hardMultiple ChoiceObjective-mapped
PCNSA Practice Question: Based on the exhibit, what will happen when a…
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit.
config
security {
rules {
rule allow-http {
source-zone [ trust ];
destination-zone [ untrust ];
source-address [ any ];
destination-address [ any ];
application [ web-browsing ];
service [ application-default ];
action allow;
log-start yes;
}
}
}Based on the exhibit, what will happen when a user in the trust zone attempts to access an HTTPS website (TCP 443)?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume that because the source and destination zones match and the port is standard (TCP 443), the rule will permit the traffic, but they overlook the critical requirement that the application must also match the rule's application condition.
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 traffic will be denied by the implicit deny rule because the application does not match.
The security rule shown in the exhibit specifies the application as 'ssl' (HTTPS), but the user is attempting to access an HTTPS website using TCP 443. However, the rule's application match is likely set to a different application or the traffic is being classified as 'web-browsing' or another application that does not match the rule's application condition. Since no rule explicitly permits the traffic, the implicit deny rule at the end of the rulebase will block it. Palo Alto Networks firewalls use App-ID to identify applications regardless of port, so even if TCP 443 is used, the application must match exactly for the rule to apply.
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 traffic will be allowed if the user uses HTTP instead.
Why it's wrong here
The question is about HTTPS; it will be denied.
- ✗
The traffic will be allowed because the rule has log-start enabled.
Why it's wrong here
Logging does not affect allow/deny.
- ✗
The traffic will be allowed because the source and destination zones match.
Why it's wrong here
Application must match as well.
- ✓
The traffic will be denied by the implicit deny rule because the application does not match.
Why this is correct
No rule matches HTTPS; implicit deny applies.
Visual reference
Go deeper
Related to this question
About these practice questions
One of 516 original PCNSA practice questions on Courseiva, each with a full explanation and wrong-answer analysis — not exam dumps or protected exam content. Learn why practice questions differ from exam dumps →
JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNSA practice question is part of Courseiva's free Palo Alto Networks 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 PCNSA exam.