Shadow APIs and broken object level authorization (BOLA) are on the rise. Learn how to secure your endpoints.
The Invisible Attack Surface
APIs are the connective tissue of modern applications, but they are often the least secured. As highlighted by the OWASP API Security Top 10, the risks are unique and often bypassed by traditional WAFs.
Broken Object Level Authorization (BOLA)
Previously known as IDOR, BOLA is the #1 API vulnerability. It occurs when an API endpoint relies on the client-side ID to access a resouce without checking if the requester is authorized.
Example: Changing /api/user/123/payslip to /api/user/124/payslip and seeing another employee's data.
The Danger of Shadow APIs
"Shadow APIs" are endpoints that developers create for testing or legacy purposes but forget to document or secure. These undocumented doors often lack authentication, rate limiting, or logging, providing attackers with a silent entry point into the backend database.
Securing the API Lifecycle
- Schema Validation: Enforce strict typing. If an API expects an integer, it should reject a SQL string.
- Rate Limiting & Throttling: Prevent Denial of Service (DoS) and brute-force attacks by limiting requests per user/IP.
- OAuth 2.0 & OIDC: Never roll your own crypto. Use standard protocols for token-based authentication.
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Key Takeaways for Enterprise Security
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- Identify critical assets and map dependencies.
- Implement continuous monitoring with automated tools like VulnSentry.
- Establish a robust incident response plan.
Stay vigilant. The threat landscape is constantly evolving, and static defense strategies are no longer sufficient.