Broken Access Control

Access control vulnerabilities

What is Access Control?

Access control is a security mechanism used to control which users or systems are allowed to access a particular resource or system. Access control is implemented in computer systems to ensure that only authorized users have access to resources, such as files, directories, databases, and web pages. The primary goal of access control is to protect sensitive data and ensure that it is only accessible to those who are authorized to access it.

In the context of web applications, access control is dependent on authentication and session management:

• Authentication confirms that the user is who they say they are.
• Session management identifies which subsequent HTTP requests are being made by that same user.
• Access control determines whether the user is allowed to carry out the action that they are attempting to perform.

Broken access controls are common and often present a critical security vulnerability. Design and management of access controls is a complex and dynamic problem that applies business, organizational, and legal constraints to a technical implementation. Access control design decisions have to be made by humans so the potential for errors is high.

Access control can be implemented in different ways, depending on the type of resource being protected and the security requirements of the application or system . Some common access control mechanisms include:

1. Vertical access controls

Vertical access controls are mechanisms that restrict access to sensitive functionality to specific types of users.

With vertical access controls, different types of users have access to different application functions. For example, an administrator might be able to modify or delete any user’s account, while an ordinary user has no access to these actions. Vertical access controls can be more fine-grained implementations of security models designed to enforce business policies such as separation of duties and least privilege.

2. Horizontal access controls

Horizontal access controls are mechanisms that restrict access to resources to specific users.

With horizontal access controls, different users have access to a subset of resources of the same type. For example, a banking application will allow a user to view transactions and make payments from their own accounts, but not the accounts of any other user.

3. Context-dependent access controls

Context-dependent access controls restrict access to functionality and resources based upon the state of the application or the user’s interaction with it.

Context-dependent access controls prevent a user performing actions in the wrong order. For example, a retail website might prevent users from modifying the contents of their shopping cart after they have made payment.

4. Discretionary Access Control (DAC)

In this type of access control, the resource owner or administrator determines who is allowed to access a resource and what actions they are allowed to perform. DAC is commonly used in operating systems and file systems. In layman’s terms, imagine a castle where the king can give keys to his advisors, allowing them to open any doors they like, whenever they want. That’s DAC for you. It’s the liberty to control access to your own resources. The one in charge, like the king of the castle, can hand out permissions to whomever they please, dictating who can come in and out.

5. Mandatory Access Control (MAC)

In this type of access control, access to resources is determined by a set of predefined rules or policies that are enforced by the system. MAC is commonly used in highly secure environments, such as government and military systems. In layman’s terms, picture a fort with an iron-clad security protocol. Only specific individuals with particular security clearances can access certain areas, and this is non-negotiable. The high commander sets the rules, and they are rigorously followed. That’s how MAC works. It’s like the stern security officer who allows no exceptions to the rule.

6. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

In this type of access control, users are assigned roles that define their level of access to resources. RBAC is commonly used in enterprise systems, where users have different levels of authority based on their job responsibilities. In layman’s terms, imagine a modern corporation. You have your managers, your executives, your sales staff, etc. They each have different access to the building. Some can enter the boardroom, others can access the sales floor, and so on. That’s the essence of RBAC — assigning access based on a person’s role within an organization.

7. Attribute-Based Access Control (ABAC)

In this type of access control, access to resources is determined by a set of attributes, such as user role, time of day, location, and device. ABAC is commonly used in cloud environments and web applications. In layman’s terms, think of a highly advanced sci-fi security system that scans individuals for certain attributes. Maybe it checks whether they’re from a particular planet, whether they’re carrying a specific device, or if they’re trying to access a resource at a specific time. That’s ABAC. It’s like the smart, flexible security of the future.

Implementing access control can help prevent security breaches and unauthorized access to sensitive data. However, access control is not foolproof and can be vulnerable to various types of attacks, such as privilege escalation and broken access control vulnerabilities. Therefore, it is important to regularly review and test access control mechanisms to ensure that they are working as intended.

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