The answer is that the policy lacks the s3:ListBucket permission. While the policy grants s3:GetObject, which allows reading specific objects by their key, listing the contents of a bucket requires the s3:ListBucket action applied to the bucket resource itself, not the objects within it. This distinction is a core concept tested on the ISC2 Certified in Cybersecurity CC exam, often appearing in scenario-based questions where a user can read a file but cannot see the folder contents. A common trap is confusing read access on an object with the ability to enumerate the bucket’s inventory. Remember the memory tip: “GetObject gets the file, ListBucket lists the files.” Without ListBucket, you can open a known link but cannot browse the directory.
ISC2 CC Access Controls Concepts Practice Question
This CC practice question tests your understanding of access controls concepts. 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.
Refer to the exhibit. A user with this policy tries to list objects in bucket1 but gets an access denied error. What is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue: "most likely"
Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The policy does not grant s3:ListBucket permission
The policy shown grants s3:GetObject permission, which allows reading individual objects, but does not include s3:ListBucket permission. Listing objects in a bucket requires the s3:ListBucket action on the bucket resource. Without this permission, the user receives an access denied error when attempting to list objects, even if they can read objects directly.
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 policy does not grant s3:ListBucket permission
Why this is correct
Listing objects requires the ListBucket action, which is not included.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The resource ARN should include the bucket itself
Why it's wrong here
For GetObject, the ARN is correct; the missing action is the issue.
✗
The effect should be Deny
Why it's wrong here
Changing to Deny would block all access, not solve the issue.
✗
The user lacks encryption keys
Why it's wrong here
No encryption is implied in the policy.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between bucket-level and object-level S3 permissions, trapping candidates who assume that granting GetObject on objects automatically allows listing the bucket.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In AWS S3, bucket-level operations like listing objects (s3:ListBucket) are separate from object-level operations like reading (s3:GetObject). The s3:ListBucket action must be granted on the bucket ARN (arn:aws:s3:::bucket1), not on the object ARN (arn:aws:s3:::bucket1/*). This distinction is critical for least-privilege security, as it allows administrators to grant read access to objects without exposing the ability to enumerate the bucket's contents.
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 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.
Access Controls Concepts — This question tests Access Controls Concepts — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The policy does not grant s3:ListBucket permission — The policy shown grants s3:GetObject permission, which allows reading individual objects, but does not include s3:ListBucket permission. Listing objects in a bucket requires the s3:ListBucket action on the bucket resource. Without this permission, the user receives an access denied error when attempting to list objects, even if they can read objects directly.
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.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
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