overlooking the role-based access control (RBAC) requirements.
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 user account associated with the token does not have the necessary RBAC permissions to access the network device API.
In Cisco DNA Center, authentication tokens are obtained via the /dna/system/api/v1/auth/token endpoint. However, possessing a valid token does not guarantee access to all APIs. Each API endpoint requires specific RBAC permissions. A 403 Forbidden error indicates that the authenticated user does not have the required role or permission to access the network-device API. The team should verify the user's role and adjust RBAC settings accordingly.
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 API endpoint requires a different HTTP method, such as POST.
Why it's wrong here
The /dna/intent/api/v1/network-device endpoint is designed to accept GET requests to retrieve device information. Using POST would be incorrect for retrieval and would likely result in a different error, such as 405 Method Not Allowed. The 403 Forbidden error specifically indicates an authorization issue, not a method mismatch.
- ✗
The API request is missing the required 'X-Auth-Token' header.
Why it's wrong here
If the 'X-Auth-Token' header were missing, the server would likely return a 401 Unauthorized error because the request is unauthenticated. The scenario states that a valid authentication token is included in the headers, so the header is present. The 403 error suggests the token is valid but the user lacks authorization for the resource.
- ✗
The authentication token has expired and must be refreshed.
Why it's wrong here
An expired token typically results in a 401 Unauthorized error, not 403 Forbidden. While token expiration is a common issue, the 403 status code indicates that the token is recognized but does not have sufficient permissions to access the resource. The team should check the token's validity period and the user's role.
- ✓
The user account associated with the token does not have the necessary RBAC permissions to access the network device API.
Why this is correct
Cisco DNA Center enforces role-based access control (RBAC). Even with a valid token, if the user account lacks the required permissions for the Intent API, the request will be denied with 403 Forbidden. The team must ensure the user has a role that includes access to the network device inventory, such as SUPER-ADMIN-ROLE or a custom role with appropriate privileges.
Quick reference
Access Control Model Comparison
| Model | Acronym | Who Controls Access? | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discretionary Access Control | DAC | Resource owner | Small teams, file shares |
| Mandatory Access Control | MAC | System / security labels | Classified govt / military |
| Role-Based Access Control | RBAC | Administrator (via roles) | Enterprise environments |
| Attribute-Based Access Control | ABAC | Policy engine (user + resource attributes) | Fine-grained, dynamic policies |
| Rule-Based Access Control | RuBAC | System rules / ACLs | Firewall rules, network ACLs |
Go deeper
Related to this question
Learn chapter
Network Access Control and AAA
Key term
Cisco DNA Center
A centralized network management and automation platform from Cisco that provides intent-based networking for easier configuration, monitoring, and troubleshooting of Cisco devices.
Key term
Cisco DNA Center Automation
Cisco DNA Center Automation is a centralized software platform that simplifies network management by automatically configuring, monitoring, and troubleshooting Cisco devices using policy-driven intent and software tools.
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JA
Written and reviewed by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
Last reviewed September 2026 · checked against the official Cisco exam blueprint
This 350-401 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 350-401 exam.