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CCSP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit

Exhibit

{
  "Version": "2012-10-17",
  "Statement": [
    {
      "Effect": "Allow",
      "Principal": {"AWS": "*"},
      "Action": "s3:GetObject",
      "Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::confidential-data/*",
      "Condition": {
        "StringEquals": {
          "aws:SourceIp": "203.0.113.0/24"
        }
      }
    }
  ]
}

Refer to the exhibit. A security analyst discovers this bucket policy attached to an S3 bucket containing sensitive customer data. What is the MOST significant security risk posed by this policy?

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

The policy allows any AWS user to read objects if they are within the specified IP range.

The policy allows any AWS user (Principal: "*") to read objects if they are from the specified IP range. This is overly permissive, granting access to the entire internet at that range, which could include malicious actors. The condition is correctly applied (B is false), encryption is not the main issue (C), and NotPrincipal is not required (D).

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 require encryption in transit, so data could be intercepted.

    Why it's wrong here

    While encryption in transit is important, the most significant risk is the broad access granted; lack of encryption is a separate concern.

  • The Condition block is misconfigured and will allow access from any IP address.

    Why it's wrong here

    The condition is correctly written and will restrict access to the specified IP range.

  • The policy allows any AWS user to read objects if they are within the specified IP range.

    Why this is correct

    This is correct; the combination of Principal: '*' and IP condition means anyone from that IP range can access the data, which is a significant risk if the range includes untrusted networks.

  • The policy does not include a NotPrincipal element to restrict access further.

    Why it's wrong here

    NotPrincipal is not necessary for this policy; the main issue is the permissive Principal.

Quick reference

AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison

Storage ClassMin DurationRetrievalUse Case
S3 StandardNoneImmediateFrequently accessed data
S3 Standard-IA30 daysImmediateInfrequent access, rapid retrieval
S3 One Zone-IA30 daysImmediateNon-critical infrequent data
S3 Intelligent-TieringNoneImmediate–hoursUnknown or changing access patterns
S3 Glacier Instant90 daysMillisecondsArchive with instant retrieval
S3 Glacier Flexible90 daysMinutes–hoursArchive, flexible retrieval
S3 Glacier Deep Archive180 daysHoursLong-term compliance archive

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JA

Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security

Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva

This CCSP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the CCSP exam.