The correct answer is that HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed. This is because firewall rule order follows a first match principle, where rules are processed top-down and the first rule that matches the traffic is applied immediately, skipping all subsequent rules. In this rulebase, Rules 1 and 2 permit HTTP and HTTPS from the 10.0.0.0/8 network, so any web request from that range matches and is allowed before reaching Rule 3, which denies all traffic from that network. On the Systems Security Certified Practitioner SSCP exam, this concept tests your understanding of access control implementation and the critical importance of rule sequencing—a common trap is assuming a later deny rule overrides earlier permits. To avoid this, remember the memory tip: "First match wins, so order your permits before your denies."
SSCP Security Operations and Administration Practice Question
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of security operations and administration. Read the scenario carefully and evaluate each option against the stated constraints before committing to an answer. 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.
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
Extracted from firewall rulebase:
Rule 1: permit src any dst any port 80 (http)
Rule 2: permit src any dst any port 443 (https)
Rule 3: deny src 10.0.0.0/8 dst any
A network administrator implements the firewall rules above. What is the effect of this rulebase?
Refer to the exhibit.
Extracted from firewall rulebase:
Rule 1: permit src any dst any port 80 (http)
Rule 2: permit src any dst any port 443 (https)
Rule 3: deny src 10.0.0.0/8 dst any
A
HTTP and HTTPS traffic from all networks is blocked
Why wrong: Rules 1 and 2 permit HTTP/HTTPS from any source.
B
HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed
The permit rules (1 and 2) are listed before the deny rule, so they match first.
C
All traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is blocked
Why wrong: The deny rule only blocks traffic that hasn't matched earlier permit rules; HTTP/HTTPS are permitted.
D
The deny rule is redundant because permit rules exist
Why wrong: The deny rule is not redundant; it blocks non-HTTP/HTTPS traffic from that subnet.
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed
Option A is correct because the permit rules come before the deny rule; traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is explicitly denied by Rule 3, but only after being permitted by Rules 1 and 2? Actually, firewall rules are processed top-down; first match applies. So for a web request from 10.0.1.1 to destination port 80, Rule 1 matches and permits it, so the deny rule is not evaluated. Therefore, traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed for HTTP and HTTPS because the permit rules are first. Option B is wrong because it ignores rule order. Option C is wrong because the rules are not redundant. Option D is wrong because traffic to other ports is implicitly denied (default deny), but the question asks about effect.
Key principle: NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
✗
HTTP and HTTPS traffic from all networks is blocked
HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed
Why this is correct
The permit rules (1 and 2) are listed before the deny rule, so they match first.
Related concept
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
✗
All traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is blocked
Why it's wrong here
The deny rule only blocks traffic that hasn't matched earlier permit rules; HTTP/HTTPS are permitted.
✗
The deny rule is redundant because permit rules exist
Why it's wrong here
The deny rule is not redundant; it blocks non-HTTP/HTTPS traffic from that subnet.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: NAT rules depend on direction and matching traffic
NAT is not only about the public address. The inside/outside interface roles and the ACL or rule that matches traffic are just as important.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
NAT questions usually test address translation, overload/PAT behaviour, static mappings and whether the right traffic is being translated. Read the interface direction and address terms carefully.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
PAT allows many inside hosts to share one public address using ports.
Inside local and inside global describe the private and translated addresses.
NAT ACLs identify traffic for translation, not always security filtering.
TExam Day Tips
→Identify inside and outside interfaces first.
→Check whether the scenario needs static NAT, dynamic NAT or PAT.
→Do not confuse NAT matching ACLs with normal packet-filtering intent.
Key takeaway
NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated.
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. NAT direction and interface roles matter as much as the IP address mapping. Inside/outside designation controls which traffic is translated. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
Security Operations and Administration — This question tests Security Operations and Administration — Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed — Option A is correct because the permit rules come before the deny rule; traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is explicitly denied by Rule 3, but only after being permitted by Rules 1 and 2? Actually, firewall rules are processed top-down; first match applies. So for a web request from 10.0.1.1 to destination port 80, Rule 1 matches and permits it, so the deny rule is not evaluated. Therefore, traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed for HTTP and HTTPS because the permit rules are first. Option B is wrong because it ignores rule order. Option C is wrong because the rules are not redundant. Option D is wrong because traffic to other ports is implicitly denied (default deny), but the question asks about effect.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review the four NAT address types (inside local, inside global, outside local, outside global), PAT port overload, and static vs dynamic NAT use cases. Then practise related SSCP NAT questions on configuration and troubleshooting.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Static NAT maps one inside address to one outside address.
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