1. Where does it come from?

Origin: The issue of IDOR arises from an application's failure to adequately verify whether a user is authorized to access a specific object. This is often associated with insecure data access patterns, such as directly using object references from user input (like URL parameters).

Comparative State: In the context of more security-conscious modern application development, stricter access controls are usually implemented. However, if these security measures are overlooked by developers, IDOR issues can still occur.

2. What is it?

Concept Explanation: IDOR occurs when an attacker can access data they shouldn't by manipulating object references in URLs, form fields, or query parameters. For example, accessing other users' data by changing the user ID in a URL.

Defensive Principles:

1. Strict Access Control: Ensure the application verifies a user's access rights before accessing any sensitive object.
2. Avoid Direct Object References: Use indirect references (like tokens or randomly generated IDs) instead of direct references.
3. Thorough Input Validation: Validate all user-supplied inputs to prevent malicious manipulation.

Real-world Example:

• Background: An online file storage service allows users to access their files directly through a URL.
• Problem: Attackers access other users' private files by simply modifying the file ID in the URL.
• Solution: Implement role-based access control and use indirect references to access files.

    
        class UserDetails extends React.Component {
            componentDidMount() {
              const userId = this.props.match.params.id; // User ID from URL
          
              // Dangerous: Fetching user details based on user-modifiable input without proper authorization
              fetch(`/api/users/${userId}`)
                .then(response => response.json())
                .then(data => this.setState({ user: data }));
            }
          
            render() {
              // Render user details
            }
          }         
    
  

3. Where is it going?

Challenges: As applications become more complex, maintaining effective access control and preventing IDOR attacks becomes increasingly difficult.

Future Developments: Develop more advanced security strategies and tools, such as using AI to identify and prevent IDOR vulnerabilities.