This CC practice question tests your understanding of security principles. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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 security analyst discovers that an organization's firewall rule set allows all inbound traffic on TCP port 443 from any source to a single web server. Additionally, the server has a known critical vulnerability in its TLS implementation. Which principle of security architecture is most directly violated by this configuration?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
Least privilege
Least privilege requires restricting access to only what is necessary. Allowing inbound from any source (0.0.0.0/0) violates least privilege because it is broader than necessary. Option B is correct. Option A (defense in depth) would be violated if no other controls exist, but the question asks the most direct violation. Option C (separation of duties) is about task division. Option D (fail-safe) is about default deny.
Key principle: Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✓
Least privilege
Why this is correct
The rule allows any source, which is the broadest possible privilege, violating the principle of least privilege.
Related concept
Authentication checks who the user is.
✗
Defense in depth
Why it's wrong here
While layering is lacking, the most direct violation is allowing unnecessary broad access, i.e., least privilege.
✗
Separation of duties
Why it's wrong here
Separation of duties concerns dividing responsibilities among multiple people, not network access rules.
✗
Fail-safe defaults
Why it's wrong here
Fail-safe means default deny; the rule explicitly allows, so it's a failure of least privilege, not fail-safe per se.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Authentication checks who the user is.
Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
→Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
→Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
→Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Key takeaway
Authentication proves identity; authorization controls what that identity can do after login. Both must work for full privileged access.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A developer is choosing between AES-256 (symmetric) and RSA-2048 (asymmetric) for encrypting a large file that will be sent to a partner. Symmetric encryption is fast but requires key exchange; asymmetric is slower but solves the key distribution problem. A hybrid approach — encrypt the file with AES, encrypt the AES key with RSA — is standard. Questions like this test whether you understand when each approach applies.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
Security Principles — This question tests Security Principles — Authentication checks who the user is..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Least privilege — Least privilege requires restricting access to only what is necessary. Allowing inbound from any source (0.0.0.0/0) violates least privilege because it is broader than necessary. Option B is correct. Option A (defense in depth) would be violated if no other controls exist, but the question asks the most direct violation. Option C (separation of duties) is about task division. Option D (fail-safe) is about default deny.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Review Cisco AAA concepts — authentication, authorization, and accounting. Study privilege levels (0–15), command authorization under TACACS+, and how RADIUS differs. Then practise related CC questions on access control and AAA configuration.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Authentication checks who the user is.
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