LLM08:2023 - Insufficient Access Controls

Description:
Insufficient access controls occur when access controls or authentication mechanisms are not properly implemented, allowing unauthorized users to interact with the LLM and potentially exploit vulnerabilities.

Common Access Control Issues:

• Failing to enforce strict authentication requirements for accessing the LLM.
• Inadequate role-based access control (RBAC) implementation, allowing users to perform actions beyond their intended permissions.
• Failing to provide proper access controls for LLM-generated content and actions.

How to Prevent:

• Implement strong authentication mechanisms, such as multi-factor authentication, to ensure that only authorized users can access the LLM.
• Use role-based access control (RBAC) to define and enforce user permissions based on their roles and responsibilities.
• Implement proper access controls for content and actions generated by the LLM to prevent unauthorized access or manipulation.
• Regularly audit and update access controls as needed to maintain security and prevent unauthorized access.

Example Attack Scenarios: Scenario #1: An attacker gains unauthorized access to an LLM because of weak authentication mechanisms, allowing them to exploit vulnerabilities or manipulate the system.

Scenario #2: A user with limited permissions is able to perform actions beyond their intended scope due to inadequate RBAC implementation, potentially causing harm or compromising the system.

By properly implementing access controls and authentication mechanisms, developers can prevent unauthorized users from interacting with the LLM and reduce the risk of vulnerabilities being exploited.