Access control is a security mechanism regulating access to sensitive data, resources, and systems. Only authorized users can access sensitive data and activities while keeping unauthorized users out. Access control is critical for protecting sensitive data such as personally identifiable information (PII), financial information, and intellectual property.
However, access control can fail due to various factors, such as incorrectly configured policies, insufficient testing, and a lack of input validation. Unauthorized access, data breaches, data loss, and other security incidents can occur when access control fails.
Broken access control is a significant issue for organizations of all sizes and industries. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining a solid access control system that is regularly reviewed, tested, and updated to avoid vulnerabilities that attackers could exploit.
This article will define broken access control, discuss its causes and consequences, and provide some examples of broken access control. We’ll also discuss best practices for preventing broken access control incidents and keeping an access control system in good working order.
What Is Broken Access Control?
Broken access control is a vulnerability in web applications that allows users to gain unauthorized access to resources or functionalities that they should not have access to. This can happen due to flaws in the design or implementation of access control mechanisms and mistakes in the authentication and authorization processes.
Broken access control, authentication, and session management are frequently used interchangeably. These three concepts are related, but they serve different purposes in web application security.
Authentication is the process of verifying a user’s identity, typically using a username and password, but also using other authentication mechanisms such as biometric verification or multifactor authentication. Authentication aims to ensure that users are who they say they are and to prevent unauthorized access to web application resources and functionality.
Session management, on the other hand, is the process of managing user sessions within a web application. It entails creating and storing session tokens that allow users to stay logged in and continue using the application. Session management aims to keep user sessions secure and prevent session hijacking and other types of attacks that exploit session vulnerabilities.
To avoid broken access control, proper access control mechanisms (technologies used to enforce access control policies such as passwords and biometrics) must be put in place and appropriately tested before deploying the application. This includes validating user permissions, configuring access control policies correctly, and performing regular security audits to identify and fix any potential vulnerabilities.
Examples of Broken Access Control
Here are some real-world examples of broken access control:
- Unrestricted URL access
- Inadequate authorization checks
- Insecure direct object reference (IDOR)
- Horizontal and vertical access control
- Broken session management
Common Causes of Broken Access Control
There are numerous causes of broken access control in web applications. Some of the most common causes are as follows:
- Inadequate authorization checks
- Insecure direct object references
- Insufficient authentication
- Misconfigured access control
Finally, Access control must be addressed to avoid severe consequences for web applications. Developers and security experts must identify common causes of broken access control and take preventive measures. Thorough testing, secure coding practices, and regular security audits are examples of such actions.
Consequences of Broken Access Control
Broken access control can severely affect web applications, leading to unauthorized actions and disclosure, modification, or deletion of sensitive data. Here are some of the possible consequences of broken access control:
- Unauthorized data disclosure
- Data modification or deletion
- Unauthorized functionality execution
- Regulatory compliance violation
Steps to Take to Prevent Broken Access Control
role-based access control (RBAC)
RBAC is a type of access control that assigns roles based on the user’s job functions and responsibilities. Each role has a set of permissions that govern what data and functionality they have access to. RBAC ensures that users can only access the resources and functions required for their role.
attribute-based access control (ABAC)
ABAC is an access control method that uses attributes to determine whether a user may access a resource. User identity, location, time of day, device type, and other relevant factors are examples of attributes. ABAC allows access control policies to be more granular and dynamic, ensuring users only have access to resources based on certain conditions.
Implement proper authentication and authorization controls
Auth controls ensure proper authentication of users before accessing web app resources or functionality. Use strong passwords, multifactor authentication, and session timeouts to prevent unauthorized access.
Conduct regular access control audits
Auditing access control mechanisms regularly can help identify vulnerabilities and weaknesses. Test all access control vulnerabilities during audits, such as IDOR, horizontal and vertical access control, and session management.
Implement best practices for access control
Access control best practices include least privilege, separation of duties, and defense-in-depth techniques. These practices layer policies and have multiple security measures to prevent unauthorized access.
Train employees on access control best practices
This is important for preventing unauthorized access to sensitive data or functionality. Train employees on how to properly manage access control policies, identify and report access control vulnerabilities, and respond to security incidents.
These measures safeguard web apps, ensuring data confidentiality, integrity, and availability and preventing unauthorized access and data breaches.
Conclusion
In conclusion, access control ensures that only authorized users can access sensitive data and activities while preventing unauthorized users from accessing them.
Unauthorized access to data and functionalities can lead to various consequences, including data deletion, identity theft, and fraud. As a result, organizations should consider mechanisms to avoid broken access control.