hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
SSCP Practice Question: Refer to the exhibit
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
{
"Version": "2012-10-17",
"Statement": [
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:GetObject",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket/*",
"Condition": {
"IpAddress": {
"aws:SourceIp": "10.0.0.0/8"
}
}
},
{
"Effect": "Allow",
"Action": "s3:ListBucket",
"Resource": "arn:aws:s3:::example-bucket",
"Principal": "*"
}
]
}Refer to the exhibit. A security engineer is reviewing an S3 bucket policy. Which risk is most directly introduced by this policy?
⚠ Common exam trap
ISC2 often tests the distinction between read access (GetObject) and list access (ListBucket). Here, the policy grants both, allowing public enumeration and reading. Candidates may mistakenly think only read is possible, but both actions are permitted, increasing the exposure risk.
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
✓
Exposure of bucket contents to the public
The S3 bucket policy grants public access via a Principal of '*' and an Effect of 'Allow' for the 's3:GetObject' and 's3:ListBucket' actions. This means any unauthenticated user on the internet can list the objects in the bucket and read their contents, directly exposing the bucket contents to the public, making option D correct.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Unauthorized deletion of objects
Why it's wrong here
No delete actions are granted.
- ✗
Lack of encryption at rest
Why it's wrong here
The policy does not address encryption; it's a separate control.
- ✗
Inability to audit access
Why it's wrong here
CloudTrail can still log access; the policy doesn't prevent auditing.
- ✓
Exposure of bucket contents to the public
Why this is correct
The ListBucket action with Principal "*" allows anyone to enumerate objects.
Quick reference
AWS S3 Storage Class Comparison
| Storage Class | Min Duration | Retrieval | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|
| S3 Standard | None | Immediate | Frequently accessed data |
| S3 Standard-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Infrequent access, rapid retrieval |
| S3 One Zone-IA | 30 days | Immediate | Non-critical infrequent data |
| S3 Intelligent-Tiering | None | Immediate–hours | Unknown or changing access patterns |
| S3 Glacier Instant | 90 days | Milliseconds | Archive with instant retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Flexible | 90 days | Minutes–hours | Archive, flexible retrieval |
| S3 Glacier Deep Archive | 180 days | Hours | Long-term compliance archive |
Go deeper
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This SSCP practice question is part of Courseiva's free ISC2 certification practice question bank. Courseiva provides original exam-style practice questions with explanations, topic-based practice, mock exams, readiness tracking, and study analytics to help learners prepare for the SSCP exam.