Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) - OWASP Top 10

1. Introduction

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a security mechanism used to restrict access to resources based on the roles assigned to users within an organization. This model is fundamental in preventing unauthorized access and maintaining data integrity.

2. Key Concepts

• Roles: Defined sets of permissions that can be assigned to users.
• Users: Individuals who have access to the system and can be assigned one or more roles.
• Permissions: Specific rights to perform actions on resources.

3. Implementation

Implementing RBAC involves the following steps:

1. Identify resources that require access control.
2. Define user roles based on job functions.
3. Assign permissions to each role.
4. Map users to roles based on their responsibilities.
5. Regularly review roles and permissions to ensure they meet current business needs.

Below is a simple code example demonstrating RBAC in a Python application:

class Role:
    def __init__(self, name, permissions):
        self.name = name
        self.permissions = permissions

class User:
    def __init__(self, username, roles):
        self.username = username
        self.roles = roles

    def has_permission(self, permission):
        return any(permission in role.permissions for role in self.roles)

# Defining roles and permissions
admin_role = Role('admin', ['create', 'read', 'update', 'delete'])
editor_role = Role('editor', ['read', 'update'])

# Creating users
admin_user = User('admin_user', [admin_role])
editor_user = User('editor_user', [editor_role])

# Checking permissions
print(admin_user.has_permission('delete'))  # True
print(editor_user.has_permission('delete'))  # False
                

4. Best Practices

• Use the principle of least privilege to assign roles.
• Regularly audit roles and permissions.
• Implement role hierarchies to reduce redundancy.
• Document role definitions and permissions clearly.

5. FAQ