Access control is one security measure that restricts who has access to systems, resources, and sensitive data. Only authorized users are permitted access to sensitive data and actions; unauthorized users are forbidden.
Controlling access to sensitive information is crucial, including personally identifiable information (PII), financial data, and intellectual property.
On the other hand, there are several reasons why access control might not function, such as improperly configured policies, insufficient testing, and a deficiency in input validation. When access control is violated, unauthorized access, data breaches, data loss, and other security problems could occur.
Failure in access control is a serious problem for companies of all kinds and industries. It highlights how crucial it is to keep up an efficient access control system that is frequently examined, tested, and updated to eliminate any weaknesses that a hacker might exploit.
This article defines broken access control, looks at its causes and effects, and provides many examples. We’ll also go over ways to prevent access control from breaking and maintain an effective system.
What Is Broken Access Control?
Web programs that have broken access control have a vulnerability that allows users to access features or resources that they shouldn’t be able to. This can be caused by mistakes in the authorization and authentication processes as well as defects in the conception or use of access control methods.
It’s usual to use terms like access control, authentication, and session management interchangeably. Despite their similarities, these three ideas have distinct functions in web application security.
Authentication is the process of confirming a user’s identity beyond the traditional usage of a username and password, using multifactor authentication or biometric verification.
Authentication not only prevents illegal access to resources and functionality of online applications, but also confirms users are who they claim to be.
On the other hand, session management refers to managing user sessions within a web application. The application must generate and maintain session tokens in order to keep users logged in and able to utilize it. Session management attempts to protect user sessions by thwarting attacks that exploit session vulnerabilities, such as session hijacking.
Appropriate access control mechanisms, including as passwords and biometrics, which enforce access control regulations, must be put in place and thoroughly examined before the program is started. This will stop access control from failing.
This means appropriately implementing access control policies, confirming user privileges, and conducting routine security audits to identify and address any potential risks.
Instances of Inadequate Access Control
- Unrestricted URL access
- Inadequate authorization checks
- Insecure direct object reference (IDOR)
- Horizontal and vertical access control
- Broken session management
Common Causes of Access Control Failure
Online applications may experience faulty access control due to a variety of factors. The following are some of the most common causes:
- Inadequate authorization checks
- Insecure direct object references
- Insufficient authentication
- Misconfigured access control
Finally, in order to avoid serious consequences for online applications, access control needs to be handled. It is imperative for developers and security specialists to identify and avoid frequent reasons of access control failure. These measures include thorough testing, secure coding practices, and regular security audits.
Consequences of Ineffective Access Control
Failures in access control can have a major effect on online applications since they can result in unauthorized actions and the disclosure, alteration, or removal of private information. Some possible consequences of inadequate access control include the following:
- Unauthorized data disclosure
- Data modification or deletion
- Unauthorized functionality execution
- Regulatory compliance violation
How to Prevent Access Control Issues
Role-based access control (RBAC)
RBAC is a type of access control in which individuals are given roles based on their job responsibilities. Each position has specific permissions that limit the information and capabilities that can be accessed by that position. RBAC makes sure that users only get access to the capabilities and tools they need to do their jobs.
Access Control Based on Attributes (ABAC)
ABAC is a type of access control where a resource’s attributes are used to establish a user’s eligibility for it. Examples of qualities include user identity, location, type of device, time of day, and other pertinent data. ABAC ensures that users can only access resources in line with preset criteria by enabling more complex and dynamic access control policies.
Authorization and authentication controls
Authentication rules guarantee that users are duly authorized prior to granting them access to any web application resources or functionality. To stop unwanted access, use multifactor authentication, session timeouts, and strong passwords.
Examine audits of access control
Regular audits of access control systems can assist in identifying flaws and vulnerabilities. During audits, test all access control vulnerabilities, such as those pertaining to IDOR, vertical and horizontal access control, and session management.
Best practices for access control protocols
Best practices for access control include least privilege, role separation, and defense-in-depth tactics. To stop unwanted access, these techniques make use of a number of security precautions including policy stacking.
The best methods for training employees
It is essential to stop unwanted access to private information or functionalities. Employees should be trained in handling security incidents, identifying and reporting access control weaknesses, and correctly implementing access control policies.
These safeguards secure online applications by preserving data security, integrity, and availability and by preventing illegal access and data breaches.
To sum up
Finally, access control makes sure that only authorized users can access sensitive data and activities by prohibiting unauthorized users from doing so.
Unauthorized access to data and functionality can lead to various repercussions, including but not limited to identity theft, fraud, and data erasure. Thus, organizations ought to consider taking action to prevent unauthorized access.