Broken Access Control refers to a vulnerability in the security configuration of an application or system that allows an attacker to access resources they shouldn't have permission to access. This vulnerability occurs when access control mechanisms are not properly implemented or enforced.
Broken Access Control typically occurs when:
- User permissions are not correctly checked before granting access to a resource.
- Direct accesses to URLs, files, or other resources are possible without access control checks.
- Access controls are based on outdated or inadequate authentication or authorization methods.
- Faulty configurations or inadequate security policies allow an attacker to bypass or escalate permissions.
This vulnerability can have serious consequences as it can allow an attacker to access sensitive data, manipulate systems, or perform other malicious actions for which they shouldn't have permission. To avoid Broken Access Control, it's crucial to implement a robust access control strategy that ensures only authorized users can access the appropriate resources and that all accesses are properly checked and enforced.
