What is Broken Object Level Authorization?

Broken object level authorization (BOLA) is an API security vulnerability that occurs when an application fails to properly verify whether a user is authorized to access a specific data object or resource. As a result, attackers can manipulate object identifiers, such as user IDs, account numbers, or record references, to access data belonging to other users.

BOLA is ranked API1:2023 in the OWASP API Security Top 10 because APIs commonly expose object identifiers, making object-level authorization checks essential. If authorization checks are missing or improperly enforced, sensitive information can be exposed even when authentication mechanisms function correctly.

Why is Broken Object Level Authorization Dangerous?

BOLA vulnerabilities can allow attackers to access confidential customer records, financial information, healthcare data, intellectual property, and other sensitive assets. Because BOLA can be exploited by authenticated users, authentication monitoring alone may not detect unauthorized object-level access.

The impact may include data breaches, privacy violations, regulatory penalties, and loss of customer trust. In severe cases, attackers may access or modify many exposed objects if authorization checks are missing and object identifiers can be abused at scale.

How Broken Object Level Authorization Works

BOLA occurs when applications validate a user’s identity but fail to verify ownership or authorization for the requested object.

The vulnerability is commonly associated with APIs but can also affect web and mobile applications that expose object references to users.

BOLA vs Broken Access Control

Broken object level authorization is a specific type of access control failure.

Every BOLA vulnerability is a broken access control issue, but not every broken access control issue involves object-level authorization.

How Hexnode Supports Stronger Access Governance

Preventing BOLA requires application and API-level authorization checks for every object request; endpoint visibility, policy enforcement, and identity-aware controls support broader security governance. Hexnode helps organizations strengthen endpoint and identity security posture through centralized endpoint management, compliance monitoring, policy enforcement, device visibility, and identity-aware access controls that combine user identity with device posture.

By enabling organizations to verify device compliance and enforce endpoint policies across managed devices, Hexnode supports broader security and governance initiatives that complement application and API security programs.

Best Practices to Prevent BOLA

Organizations should implement authorization checks for every request that accesses protected resources.

Key recommendations include:

• Enforce object-level authorization on the server side
• Apply the principle of least privilege
• Validate ownership before granting access
• Avoid relying solely on client-side controls
• Monitor API access patterns and anomalies
• Conduct regular API security testing
• Review authorization logic during development

Consistent authorization validation helps prevent attackers from accessing data beyond their intended permissions.