SSCP Practice Question: A network administrator implements the firewall…
This SSCP practice question tests your understanding of sscp exam topics. 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?
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
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
Firewall rules are processed top-down; the first match applies. Rule 1 permits HTTP/HTTPS traffic from source 10.0.0.0/8 to any destination. Rule 2 permits similar traffic from other networks (but that is irrelevant). Rule 3 denies all traffic from 10.0.0.0/8, but because Rule 1 matches first for HTTP/HTTPS from that network, the deny rule is never evaluated for those protocols. Therefore, HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed, making option B correct. Options A and C are incorrect due to the logic above. Option D is incorrect because the deny rule is not redundant; it blocks non-HTTP/HTTPS traffic from 10.0.0.0/8, which would otherwise be implicitly denied anyway.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
✗
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: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
The first matching ACL entry is used.
There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
→Check inbound versus outbound direction.
→Read the ACL from top to bottom.
→Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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. ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement. Security exam questions test whether you can match controls to threats in context — not just recall definitions.
Visual reference
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
The correct answer is: HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed — Firewall rules are processed top-down; the first match applies. Rule 1 permits HTTP/HTTPS traffic from source 10.0.0.0/8 to any destination. Rule 2 permits similar traffic from other networks (but that is irrelevant). Rule 3 denies all traffic from 10.0.0.0/8, but because Rule 1 matches first for HTTP/HTTPS from that network, the deny rule is never evaluated for those protocols. Therefore, HTTP and HTTPS traffic from the 10.0.0.0/8 network is allowed, making option B correct. Options A and C are incorrect due to the logic above. Option D is incorrect because the deny rule is not redundant; it blocks non-HTTP/HTTPS traffic from 10.0.0.0/8, which would otherwise be implicitly denied anyway.
What should I do if I get this SSCP question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related SSCP ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Question Discussion
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