Remember BOLA
Full name: Broken Object Level Authorization
Memory aid: Broken Object Locks Allow unwanted access as a cue.
Authenticate the caller and separately authorize each object operation.
Study area: Threats & application security · Batch 8
Relevant study for: CompTIA Security+ SY0-701 · ISC2 CISSP 2024 outline · CompTIA CySA+ · CompTIA PenTest+
Practice with exam flashcards →Cybersecurity & Identity / Knowledge library
BOLA — Broken Object Level Authorization
Fails to enforce access rules on individual objects.
Why learn BOLA — Broken Object Level Authorization?
Fails to enforce access rules on individual objects.
Where it came from
Authenticate the caller and separately authorize each object operation.
- Memory aid (a learning cue, not the expansion): Broken Object Locks Allow unwanted access as a cue.
Build your understanding
Work through these exercises in order. Try the task before opening a reference.
- Without looking, expand BOLA: Broken Object Level Authorization.
- Recall this memory aid: Broken Object Locks Allow unwanted access as a cue.
- Explain the practical use: Fails to enforce access rules on individual objects.
- Explain this distinction: Authenticate the caller and separately authorize each object operation.
- Identify BOLA in a device specification, architecture diagram, or system inventory.
Documentation and sources
- OWASP application security cheat sheets (cheatsheetseries.owasp.org)