OWASP API 3: Broken Object Property Level Authorization

Introduction:

In the realm of securing APIs, Broken Object Property Level Authorization holds the third position in the OWASP Top 10 API Security Risks for 2023. Let’s delve into why this issue is crucial for APIs and explain it in a detailed yet straightforward manner.

Understanding Broken Object Property Level Authorization in APIs:

Think of APIs as digital archives containing various documents, and each document has specific properties. Broken Object Property Level Authorization is akin to allowing unauthorized access to or modification of certain properties within a document, jeopardizing the integrity of the digital archive.

Why It’s a Priority to Address in API Security:

Similar to ensuring that confidential details within documents remain secure in a physical archive, addressing Broken Object Property Level Authorization is vital for APIs. It guarantees that only authorized programs can access or modify specific properties, maintaining the integrity and security of the digital archive.

Common Issues and Their Everyday Examples:

1. Reading the Entire Document (Unauthorized Data Access):
   • Broken Object Property Level Authorization may permit unauthorized programs to read the entire document instead of specific properties. It’s akin to someone gaining access to the full content of a document when they should only be able to view specific details.
2. Editing Properties Without Permission (Unauthorized Data Modification):
   • Similar to someone editing properties within a document they shouldn’t, Broken Object Property Level Authorization could allow programs to modify data properties they are not authorized to change.
3. Confusing Who Can Access What (Access Control Flaws):
   • Broken Object Property Level Authorization can create confusion regarding who can access or modify specific properties within a document. It’s like a mix-up where someone is allowed to edit certain details but shouldn’t, causing disorder in the document’s structure.

How to Fix Broken Object Property Level Authorization in APIs:

4. Clearly Define Property Permissions (Authorization Policies):
   • Clearly outlining who has permission to access or modify specific properties is crucial. It’s similar to specifying which individuals are allowed to view or edit certain details within a document.
5. Implement Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):
   • Use RBAC to assign roles to programs, allowing them to access specific properties. It’s like designating different roles for individuals within an organization, ensuring they have access to the necessary information.
6. Regularly Audit and Update Permissions (Ongoing Authorization Validation):
   • Consistently checking and updating permissions ensures that they remain current and accurate. It’s comparable to periodically reviewing access permissions for individuals in an organization to ensure they align with their roles.
7. Use Access Tokens for Property Authorization:
   • Utilize access tokens to verify if a program has the right to access specific properties. It’s akin to having a secure key that grants access to certain sections within a digital archive.
8. Educate Developers on Proper Property Level Authorization:
   • Ensure developers understand the importance of correctly assigning property-level permissions. It’s like educating employees on how to handle and safeguard specific information within an organization.
9. Implement Granular Access Controls:
   • Define access controls at a granular level, specifying exactly what each program can or cannot do with specific properties. It’s like providing individuals access only to the specific data points they need, ensuring data integrity.

Why It Matters for API Security:

Broken Object Property Level Authorization matters because it ensures that programs can only access or modify the properties they are authorized to, preventing unauthorized access or modification. It’s akin to maintaining a well-organized digital archive where each program has access only to the details they are allowed to interact with.

In a Nutshell:

Think of APIs as digital archives, each containing various documents with specific properties. Broken Object Property Level Authorization is like allowing unauthorized access or modification of certain properties within a document, jeopardizing the integrity of the digital archive. Fixing it means clearly defining property permissions, implementing role-based access control, regularly auditing and updating permissions, using access tokens, educating developers on proper property-level authorization, and implementing granular access controls. This ensures our digital archives operate securely and efficiently, with each program interacting only with the properties it’s authorized to access or modify, preserving the integrity of the digital content.