The correct answer is that the policy only allows the GetObject action, limiting functionality. This is a key security limitation because while the policy enforces least privilege by narrowly scoping permissions to read-only access on S3 objects, it becomes too restrictive by omitting essential actions like s3:ListBucket or s3:PutObject, which can cripple operational workflows for roles that require broader S3 interactions. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding that least privilege must balance security with usability; a common trap is assuming any restrictive policy is automatically secure, when in fact overly narrow policies can lead to shadow IT or workarounds that introduce greater risk. Remember the memory tip: “Least privilege is a floor, not a ceiling—always verify the role’s required actions before locking down permissions.”
CISSP Identity and Access Management Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of identity and access management. 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.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
It only allows the GetObject action, limiting functionality
Option A is correct because the policy only grants the s3:GetObject action, which restricts the user to read-only access on S3 objects. This is a key security limitation as it prevents the user from performing other necessary operations like listing buckets (s3:ListBucket) or writing data, which can hinder operational workflows. The policy's narrow scope ensures least privilege but may be too restrictive for roles requiring broader S3 interactions.
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.
✓
It only allows the GetObject action, limiting functionality
Why this is correct
The policy grants only read access, which may be too restrictive for some use cases.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
It does not specify a Principal, so access is denied for all
Why it's wrong here
Principal is implicit when attached to a user or role.
✗
It allows all actions except s3:GetObject
Why it's wrong here
The policy explicitly allows only GetObject.
✗
It allows access from any IP within the 10.0.0.0/8 range, which is too broad
Why it's wrong here
The IP range is a valid security measure; broadness is not necessarily a limitation depending on context.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
ISC2 often tests the misconception that an IAM policy without a Principal is invalid or denies all access, but in identity-based policies, the Principal is implicit and not required.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
In AWS IAM, resource-based policies (like S3 bucket policies) require a Principal, but identity-based policies (attached to users, groups, or roles) do not—the Principal is inferred. The s3:GetObject action only allows retrieval of objects, not listing or metadata operations; for example, a user with only s3:GetObject cannot use the AWS Management Console to browse buckets because that requires s3:ListBucket. Real-world scenarios often involve attaching a policy that grants s3:GetObject to a read-only role, but forgetting to add s3:ListBucket can break CLI commands like 'aws s3 ls'.
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 CISSP question in full detail.
Identity and Access Management — This question tests Identity and Access Management — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: It only allows the GetObject action, limiting functionality — Option A is correct because the policy only grants the s3:GetObject action, which restricts the user to read-only access on S3 objects. This is a key security limitation as it prevents the user from performing other necessary operations like listing buckets (s3:ListBucket) or writing data, which can hinder operational workflows. The policy's narrow scope ensures least privilege but may be too restrictive for roles requiring broader S3 interactions.
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.
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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