Unprivileged Access of Privilege URLs is found for GET/POST requests.

  1. Home

What is the Vulnerability?

This vulnerability happens when privileged endpoints, such as admin URLs, user update APIs, and configuration panels, can be accessed without proper session validation.

In a secure web application, each request to sensitive resources should link to a valid, active user session. When this validation is absent, unauthenticated or unprivileged users can directly send GET or POST requests to endpoints intended for authorized roles.

This means:
  • Unauthorized individuals can perform privileged actions like viewing admin data, modifying user information, or triggering internal processes.
  • The application fails to verify who is making the request; it only checks the endpoint access, not the associated user session or role.

Impact of the Vulnerability

Unprivileged Users Accessing Admin Functions

Attackers can directly access admin URLs like /admin/users, /config/update, etc.

Data Manipulation or Leakage

Unauthorized POST requests could change or delete user data, system settings, etc.

Information Disclosure

GET requests to privileged pages might leak sensitive system data or internal APIs.

No Accountability

Since requests are not tied to a session, auditing and logging won't show who did it.

Non-Compliance with Security Standards

Violates industry standards such as OWASP ASVS, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and GDPR.

Solution to Fix the Vulnerability

To address this issue, make sure every request to a privileged resource is linked to an authenticated and authorized user session.

1. Implement Session Binding

Connect each request with a valid server-side session or access token. Make sure token or session validation occurs before processing any business logic.

2. Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)

Set strict access rules: Only allow authorized roles, such as admin and moderator, to access protected endpoints. Reject requests from unauthenticated or low-privileged users.

3. Secure All Endpoints

Perform access checks on both the frontend and backend. Do not rely on frontend logic to hide or disable admin buttons or menus.

4. Session Timeout and Expiry

Invalid sessions after inactivity or logout. Reject requests made with expired or missing session tokens.

5. Avoid Insecure Libraries and Framework Defaults

Do not use backend settings that allow public access to API routes by default. Avoid frameworks or plugins that do not enforce authentication middleware by default.