The answer is that the S3 bucket policy only grants the s3:GetObject action, so users inside the allowed IP range are denied access when performing other actions like listing the bucket. Even though the source IP condition correctly restricts access to the 10.0.0.0/16 network, the explicit Allow statement is scoped solely to GetObject. Any request for a different action, such as s3:ListBucket or s3:PutObject, is implicitly denied because AWS policies are deny-by-default unless an explicit Allow exists for that specific action. On the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, this tests your understanding of how S3 bucket policies combine condition keys with action-level permissions—a common trap is focusing only on the IP restriction and overlooking the narrow action scope. Remember the memory tip: “IP gets you in the door, but the action gets you the file.”
ISC2 CC Network Security Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of network security. The scenario asks you to isolate a root cause — eliminate options that address a different problem before choosing. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer applies this S3 bucket policy to restrict access. Users outside the 10.0.0.0/16 network report being denied access, which is expected. However, users inside that network also report access denied. What is the likely issue?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy only allows GetObject; users likely need ListBucket or other actions.
Option C is correct because the S3 bucket policy only grants the s3:GetObject action, but users inside the 10.0.0.0/16 network are likely performing other actions such as s3:ListBucket (e.g., listing objects) or s3:PutObject. Even though the source IP condition allows access from the trusted network, the explicit Allow statement is scoped solely to GetObject. Any request for a different action (like listing the bucket) will be implicitly denied by default, as IAM and S3 policies are deny-by-default unless an explicit Allow exists for that specific action.
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 condition syntax is incorrect and causes all requests to be evaluated incorrectly.
Why it's wrong here
The condition syntax is valid.
✗
The Deny statement overrides the Allow statement for all requests.
Why it's wrong here
The Deny only applies to IPs not in 10.0.0.0/16, so it does not affect internal users.
✓
The policy only allows GetObject; users likely need ListBucket or other actions.
Why this is correct
Only GetObject is allowed; any other action is implicitly denied.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The resource ARN includes a wildcard, causing a mismatch with the bucket name.
Why it's wrong here
The wildcard is correct for all objects in the bucket.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that a single Allow statement for one action (like GetObject) implicitly permits all other actions for users who satisfy the condition, when in reality each action requires its own explicit Allow.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
S3 bucket policies are evaluated in a deny-by-default model: an explicit Allow is required for each action a principal intends to perform. The s3:ListBucket action is a separate permission from s3:GetObject; without it, users cannot list objects in the bucket via the console or CLI commands like 'aws s3 ls'. Additionally, the condition key aws:SourceIp evaluates the IP address of the requester, but it does not broaden the scope of allowed actions—it only restricts which IPs can perform the allowed action.
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.
TExam Day Tips
→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 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.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CC question in full detail.
Network Security — This question tests Network Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy only allows GetObject; users likely need ListBucket or other actions. — Option C is correct because the S3 bucket policy only grants the s3:GetObject action, but users inside the 10.0.0.0/16 network are likely performing other actions such as s3:ListBucket (e.g., listing objects) or s3:PutObject. Even though the source IP condition allows access from the trusted network, the explicit Allow statement is scoped solely to GetObject. Any request for a different action (like listing the bucket) will be implicitly denied by default, as IAM and S3 policies are deny-by-default unless an explicit Allow exists for that specific action.
What should I do if I get this CC question wrong?
Identify which exam domain this question belongs to, review the core concept, then practise similar questions from the same domain.
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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