hardMultiple Choice
ISC2 CC Practice Question: A company's network uses a perimeter firewall and…
A company's network uses a perimeter firewall and an internal firewall. The DMZ sits between them. A new application server needs to be accessible from the internet on TCP port 8443 and must be able to make outbound HTTPS connections to an external license server. Which firewall rules should be implemented? (Assume default deny)
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the misconception that return traffic for outbound connections requires an explicit inbound allow rule, when in fact stateful inspection automatically permits the reply packets.
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
✓
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection
It allows inbound traffic on TCP 8443 to the server and outbound traffic on TCP 443 from the server to the internet. Stateful inspection automatically tracks the outbound HTTPS connection and permits the return traffic (the license server's response) without needing an explicit inbound rule. This matches the requirement while maintaining a default-deny posture.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443; allow inbound from internet to server on 443 for license server response
Why it's wrong here
The third rule is wrong: the license server's response arrives as return traffic on the existing outbound session, so no inbound 443 rule is needed, and permitting it exposes the server unnecessarily. It is tempting because return traffic feels like inbound traffic. Stateful inspection handles replies automatically.
- ✓
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443 with stateful inspection
Why this is correct
Stateful inspection permits the server's outbound HTTPS session to the licence server and returns replies, while the inbound rule exposes only TCP 8443 from the internet. This satisfies both the public accessibility and outbound licensing requirements under default deny.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443; allow outbound from server to internet on 443
Why it's wrong here
Opening outbound 443 to the whole internet lets the server reach any host, not just the license server; the DMZ firewall should also restrict inbound to the server's IP. It is tempting because 443 outbound is the port HTTPS uses, but a specific destination rule is required here.
- ✗
Allow inbound from internet to server on 8443 and 443; allow outbound from server to internet on any
Why it's wrong here
Allowing inbound 443 exposes an unnecessary service, and outbound any permits unrestricted egress from a DMZ host. It is tempting as a catch-all to guarantee licence connectivity, but the stem requires only 8443 inbound and 443 outbound to one external licence server, so least privilege fails.
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Related to this question
Learn chapter
Secure Network Architecture and Design
Key term
TCP
TCP is a connection-oriented transport layer protocol that ensures reliable, ordered, and error-checked delivery of data between applications over IP networks.
Key term
DMZ
A DMZ (demilitarized zone) is a network segment that sits between an internal private network and the public internet, hosting publicly accessible services while keeping the internal network isolated.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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