- A
The firewall's system log rate is exceeded and logs are dropped.
Why wrong: System log rate limits affect system logs, not security logs.
- B
The rule has logging disabled for the 'deny' action.
Why wrong: Logging can be configured per rule, but the default for deny actions may still log; the issue is often that logging at session start is not enabled.
- C
The rule is not being matched because a previous rule allows the traffic.
Why wrong: If another rule allows the traffic, the session would be allowed, not denied, and logs would appear for that rule.
- D
The rule is configured to log at session end, but the session ends immediately upon denial, so no log is generated.
Denied sessions are not established; they end immediately. Logging at session end does not trigger for sessions that never start. To log denied traffic, enable logging at session start.
PCNSE Troubleshoot Practice Question
This PCNSE practice question tests your understanding of troubleshoot. This is a configuration task: choose the command set that satisfies every stated requirement. Small differences — like 'secret' vs 'password' or 'transport input ssh' vs 'all' — change whether the answer is correct. 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.
A security policy rule is configured to deny traffic, but no logs are generated when the traffic is denied. Which of the following is the most likely reason?
Clue words in this question
Noticing these words before you look at the options changes how you read each choice.
Clue:
"most likely"Why it matters: Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
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 rule is configured to log at session end, but the session ends immediately upon denial, so no log is generated.
Option B is correct because by default, interzone rules log at session end only for allowed traffic; denied traffic may not generate logs if logging is not explicitly enabled. Option A is wrong because disabling logging per rule is a common oversight. Option C is wrong because system logs are not related to security policy logs. Option D is wrong because the rule can still deny without logging.
Key principle: ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
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 firewall's system log rate is exceeded and logs are dropped.
Why it's wrong here
System log rate limits affect system logs, not security logs.
- ✗
The rule has logging disabled for the 'deny' action.
Why it's wrong here
Logging can be configured per rule, but the default for deny actions may still log; the issue is often that logging at session start is not enabled.
- ✗
The rule is not being matched because a previous rule allows the traffic.
Why it's wrong here
If another rule allows the traffic, the session would be allowed, not denied, and logs would appear for that rule.
- ✓
The rule is configured to log at session end, but the session ends immediately upon denial, so no log is generated.
Why this is correct
Denied sessions are not established; they end immediately. Logging at session end does not trigger for sessions that never start. To log denied traffic, enable logging at session start.
Clue confirmation
The clue word "most likely" in the question point toward this answer.
Related concept
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
Common exam traps
Common exam trap: ACLs stop at the first match
ACLs are processed top to bottom. The first matching entry wins, and an implicit deny usually exists at the end.
Detailed technical explanation
How to think about this question
ACL questions test precision: source, destination, protocol, port and direction. A generally correct ACL can still fail if it is applied on the wrong interface or in the wrong direction.
KKey Concepts to Remember
- Standard ACLs match source addresses.
- Extended ACLs can match source, destination, protocol and ports.
- The first matching ACL entry is used.
- There is usually an implicit deny at the end.
TExam Day Tips
- Check inbound versus outbound direction.
- Read the ACL from top to bottom.
- Look for a broader permit or deny above the intended line.
Key takeaway
ACLs process entries top to bottom and stop at the first match. Entry order and interface direction matter as much as the permit or deny statement.
Real-world example
How this comes up in practice
A security administrator must allow nursing staff to reach a patient records server while blocking access from the guest Wi-Fi VLAN. After applying an extended ACL, traffic is still blocked from nursing workstations. The ACL was applied outbound instead of inbound on the wrong interface. Questions like this test ACL direction and placement rules.
What to study next
Got this wrong? Here's your next step.
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
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FAQ
Questions learners often ask
What does this PCNSE question test?
Troubleshoot — This question tests Troubleshoot — Standard ACLs match source addresses..
What is the correct answer to this question?
The correct answer is: The rule is configured to log at session end, but the session ends immediately upon denial, so no log is generated. — Option B is correct because by default, interzone rules log at session end only for allowed traffic; denied traffic may not generate logs if logging is not explicitly enabled. Option A is wrong because disabling logging per rule is a common oversight. Option C is wrong because system logs are not related to security policy logs. Option D is wrong because the rule can still deny without logging.
What should I do if I get this PCNSE question wrong?
Review ACL processing order, placement rules (standard near destination, extended near source), and inbound vs outbound direction. Study wildcard masks and implicit deny. Then practise related PCNSE ACL questions on filtering logic and placement.
Are there clue words in this question I should notice?
Yes — watch for: "most likely". Probability qualifier — the question wants the most probable cause or outcome, not a guaranteed one. Eliminate low-probability options.
What is the key concept behind this question?
Standard ACLs match source addresses.
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Last reviewed: Jun 24, 2026
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.
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