Policy contexts: controlling information flow in parameterised RBAC

Abstract

Many RBAC models have augmented the fundamental requirement of a role abstraction with features such as parameterised roles and environment-aware policy. We examine the potential for unintentional leakage of information during RBAC policy enforcement, either through the exchange of parameters with external services when checking environmental conditions, or through a policy design which does not appropriately separate policy subsections with different basic purposes. We propose a simple, robust mechanism for handling these problems, and illustrate our approach with a current application of our OASIS RBAC system.