An Algebraic Model to Analyze Role-Based Access Control Policies

Abstract

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC) is a well known access control model used to preserve the confidentiality of information by specifying the ability of users to access information based on their roles. Usually these policies would be manipulated by combining or comparing them especially when defined in a distributed way. Furthermore, these policies should satisfy predefined authorization constraints.
 
 In this paper, we present an algebraic model for specifying and analyzing RBAC policies. The proposed model enables us to specify policies and verify the satisfaction of predefined authorization constraints. Furthermore, the model allows us to combine policies and analyze their effect on predefined constraints. The model consists of few operators that give simplicity in specifying polices. We present a prototype tool used for facilitating the analysis.