The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and with it comes the increasing importance of securing application programming interfaces (APIs). APIs serve as the backbone of modern software development, enabling communication between different systems and applications. However, they also present new challenges, one of which is ensuring robust security to prevent unauthorized access to data.
In this blog post, we will explore the concept of Broken Object Property Level Authorization, a critical aspect of API security. We will discuss why this issue arises, its potential impact, and how organizations can safeguard their APIs against vulnerabilities. Whether you are a developer, security professional, or business leader, this guide aims to provide valuable insights into strengthening your API defenses.
What is broken object property level authorization?
Broken object property level authorization is item 3 on the OWASP API Top 10. It occurs when an API fails to adequately control access to object properties. In simpler terms, this vulnerability allows users to access or modify data they should not have access to. This can lead to dire consequences, including data breaches, unauthorized data manipulation, and even account takeovers.
How does broken object property level authorization happen?
Most APIs have objects. These objects could be items in a catalog, a shopping cart, or an image. Objects have properties, or attributes, assigned to them such as a price, a color, or a size.
Broken object property level authorization happens when the API fails to properly validate that a user has access permissions to create, read, update, or delete attributes. This could lead to the API client being able to view hidden properties of objects or modify properties of objects inside the API.
While this is more prevalent in REST APIs, other protocols, such as GraphQL, can also be susceptible if not properly secured.
Other root causes of broken object property level authorization include:
Lack of proper input validation: APIs may fail to properly validate user inputs, allowing attackers to manipulate requests and access unauthorized data.
Insufficient access controls: Developers may overlook the need for strict access controls on sensitive object properties, leaving them vulnerable to exploitation.
Poorly designed data models: In some cases, APIs may expose all or too many object properties by default, making it challenging to restrict access effectively.
Mass assignment of properties: APIs that allow for bulk updates may also be vulnerable to broken object property level authorization if proper checks are not in place.
Examples of broken object property level authorization.
Let us explore some common scenarios where this vulnerability can manifest.
The Dating App Dilemma: Consider a dating app that allows users to report inappropriate behavior. When a user reports another, an API call is triggered, accessing sensitive user properties such as “fullName” and “recentLocation.” If the API endpoint lacks proper authorization checks, users can access the information of the person who reported them, leading to follow-on harassment.
The Marketplace Manipulation: In an online marketplace platform, hosts rent out apartments to guests. A host may send a legitimate API request to approve a booking but manipulate the payload to alter the rental price. Without robust authorization checks, this oversight could lead to unauthorized and excessive charges.
The Social Network Sneak-In: A social network with restrictive content filters allows users to update video descriptions through an API request. However, users can modify the “blocked” status of their videos if the API endpoint lacks validation, bypassing content restrictions.
How broken object property level authorization impacts your business.
As we have seen in the examples of broken object property level authorization, this vulnerability can result in severe repercussions for businesses across various areas.
Data breaches.
When object property level authorization is not enforced, it can lead to unauthorized access to sensitive data. As attackers exploit these vulnerabilities, businesses may face data breaches that result in the exposure of personal and financial information. Such breaches are costly, not only in terms of monetary loss but also in terms of time and resources needed for remediation and damage control.
Increase in fraud.
Lapses in authorization can open the door to fraudulent activities. Attackers could exploit weak API security to manipulate data, conduct unauthorized transactions, or escalate privileges, leading to an increase in fraud. This not only affects the company’s bottom line but also undermines consumer trust in the integrity of its services.
Exposure of private information.
The improper handling of API requests can result in the inadvertent exposure of private customer information. When sensitive details like names, addresses, or payment information are accessible without proper checks, it raises the risk of identity theft and other malicious activities, damaging individuals’ privacy and safety.
Fines for non-compliance with privacy and security regulations.
Failure to secure sensitive data adequately can lead to hefty fines for non-compliance with privacy and security regulations such as GDPR or CCPA. Businesses must adhere to these laws or face legal and financial penalties. Ensuring robust authorization practices is crucial to maintaining compliance and avoiding these costly repercussions.
Loss of customer confidence.
Repeated security failures erode customer confidence. Consumers expect their personal information to be secure, and when a business consistently fails to protect it, they will take their business elsewhere. Restoring trust after such incidents is a lengthy and challenging process, often resulting in significant loss of revenue and market share.
Preventing broken object property level authorization.
Ensuring API security is paramount for any organization using APIs, which today means every organization. By implementing proper authorization controls at the object property level, businesses can prevent unauthorized access and maintain data integrity.
Implementing access controls.
One of the most effective ways to prevent broken object property level authorization is by implementing strict access controls. This involves validating user permissions for each object property before granting access, ensuring that only authorized users can view or modify sensitive data.
Avoiding excessive data exposure.
APIs should avoid returning unnecessary data to clients. By carefully selecting which properties to expose to clients, businesses can reduce the risk of excessive data exposure. This practice not only enhances security but also improves API performance by minimizing data transfer.
Leveraging schema-based validation.
Schema-based response validation is an additional layer of security that can be employed to ensure data integrity. By defining explicit schemas for API responses, developers can enforce data structures and validate returned data, reducing the likelihood of unauthorized data manipulation.
Use an API security solution.
To further enhance object property level authorization, businesses should consider investing in an API security solution. These solutions typically offer features like advanced access controls, data encryption, and threat detection to protect APIs from malicious attacks.
Implement strict input validation.
Ensure that all user inputs are properly validated to prevent attackers from manipulating requests. This includes checking for the correct data type, length, and format of inputs to prevent injection attacks or other malicious activities.
Follow the principle of least privilege.
Only expose necessary object properties to specific users or roles. This way, even if an attacker gains access to a specific user’s account, they will only have limited access to sensitive data.
Avoid mass assignment.
Mass assignment vulnerabilities occur when APIs automatically bind client input to internal object properties without proper validation. This can result in unauthorized access to sensitive properties, such as user roles or financial data. Let us examine a couple of examples to illustrate this point.
Educating developers on best practices.
Educating developers on API security best practices is crucial in preventing broken object property level authorization. By providing training and resources on secure coding techniques and keeping developers up to date with the latest security trends, businesses can reduce the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive data through APIs.
Regular security audits.
It is important for businesses to regularly conduct security audits on their APIs to identify any potential vulnerabilities. These audits should include testing for broken object property level authorization and other security measures such as authentication, encryption, and access controls.
API security is a necessity for modern businesses.
API security is a critical component of modern software development. Broken object property level authorization represents a significant vulnerability that organizations must address to protect sensitive data and maintain operational integrity.
To enhance API security, businesses should implement access controls, avoid excessive data exposure, and mitigate mass assignment vulnerabilities. By leveraging schema-based validation and adopting best practices, organizations can fortify their APIs against unauthorized access.
By taking proactive measures to secure APIs, organizations can protect their data, enhance user trust, and maintain a competitive edge in today’s digital landscape.
How Vercara can help.
Vercara’s UltraAPI suite offers specialized solutions designed to safeguard APIs from various attacks, including Broken Object Property-Level Authorization. The suite includes three key components:
UltraAPI Comply acts as a guardian in front of API servers, utilizing machine learning to detect API schemas, data types, and security controls, thereby identifying potential security and compliance vulnerabilities along with their risks.
UltraAPI Bot Manager functions inline to defend APIs by detecting and blocking attacks and unwanted automated bots.
UltraAPI Discover examines APIs from an attacker’s perspective online, identifying API endpoints, schema definitions, and the security measures that protect them.
For those seeking to bolster their API security further, consulting with our security experts is a recommended step.
