AZ-204 Develop for Azure storage Practice Question
You need to implement a shared access signature (SAS) for an Azure blob container that allows a client to list blobs and read blob contents. The SAS must be valid for one hour and should not allow write or delete operations. Which permissions should you include in the SAS token?
⚠ Common exam trap
A common mix-up: candidates confuse 'l' (list) with 'r' (read) or include 'c' (create) thinking it's needed for listing, but 'l' alone enables listing blobs in a container without requiring create permissions.
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
✓
r and l
The SAS token needs 'r' (read) to allow reading blob contents and 'l' (list) to allow listing blobs in the container. These two permissions together satisfy the requirement for read-only access without write or delete capabilities.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
r, l, and c
Why it's wrong here
Granting 'c' (Create) permission alongside 'r' (Read) and 'l' (List) is unnecessary if the objective is solely to view existing storage resources. The 'c' permission allows the creation of new blobs or files within a container or share, which extends beyond a read-only requirement. Providing this additional capability violates the principle of least privilege, potentially enabling unintended resource proliferation or unauthorized data injection.
- ✓
r and l
Why this is correct
The 'r' (Read) and 'l' (List) permissions are precisely what is required for scenarios where users need to view the contents of storage resources and enumerate items within a container or directory. 'r' enables downloading blob content and accessing metadata, while 'l' allows for browsing and discovering available resources. Together, these permissions provide comprehensive read-only access without granting any modification or deletion capabilities, adhering to the principle of least privilege.
- ✗
r, l, and d
Why it's wrong here
Including 'd' (Delete) permission with 'r' (Read) and 'l' (List) is inappropriate for a general access scenario focused on viewing. The 'd' permission grants the ability to permanently remove blobs, files, or even entire containers, which is a highly destructive operation. Granting such a powerful permission when it is not explicitly required introduces significant security risks and could lead to accidental or malicious data loss.
- ✗
r, l, and w
Why it's wrong here
Adding 'w' (Write) permission to 'r' (Read) and 'l' (List) is not necessary and introduces significant security vulnerabilities if the intent is only to provide viewing access. The 'w' permission allows for modifying the content or metadata of existing blobs, overwriting them, or even creating new ones. This level of access goes beyond simple observation and could lead to unauthorized data alteration or corruption, granting unintended control over the storage resources.
Quick reference
Azure Blob Storage Tier Comparison
| Tier | Storage Cost | Retrieval Cost | Latency | Use Case |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hot | Highest | Lowest | Immediate | Active data, frequent reads |
| Cool | Lower | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / month |
| Cold | Lower still | Higher | Immediate | Data accessed < once / quarter |
| Archive | Lowest | Highest + rehydration delay | Hours | Long-term compliance retention |
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
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