Overly Permissive Security

Overly permissive security refers to security configurations, policies, or practices that grant excessive access, privileges, or permissions beyond what is necessary for users, applications, or systems to function. This concept is a critical vulnerability in cybersecurity, often leading to unauthorized access, data breaches, or system compromises. It commonly arises from misconfigurations, default settings, or lack of principle of least privilege enforcement.

Also known as: Excessive Permissions, Overly Broad Access, Lax Security, Overprivileged Configurations, Permissive Security Misconfigurations

Why learn Overly Permissive Security?

Developers should learn about overly permissive security to prevent common vulnerabilities in applications and infrastructure, such as in cloud storage (e.g., S3 buckets), network settings, or user roles. Understanding this helps in implementing secure-by-design practices, reducing attack surfaces, and complying with security standards like OWASP or CIS benchmarks. It is essential for roles in DevOps, security engineering, or any development involving access control.

Learning Resources

• docs: OWASP Top 10: Security Misconfiguration
• docs: CIS Benchmarks for Security Configuration
• docs: AWS Security Best Practices: Avoiding Overly Permissive Policies
• course: Principle of Least Privilege Explained - Coursera Course
• video: YouTube: Common Security Misconfigurations in Cloud