Authorization Bypass

Definition ∞ An Authorization Bypass is a security flaw that permits an actor to circumvent access controls and gain unauthorized entry or privileges within a system. This vulnerability allows operations to proceed without proper authentication or permission verification. Such a bypass can grant access to sensitive data, administrative functions, or the ability to manipulate digital assets without legitimate rights. Detecting and rectifying these flaws is paramount for maintaining system integrity and user asset safety.
Context ∞ Authorization Bypass vulnerabilities remain a significant concern in decentralized finance and blockchain protocols, frequently appearing in security audits of smart contracts and dApps. News often reports on exploits where attackers leveraged these weaknesses to drain liquidity pools or seize control of governance mechanisms. Ongoing efforts focus on rigorous code review and formal verification to mitigate this persistent threat to digital asset security.