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Question 979 of 1,000
Secure networking →mediumMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped

Quick Answer

The correct answer is that the rule allows all inbound traffic, creating a security risk. This is because the rule is configured with source set to 'Any', destination set to 'Any', and port range set to '*', meaning it permits every protocol and port from any source IP address to any destination within the subnet. Such an overly permissive NSG rule effectively disables the network security boundary, exposing web servers to unrestricted inbound traffic, including malicious probes, brute-force attacks, and unauthorized access attempts. On the AZ-500 exam, this scenario tests your understanding of the principle of least privilege in network security—a common trap is confusing a broad 'Allow' rule with a specific service rule like HTTP, or misreading the direction as outbound. Remember the memory tip: "Any-Any-Any equals a wide-open door," so always scrutinize NSG rules that use 'Any' for source, destination, or port to avoid creating a security risk.

AZ-500 Secure networking Practice Question

This AZ-500 practice question tests your understanding of secure networking. Match the stated requirement to the specific cloud service, access model, or configuration option — many options are valid in isolation but not for this scenario. 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.

```json
{
  "properties": {
    "protocol": "Any",
    "sourceAddresses": ["*"],
    "destinationAddresses": ["*"],
    "destinationPorts": ["*"],
    "sourcePorts": ["*"],
    "access": "Allow",
    "priority": 100,
    "direction": "Inbound",
    "ruleType": "BasicRule"
  }
}
```

You are reviewing an NSG rule as shown in the exhibit. This rule is applied to a subnet containing web servers. What is the security implication of this rule?

Question 1mediummultiple choice
Review the full subnetting walkthrough →

Exhibit

Refer to the exhibit.

```json
{
  "properties": {
    "protocol": "Any",
    "sourceAddresses": ["*"],
    "destinationAddresses": ["*"],
    "destinationPorts": ["*"],
    "sourcePorts": ["*"],
    "access": "Allow",
    "priority": 100,
    "direction": "Inbound",
    "ruleType": "BasicRule"
  }
}
```

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

✓

It allows all inbound traffic, creating a security risk.

Option B is correct because the rule allows all inbound traffic from any source to any destination port and IP, which is overly permissive and exposes the subnet to potential attacks. Option A is wrong because the rule allows all traffic, not just HTTP. Option C is wrong because the rule allows inbound traffic, not outbound. Option D is wrong because the rule does not specify a protocol; 'Any' includes all protocols.

Key principle: Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

Answer analysis

Option-by-option breakdown

For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.

  • ✗

    It restricts inbound traffic to TCP only.

    Why it's wrong here

    The protocol is 'Any', so it includes all protocols.

  • ✓

    It allows all inbound traffic, creating a security risk.

    Why this is correct

    The rule allows any inbound traffic from any source, which is insecure.

    Related concept

    CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

  • ✗

    It blocks all inbound traffic except HTTP.

    Why it's wrong here

    The rule allows all traffic, not blocks.

  • ✗

    It restricts inbound traffic to HTTP only.

    Why it's wrong here

    The rule allows all protocols and ports, not just HTTP.

Common exam traps

Common exam trap: usable hosts are not the same as total addresses

Subnetting questions often tempt you into counting all addresses. In normal IPv4 subnets, the network and broadcast addresses are not usable host addresses.

Detailed technical explanation

How to think about this question

Subnetting questions test whether you can identify the network, broadcast address, usable range, mask and correct subnet. Slow down enough to calculate the block size correctly.

KKey Concepts to Remember

  • CIDR notation defines the prefix length.
  • Block size helps identify subnet boundaries.
  • Network and broadcast addresses are not usable hosts in normal IPv4 subnets.
  • The required host count determines the smallest suitable subnet.

TExam Day Tips

  • Write the block size before choosing the subnet.
  • Check whether the question asks for hosts, subnets or a specific address range.
  • Do not confuse /24, /25, /26 and /27 host counts.

Key takeaway

Count usable hosts — not total addresses — and remember that the network and broadcast addresses are not available to hosts in standard IPv4 subnets.

Real-world example

How this comes up in practice

A healthcare organisation deploys an application with a public-facing web tier and a private database tier. The database subnet has no public IP and only accepts connections from the web tier's security group. Questions like this test whether you can design cloud network isolation using VNets/VPCs, subnets, and security group rules.

What to study next

Got this wrong? Here's your next step.

Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.

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FAQ

Questions learners often ask

What does this AZ-500 question test?

Secure networking — This question tests Secure networking — CIDR notation defines the prefix length..

What is the correct answer to this question?

The correct answer is: It allows all inbound traffic, creating a security risk. — Option B is correct because the rule allows all inbound traffic from any source to any destination port and IP, which is overly permissive and exposes the subnet to potential attacks. Option A is wrong because the rule allows all traffic, not just HTTP. Option C is wrong because the rule allows inbound traffic, not outbound. Option D is wrong because the rule does not specify a protocol; 'Any' includes all protocols.

What should I do if I get this AZ-500 question wrong?

Review block sizes, usable host formulas (2^n − 2), and how to find network and broadcast addresses for /24 through /30. Then practise related AZ-500 subnetting questions on CIDR, address ranges, and subnet selection.

What is the key concept behind this question?

CIDR notation defines the prefix length.

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Last reviewed: Jun 20, 2026

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This AZ-500 practice question is part of Courseiva's free Microsoft 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 AZ-500 exam.