How to securely break into RBAC: the BTG-RBAC model

• Type: Article in International Conference Proceedings Book
• Date: 2009

Authors

Ferreira, Ana (Author) FMUP; Chadwick, David (Author) Other; Zao, Gansen (Author) Other; Farinha, Pedro (Author) Other; Correia, Ricardo (Author) FMUP; Chilro, Rui (Author) FCNAUP; Antunes, Luís (Author) FCUP

Conference proceedings International

Title: Proceedings - Annual Computer Security Applications Conference, ACSAC

Pages: 23-+

Twenty-Fifth Annual Computer Security Applications Conference, ACSAC 2009, Honolulu, Hawaii, 7-11 December 2009

Indexing

ISI Web of Knowledge - 49 Citations

Scopus - 92 Citations

Scientific classification

FOS: Engineering and technology > Other engineering and technologies

Other information

Authenticus ID: P-007-SJN

DOI: 10.1109/acsac.2009.12

Abstract (EN): Access control models describe frameworks that dictate how subjects (e.g. users) access resources. In the Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) model access to resources is based on the role the user holds within the organization. RBAC is a rigid model where access control decisions have only two output options: Grant or Deny. Break The Glass (BTG) policies on the other hand are flexible and allow users to break or override the access controls in a controlled and justifiable manner. The main objective of this paper is to integrate BTG within the NEST/ANSI RBAC model in a transparent and secure way so that it can be adopted generically in any domain where unanticipated or emergency situations may occur. The new proposed model, called BTG-RBAC, provides a third decision option BTG, which grants authorized users permission to break the glass rather than be denied access. This can easily be implemented in any application without major changes to either the application code or the RBAC authorization infrastructure, apart from the decision engine. Finally, in order to validate the model, we discuss how the BTG-RBAC model is being introduced within a Portuguese healthcare institution where the legislation requires that genetic information must be accessed by a restricted group of healthcare professionals. These professionals, advised by the ethical committee, have required and asked for the implementation of the BTG concept in order to comply with the said legislation.

Language: English

Type (Professor's evaluation): Scientific

No. of pages: 2