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Introduction
Insecure Direct Object Reference (IDOR) vulnerabilities remain a critical security flaw in web applications, allowing attackers to bypass authorization by manipulating object references. Bipin Rai, a seasoned penetration tester, has developed a prototype automating IDOR detection using 100+ bypass techniques—changing the game for bug hunters and security professionals.
Learning Objectives
- Understand the core techniques used in IDOR exploitation
- Learn how automation can enhance vulnerability detection
- Discover advanced bypass methods beyond simple UID manipulation
You Should Know
1. HTTP Method Manipulation for IDOR Bypass
Command:
curl -X PUT -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" https://target.com/api/user/5/profile
What It Does:
Switching HTTP methods (GET → PUT/POST/DELETE) can bypass weak authorization checks.
Step-by-Step:
- Capture a request as User A (e.g.,
GET /api/user/5/profile). - Replay it as User B with `PUT` or
DELETE. - Check if the action executes without proper validation.
2. Parameter Pollution to Bypass Checks
Command:
curl -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" "https://target.com/api/user?uid=5&uid=6"
What It Does:
Sending duplicate parameters (uid=5&uid=6) can confuse backend logic, leading to IDOR.
Step-by-Step:
- Identify an endpoint with a user-controlled parameter (e.g.,
uid).
2. Send multiple instances of the same parameter.
- Observe if the server processes an unintended value.
3. JSON Key Case Manipulation
Command:
curl -X POST -H "Content-Type: application/json" -d '{"UserID":5}' -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" https://target.com/api/profile
What It Does:
Altering JSON key casing (userID vs UserID) can bypass case-sensitive validation.
Step-by-Step:
1. Capture a JSON request from User A.
- Modify key casing and replay as User B.
3. Verify if the request succeeds.
4. Path Mutation with Special Extensions
Command:
curl -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" "https://target.com/api/user/5.json"
What It Does:
Appending `.json` or `.xml` to paths can trigger different parsers, bypassing checks.
Step-by-Step:
1. Find an endpoint like `/api/user/5`.
2. Append `.json`, `.xml`, or unexpected extensions.
- Check if the server processes the request differently.
5. Null Byte and Special Character Injection
Command:
curl -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" "https://target.com/api/user/5%00"
What It Does:
Null bytes (%00) or special chars can truncate or alter backend processing.
Step-by-Step:
1. Test endpoints with appended null bytes (`%00`).
- Try other special chars like
../,;, or|.
3. Observe if access controls break.
6. Array Wrapping for Broken Access Control
Command:
curl -X POST -H "Cookie: session=USER_B_SESSION" -d "userid[]=5" https://target.com/api/profile
What It Does:
Wrapping parameters in arrays (userid[]=5) can bypass weak type checks.
Step-by-Step:
1. Identify a numeric ID parameter.
2. Send it as an array (`userid[]=5`).
3. Check if authorization fails.
What Undercode Say
- Automation is the future: Manual IDOR testing is time-consuming; Rai’s approach demonstrates how automation can uncover hidden flaws.
- Beyond UID changes: Most testers only check `user_id` manipulation—advanced techniques like HTTP method switching and JSON key casing reveal deeper vulnerabilities.
Analysis:
Rai’s prototype highlights a shift toward AI-driven bug hunting, where predefined logic replaces guesswork. As web apps grow more complex, automated tools incorporating 100+ bypass methods will become essential for both attackers and defenders.
Prediction
Within two years, AI-powered IDOR scanners will dominate bug bounty programs, forcing developers to adopt stricter authorization frameworks like attribute-based access control (ABAC). Companies ignoring automation in security testing will face increased breach risks.
Final Thought:
The era of manual IDOR testing is ending. Embrace automation—or get left behind. 🚀
🎯Let’s Practice For Free:
IT/Security Reporter URL:
Reported By: Bipin Rai – Hackers Feeds
Extra Hub: Undercode MoN
Basic Verification: Pass ✅
