Understanding and Protecting Against API1: Broken Object Level Authorization

Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA), also known as Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR), is a prevalent API security vulnerability that allows attackers to manipulate object identifiers like user IDs or document IDs to access unauthorized data or resources. It arises from inadequate authorization checks within APIs, potentially leading to severe consequences such as privacy breaches, financial fraud, or system sabotage. BOLA occurs when APIs fail to ensure that users have legitimate permissions to access certain data or perform actions, often relying on predictable object identifiers without sufficient validation. To mitigate BOLA risks, APIs should implement robust authorization controls, validate user inputs rigorously, and follow the principle of least privilege. StackHawk offers a developer-first platform to aid in detecting and preventing BOLA vulnerabilities by integrating security testing into CI/CD pipelines, providing actionable information for remediation, and facilitating testing across various environments. With tools like HawkScan and customizable policies, StackHawk empowers developers to incorporate security into their API design, thus reducing the risks associated with BOLA.