Quick Answer
The answer is that both the read and write operations are permitted. This is correct because the Bell-LaPadula model enforces two core rules: the Simple Security Property prohibits reading up, meaning a Secret subject cannot read Top Secret, but reading down to Confidential is allowed; the *-Property prohibits writing down, so writing to Confidential would be blocked, but writing up to Top Secret is permitted. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this scenario tests your ability to apply mandatory access control rules to clearance levels, often appearing as a trick question where candidates mistakenly assume both operations are denied. A common trap is confusing the direction of the restrictions—remember that Bell-LaPadula focuses on preventing information flow from high to low, not low to high. For a quick memory tip, think “read down, write up” to recall that lower clearances can read below and write above.
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
In a MAC environment implementing Bell-LaPadula, a subject with Secret clearance attempts to read an object classified as Confidential and write to an object classified as Top Secret. Which operations are permitted?
Read denied, write allowed
Why wrong: Read of Confidential is allowed (read down).
Both read and write allowed
Read down (Secret→Confidential) and write up (Secret→Top Secret) are both permitted.
Read allowed, write denied
Why wrong: Write to Top Secret is allowed (write up).
Both read and write denied
Why wrong: Both operations are allowed.
Answer choices
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
Both read and write allowed
In Bell-LaPadula, the Simple Security Property (no read up) prevents a subject from reading an object at a higher classification, but reading down is allowed. The *-Property (no write down) prevents writing to a lower classification, but writing up is allowed. Since the subject has Secret clearance, reading Confidential (lower) is permitted, and writing to Top Secret (higher) is permitted, so both operations are allowed.
Key principle: Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Answer analysis
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
Read denied, write allowed
Why it's wrong here
Read of Confidential is allowed (read down).
Both read and write allowed
Why this is correct
Read down (Secret→Confidential) and write up (Secret→Top Secret) are both permitted.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
Read allowed, write denied
Why it's wrong here
Write to Top Secret is allowed (write up).
Both read and write denied
Why it's wrong here
Both operations are allowed.
Common exam traps
ISC2 often tests the misconception that both read and write must be at the same clearance level, but Bell-LaPadula actually allows reading down and writing up, not the reverse.
Detailed technical explanation
Bell-LaPadula enforces mandatory access control (MAC) based on security labels. The Simple Security Property (ss-property) ensures no read up, while the *-Property (star-property) ensures no write down. In practice, this model is used in multilevel secure (MLS) systems like SELinux or trusted operating systems to prevent information flow from high to low classifications, but it allows information to flow upward, which is why writing up is permitted.
Key takeaway
Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option.
Real-world example
A security analyst at a medium-sized enterprise encounters this scenario during an investigation or architecture review. The correct answer reflects best practice for the specific threat or control described. Answer the scenario, not the keyword: identify the specific constraint before choosing the most familiar-sounding option. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
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FAQ
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
The correct answer is: Both read and write allowed — In Bell-LaPadula, the Simple Security Property (no read up) prevents a subject from reading an object at a higher classification, but reading down is allowed. The *-Property (no write down) prevents writing to a lower classification, but writing up is allowed. Since the subject has Secret clearance, reading Confidential (lower) is permitted, and writing to Top Secret (higher) is permitted, so both operations are allowed.
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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Same concept, more angles
These questions test the same concept from different angles. Work through them to make sure you can recognise it however the exam phrases it.
Variation 1. In a Bell-LaPadula MAC model, which of the following operations is prohibited?
hardWhy D: In the Bell-LaPadula model, the *-property (star property) prohibits a subject from writing to an object at a lower classification level. A Top Secret subject writing to an Unclassified object would cause a downgrade of sensitive information, violating this property. Therefore, option D is the prohibited operation.
Last reviewed: Jun 30, 2026
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