The answer is that the most likely security issue is the 'Allow' rule for customers restricts access only by source IP, not by user identity. This creates a critical authorization gap because any user or system within the permitted IP range—such as a compromised internal host or an attacker who has gained network access—can impersonate a legitimate customer without needing valid authentication. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the principle of defense in depth, specifically how identity-based access control (e.g., using IAM roles or JWT claims) must complement network-level controls to prevent lateral movement and impersonation. A common trap is assuming IP restrictions alone are sufficient for sensitive resources, but the exam emphasizes that IP addresses are easily spoofed or bypassed within trusted networks. Remember the memory tip: "IP tells you where, identity tells you who"—always require both for sensitive 'Allow' rules in JSON policies.
CISSP Security Assessment and Testing Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of security assessment and testing. 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.
An auditor is reviewing the JSON policy exhibit. What is the most likely security issue with this policy?
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 'Allow' rule for customers does not restrict based on user identity, only IP
Option C is correct because the policy's 'Allow' rule for customers only restricts access based on source IP address, not on authenticated user identity. This means any user or system within the allowed IP range can access the resource, regardless of whether they are a legitimate customer. In a JSON-based policy (e.g., AWS IAM or Azure RBAC), failing to include a condition that checks user identity (such as a JWT claim or IAM user ARN) creates a significant authorization gap, allowing potential impersonation or lateral movement within the trusted network.
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 allows all actions on public_data, which could be exploited
The 'Allow' rule for customers does not restrict based on user identity, only IP
Why this is correct
IP-based access is weak; should require authentication and authorization.
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 'Deny' rule uses a wildcard resource, which is too restrictive
Why it's wrong here
It's intended to block all writes.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the distinction between network-based controls (IP allowlisting) and identity-based controls (user authentication), and the trap here is that candidates assume IP-based restrictions alone are sufficient for authorization, overlooking the need for explicit user identity verification in the policy.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In cloud IAM policies (e.g., AWS IAM, Azure RBAC, GCP IAM), the evaluation logic follows an implicit deny model: an Allow rule grants access only if all conditions (like IP address, user identity, or MFA status) are satisfied. If the Allow rule lacks a condition for user identity, any principal within the allowed IP range—including compromised or unauthorized users—can assume the role or access the resource. Real-world breaches, such as the Capital One 2019 incident, exploited overly permissive IAM policies that relied solely on network controls without identity verification.
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 team runs a vulnerability scan on a web application and discovers an unpatched SQL injection flaw. The team prioritises remediation by CVSS score — critical flaws are patched within 24 hours, high within 7 days. Questions like this test whether you understand vulnerability management processes, scanning tools, and remediation prioritisation.
Related glossary terms
Concepts from this question explained
These glossary pages explain the core terms tested in this CISSP question in full detail.
Security Assessment and Testing — This question tests Security Assessment and Testing — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The 'Allow' rule for customers does not restrict based on user identity, only IP — Option C is correct because the policy's 'Allow' rule for customers only restricts access based on source IP address, not on authenticated user identity. This means any user or system within the allowed IP range can access the resource, regardless of whether they are a legitimate customer. In a JSON-based policy (e.g., AWS IAM or Azure RBAC), failing to include a condition that checks user identity (such as a JWT claim or IAM user ARN) creates a significant authorization gap, allowing potential impersonation or lateral movement within the trusted network.
What should I do if I get this CISSP 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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Question Discussion
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