PCNSE Core Concepts and Architecture Practice Question
An organization uses GlobalProtect for remote access. Users report that they can connect but cannot access internal resources. The firewall logs show that the traffic from the GlobalProtect IP pool to internal servers is allowed. What is the most likely cause?
⚠ Common exam trap
The trap here is that candidates see the firewall logs showing allowed traffic and assume the security policy is correct, overlooking the critical requirement for symmetric routing in stateful firewalls.
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 internal server's default gateway does not point to the firewall.
The most likely cause is that the internal server's default gateway does not point to the firewall. When GlobalProtect clients receive an IP from the VPN IP pool and send traffic to internal servers, the servers must send return traffic back through the firewall to maintain stateful session symmetry. If the server's default gateway points elsewhere (e.g., a core switch), the firewall drops the return traffic because it does not match an existing session, causing connectivity failure despite the firewall logs showing allowed outbound traffic.
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 GlobalProtect gateway is not configured with a route to internal network.
Why it's wrong here
The gateway is configured, since users can connect; the issue is return routing.
- ✓
The internal server's default gateway does not point to the firewall.
Why this is correct
Internal servers must route return traffic back through the firewall for stateful inspection.
- ✗
The client's VPN adapter is not set to use the default gateway on the remote network.
Why it's wrong here
This would cause split tunneling issues, but logs show traffic reaches firewall.
- ✗
The security policy for internal traffic is misconfigured.
Why it's wrong here
The logs show traffic is allowed, so policy is likely correct.
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JA
Written by Johnson Ajibi, MSc IT Security
Senior Network & Security Engineer · founder of Courseiva
This PCNSE 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 PCNSE exam.