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[Home](/)[Vulnerabilities](/vulnerabilities)API Authorization Flaws[Back to Vulnerabilities](/vulnerabilities)Testing methodologyHow APVISO Tests API Authorization
==================================

API authorization flaws expose data or actions through endpoints that trust client state, scopes, tenant IDs, or object references too much.

Common Locations
----------------

- REST APIs
- GraphQL resolvers
- Admin APIs
- Webhook APIs
- Mobile app endpoints

APVISO Test Vectors
-------------------

- Scope downgrade
- Tenant swapping
- Object mutation
- GraphQL field access

Evidence Collected
------------------

- Endpoint and method
- Token or role context
- Unauthorized data or action proof
- Authorization design recommendation

Remediation Themes
------------------

- Authorize every resolver and handler
- Bind scopes to server-side resources
- Use deny-by-default policies
- Test API roles automatically

Methodology
-----------

API authorization testing checks whether each endpoint enforces the right permission for the right object, tenant, action, and scope. APVISO maps REST routes, GraphQL operations, mobile endpoints, webhook APIs, and admin APIs, then tests them under different caller contexts.

The pentester agent manipulates object IDs, tenants, roles, scopes, methods, and GraphQL fields. The lead agent evaluates whether a successful response violates the expected authorization model. This distinction helps reduce false positives and makes the finding easier to fix.

APVISO reports include the endpoint, caller context, unauthorized behavior, and recommended enforcement point. Fixes usually require centralized authorization, handler-level checks, resolver-level checks, and automated tests that exercise every sensitive API role.

Frequently Asked Questions
--------------------------

Does APVISO test GraphQL authorization?▾Yes. APVISO can test GraphQL fields, mutations, object access, and role boundaries when those endpoints are in scope.

How is API authorization different from authentication?▾Authentication proves who the caller is. Authorization decides what that caller can access or change. APVISO tests both, but API authorization focuses on permissions after identity is established.

Related Terms
-------------

[Api Security](/glossary/api-security)[Broken Access Control](/glossary/broken-access-control)[Idor](/glossary/idor)

Test for API Authorization Flaws with APVISO
--------------------------------------------

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