The correct answer is that the Developer role has both write and read permissions, enabling data exfiltration if compromised. This violates the principle of least privilege because the CI/CD pipeline only needs to upload build artifacts via PutObject, yet the policy also grants GetObject, allowing an attacker who compromises the pipeline to read and exfiltrate sensitive data from the bucket. On the CISSP exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the least privilege violation with read and write permissions in S3 bucket policies, a common trap where examinees overlook that read access is unnecessary for a write-only workflow. A key memory tip is to always ask: does this role need both read and write, or is one permission redundant and dangerous? Remember the mnemonic "WORM" — Write Only, Restrict Read — to avoid granting unnecessary read access in automated pipelines.
CISSP Software Development Security Practice Question
This CISSP practice question tests your understanding of software development security. 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 security engineer reviews this S3 bucket policy. The Developer role is used by a CI/CD pipeline that uploads build artifacts. What security weakness exists in this policy?
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The Developer role has both write and read permissions, enabling data exfiltration if compromised.
Option C is correct because the policy allows the Developer role to both write (PutObject) and read (GetObject) objects. If the pipeline is compromised, an attacker can exfiltrate sensitive data. Option A is wrong because the condition on PutObject is a good practice to ensure the bucket owner retains control. Option B is wrong because the condition does enforce a requirement, but it's a security feature, not weakness. Option D is wrong because the principal specifies the role ARN exactly.
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 GetObject action does not have a condition, allowing read access to anyone.
Why it's wrong here
The principal is still restricted to the Developer role; no condition is needed for read if appropriate.
✗
The principal specifies a role ARN, but it should be a user ARN for granularity.
Why it's wrong here
Using a role ARN is appropriate for a pipeline.
✓
The Developer role has both write and read permissions, enabling data exfiltration if compromised.
Why this is correct
A pipeline only needs write access; read access allows an attacker to read all objects in the bucket.
Related concept
Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer.
✗
The condition on PutObject is too restrictive and may cause upload failures.
Why it's wrong here
The condition ensures the bucket owner retains full control, which is a security best practice.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: answer the scenario, not the keyword
Many certification questions include familiar terms but test a specific constraint. Read the exact wording before choosing an answer that is generally true but wrong for this case.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
This question should be treated as a scenario, not a definition check. Identify the problem, the constraint and the best action. Then compare each option against those facts.
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.
Use explanations to understand the rule behind the answer.
TExam Day Tips
→Underline the problem statement mentally.
→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 CISSP question in full detail.
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
Software Development Security — This question tests Software Development Security — Read the scenario before looking for a memorised answer..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The Developer role has both write and read permissions, enabling data exfiltration if compromised. — Option C is correct because the policy allows the Developer role to both write (PutObject) and read (GetObject) objects. If the pipeline is compromised, an attacker can exfiltrate sensitive data. Option A is wrong because the condition on PutObject is a good practice to ensure the bucket owner retains control. Option B is wrong because the condition does enforce a requirement, but it's a security feature, not weakness. Option D is wrong because the principal specifies the role ARN exactly.
What should I do if I get this CISSP question wrong?
Identify which CISSP exam domain this question belongs to, then review the specific concept being tested. Practise related questions in that domain and focus on understanding why each wrong answer is tempting — not just why the correct answer is right.
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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