PCNSE Decryption and SSL Inspection Practice Question
Exhibit
Refer to the exhibit. ``` 2019-03-21 10:15:33.456 ssl_decrypt: session 12345, error: ssl_decrypt_cert_verify_failed, reason: certificate has expired ```
Based on the exhibit, what is the most likely action for the firewall to take on this session?
⚠ Common exam trap
Test-takers frequently assume an invalid server certificate always results in a block or drop, but the firewall's behavior depends on the configured 'untrusted certificate action' in the decryption policy, which can be set to bypass.
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
✓
Bypass decryption and allow the session to proceed.
The firewall is configured for SSL Forward Proxy decryption, but the server certificate is self-signed or otherwise untrusted (e.g., expired, mismatched CN). In such cases, the firewall cannot re-sign the certificate to establish a trusted decrypted session. The configured action for untrusted server certificates is 'bypass decryption,' which allows the session to proceed without decryption, logging the bypass. Option D is correct because the firewall will not block or drop the session by default when bypass is configured.
Answer analysis
Option-by-option breakdown
For each option: why learners choose it and why it is or isn't the right answer here.
- ✗
Re-issue a new certificate to the client.
Why it's wrong here
The firewall does not issue new certificates for server certificates.
- ✗
Block the session because the server certificate is invalid.
Why it's wrong here
The firewall can block if configured, but default is to bypass.
- ✗
Drop the session and log a security alert.
Why it's wrong here
Firewalls drop only if a security policy rule blocks; decryption failures typically result in bypass.
- ✓
Bypass decryption and allow the session to proceed.
Why this is correct
Default behavior is to bypass when certificate verification fails.
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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.