The correct answer is that the connection will be logged and then dropped by the default policy. This outcome occurs because the iptables rule set includes a LOG rule for TCP destination port 3389 from any source, which records the packet in the system log without explicitly accepting or dropping it; after the LOG rule is processed, the packet continues through the chain and reaches the default policy, which is set to DROP in the INPUT chain, resulting in the packet being discarded. On the CompTIA SecurityX CAS-004 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of iptables rule set analysis, specifically how LOG rules interact with default policies—a common trap is assuming that a LOG rule also drops or accepts traffic, when in fact it only generates a log entry. A helpful memory tip is “LOG lets it go, DROP says no”—the LOG rule never halts the packet, so the default policy always decides the final action.
CAS-004 Security Operations Practice Question
This CAS-004 practice question tests your understanding of security operations. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.
Network Topology
Based on the iptables exhibit, a security analyst has received an alert that an external IP (203.0.113.5) is attempting to connect to TCP port 3389 on the server. Which of the following best describes the current rule set's treatment of this traffic?
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
✓
The connection will be logged and then dropped by the default policy
The correct answer is B. The rule set has a LOG rule for tcp dpt:3389 from any source, which will log the packet but not explicitly accept or drop it; since the policy in the INPUT chain is DROP, the packet will be dropped after being logged. Option A is incorrect because the LOG rule does not drop, only logs. Option C is incorrect because there is no ACCEPT rule for 3389. Option D is incorrect because the default policy is DROP.
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.
✗
The connection will be allowed through because there is no explicit DROP rule
Why it's wrong here
Default policy is DROP.
✓
The connection will be logged and then dropped by the default policy
Why this is correct
LOG rule logs, then default policy (DROP) drops the packet.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "best" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The connection will be accepted because there is a LOG rule
Why it's wrong here
LOG does not accept.
✗
The connection will be logged and then dropped by the LOG rule
Why it's wrong here
LOG does not drop; it only logs.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 practitioner preparing for the CAS-004 exam encounters this exact type of scenario on the job. The correct answer here is not the most general option — it is the best answer for the specific constraint described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Real exam questions reward reading the full scenario before eliminating options, because the constraint defines which answer fits.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Security Operations — This question tests Security Operations — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The connection will be logged and then dropped by the default policy — The correct answer is B. The rule set has a LOG rule for tcp dpt:3389 from any source, which will log the packet but not explicitly accept or drop it; since the policy in the INPUT chain is DROP, the packet will be dropped after being logged. Option A is incorrect because the LOG rule does not drop, only logs. Option C is incorrect because there is no ACCEPT rule for 3389. Option D is incorrect because the default policy is DROP.
What should I do if I get this CAS-004 question wrong?
Identify which CAS-004 exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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Question Discussion
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