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SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Network Topology
Refer to the exhibit. A security administrator is troubleshooting connectivity to a web server. Users report they can access the website via HTTP and HTTPS, but cannot establish new SSH connections. Which of the following best explains this issue?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Answer the question above first, then reveal the full breakdown to understand why each option is right or wrong.
Correct answer & explanation
✓
The firewall is configured to drop new SSH connections, which prevents users from initiating new SSH sessions.
The firewall drops all new TCP connections to port 22 (SSH) using the state NEW module, which prevents users from establishing new SSH sessions. Option D correctly identifies this configuration. Option A describes the rule's behavior but includes the irrelevant point about established sessions, making it less direct. Option B is incorrect because the INPUT chain policy being ACCEPT does not override the specific drop rule for new SSH traffic. Option C is incorrect because the rule does not block all traffic on port 22, only new connections.
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 firewall is dropping SSH connections only when they are new, but established sessions may still be allowed.
Why it's wrong here
This is a true statement but does not fully explain the symptom because users cannot establish new SSH connections, which matches the rule.
- ✗
The firewall policy is set to ACCEPT on the INPUT chain, so SSH should work.
Why it's wrong here
The policy is ACCEPT, but the specific DROP rule is evaluated first and overrides the default policy for matching packets.
- ✗
The firewall is blocking all incoming traffic on port 22.
Why it's wrong here
The rule only drops packets matching state NEW, not all packets on port 22.
- ✓
The firewall is configured to drop new SSH connections, which prevents users from initiating new SSH sessions.
Why this is correct
The DROP rule for tcp dpt:22 with state NEW explicitly drops new SSH connection attempts, explaining the inability to SSH.
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Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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