Question 1hardmultiple choice
Full question →hardmultiple choiceObjective-mapped
You are developing an ASP.NET Core web API that authenticates users via Microsoft Entra ID. The application needs to authorize access to resources based on custom roles (e.g., 'Admin', 'Editor') that are not present in Microsoft Entra ID. The role mappings are dynamic and stored in an application database. How should you implement authorization?
Answer choices
Why each option matters
Good practice is not just finding the correct option. The wrong answers often show the exact trap the exam wants you to fall into.
A
Distractor review
Define the roles as Microsoft Entra ID app roles and include them in the token claims.
Microsoft Entra ID app roles are static and require updating the app manifest; they are not suitable for dynamic role mappings stored in a database.
B
Best answer
Store the role mappings in an Azure SQL Database and use a custom authorization policy that queries the database after authentication.
This allows dynamic role assignments and leverages policy-based authorization in ASP.NET Core.
C
Distractor review
Include the roles as claims in the Microsoft Entra ID token by using a custom claim mapping policy.
Custom claim mapping can add roles from Microsoft Entra ID but not from an external database; it would require synchronization.
D
Distractor review
Store the role mappings in the web.config file and read them at runtime.
web.config is static, not secure for sensitive data, and cannot be updated dynamically without redeployment.
Common exam trap
Common exam trap: authentication is not authorization
Logging in proves the user can authenticate. It does not automatically mean the user is allowed to enter privileged or configuration mode. Watch for AAA authorization, privilege level and command authorization details.
Technical deep dive
How to think about this question
This kind of question is testing the difference between identity and permission. A user may successfully log in to a router because authentication is working, but still fail to enter configuration mode because authorization is missing, misconfigured or mapped to a lower privilege level.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Authentication checks who the user is.
- Authorization controls what the user is allowed to do after login.
- Privilege levels affect access to EXEC and configuration commands.
- AAA, TACACS+ and RADIUS can separate login success from command access.
TExam Day Tips
- Do not assume successful login means full administrative access.
- Look for words such as cannot enter configuration mode, privilege level, authorization or command access.
- Separate login problems from permission problems before choosing the answer.
Related practice questions
Related AZ-204 practice-question pages
Use these pages to review the topic behind this question. This is how one missed question becomes focused revision.
More questions from this exam
Keep practising from the same exam bank, or move into a focused topic page if this question exposed a weak area.
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Question 5
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Question 6
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this AZ-204 question test?
Authentication checks who the user is.
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: Store the role mappings in an Azure SQL Database and use a custom authorization policy that queries the database after authentication. — Custom role mappings that are not defined in Microsoft Entra ID should be stored in the application's own database. After authenticating the user via Microsoft Entra ID, the API can retrieve the user's roles from the database and apply policy-based authorization. Microsoft Entra ID app roles are limited to roles defined in the app registration and cannot be dynamically updated. Token claims can only contain roles that are already in the token. Web.config is static and not suitable.
What should I do if I get this AZ-204 question wrong?
Then try more questions from the same exam bank and focus on understanding why the wrong options are tempting.
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