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Writing ACL in Node.js: Explained

in Detail by using accesscontrol
Kevin Durant
May 30, 2023 5 min

and acl library

In the world of web development, ensuring secure access control is paramount to

safeguarding valuable resources and data. Access Control Lists (ACLs) play a vital role
in regulating access permissions in Node.js applications. In this article, we will delve
into the intricacies of writing ACLs in Node.js, understanding their significance, and
exploring the step-by-step process of implementing them.

Understanding ACLs
ACLs, in the context of Node.js, are a set of rules that determine the level of access
users have to various resources within an application. They consist of users, roles,
resources, and permissions. Users are entities interacting with the application, roles
define the sets of permissions assigned to users, resources represent the application
components being accessed, and permissions specify the actions users can perform
on resources.

ACL Implementation in Node.js

To begin implementing ACLs in Node.js, it is crucial to choose the right ACL library
that aligns with the project requirements. The library should offer comprehensive
features, ease of integration, and community support. Once selected, the ACL library
can be installed and configured within the Node.js project, which involves setting up
project dependencies and initializing the ACL system.

Defining User Roles and Permissions

Identifying user roles within the application is a crucial step in access control. Roles
can be based on user types, such as admin, moderator, or regular user, and dictate
the level of access each role should have. Permissions are then assigned to these
roles, specifying the actions and operations allowed for each role. Permissions can
include read, write, execute, or custom-defined actions tailored to the specific
requirements of the application.

Managing User Access Control

User registration and authentication are fundamental aspects of access control.
When users authenticate themselves, their roles are associated with their session or
user account. The roles are typically stored in a database or other persistent
storage, allowing the application to retrieve and verify the user's roles during
runtime. This association enables the application to enforce access control based on
the user's assigned roles.

Protecting Resources with ACLs

Identifying resources within the application is crucial for applying ACL rules
effectively. Resources can include URLs, routes, API endpoints, or any other
component that requires access control. ACL rules are then applied to these
resources, restricting access based on the roles assigned to users. Fine-grained
access control can be achieved by defining specific rules for each resource,
ensuring only authorized users can interact with them.

Express Middleware for ACL Integration

Express, a popular Node.js framework, offers middleware functionality that can be
leveraged for ACL integration. Middleware functions can be created to check user
permissions before allowing access to routes or resources. These functions
intercept incoming requests, verify the user's permissions based on their roles, and
either grant or deny access accordingly. Handling unauthorized access and error
cases is an essential part of the middleware implementation.

Advanced ACL Concepts

In addition to the core concepts of ACLs, there are advanced features that can
enhance access control in Node.js applications. Inheritance and role hierarchies
enable the establishment of parent-child relationships between roles, where child
roles inherit permissions from their parent roles. This simplifies permission
management and ensures consistency across related roles. Dynamic and contextual
permissions allow ACL rules to adapt to changing application states, evaluating
permissions based on runtime conditions or other contextual factors.

Testing and Debugging ACLs

Thorough testing and debugging are essential to ensure the accuracy and reliability
of ACL implementations. Unit testing ACL rules and functionality helps identify any
flaws or inconsistencies. Integration testing with various user scenarios ensures that
the ACL system works seamlessly with different user roles and resource
configurations. Debugging common ACL issues involves inspecting ACL
configurations, permissions, and error handling mechanisms, enabling swift
resolution of any issues that arise.

ACL in a Node.js application using the popular (acl)

library

const express = require('express');

const acl = require('acl');
const app = express();

// Initialize the ACL system

const aclInstance = new acl(new acl.memoryBackend());

// Define roles and their permissions

aclInstance.allow([
{
roles: 'admin',
allows: [
{ resources: '/admin', permissions: ['get', 'post', 'pu
{ resources: '/users', permissions: ['get', 'post', 'pu
],
},
{
roles: 'user',
allows: [
{ resources: '/users', permissions: ['get'] },
],
},
]);

// Middleware for checking user permissions

const checkPermissions = (resource) => {
return (req, res, next) => {
const userRoles = req.user.roles; // Assuming user roles
stored in the req.user object
const { method } = req;

aclInstance.isAllowed(userRoles, resource, method, (err,

if (err) {
console.error('Error checking permissions:', err);
return res.status(500).json({ error: 'Internal server
}

if (!allowed) {
return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Access denied'
}

// Access granted, proceed to the next middleware or ro

next();
});
};
};

// Protected routes
app.get('/admin', checkPermissions('/admin'), (req, res) => {
// Only accessible by users with 'admin' role
res.json({ message: 'Welcome to the admin panel' });
});

app.get('/users', checkPermissions('/users'), (req, res) => {

// Accessible by users with 'admin' and 'user' roles
res.json({ message: 'List of users' });
});

// Unauthorized route
app.get('/unauthorized', (req, res) => {
res.status(401).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
});

// Start the server

app.listen(3000, () => {
console.log('Server running on port 3000');
});

In this example, we utilize the acl library to implement access control in a Node.js
application. We initialize the ACL system, define roles ('admin' and 'user'), and assign
permissions to each role. The checkPermissions middleware is responsible for
verifying user permissions based on their roles before granting access to protected
routes. If a user does not have the required permissions, an appropriate error
response is sent.

The /admin route is protected and can only be accessed by users with the 'admin'
role. The /users route is accessible by both 'admin' and 'user' roles. If a user
attempts to access an unauthorized route, they receive a 401 Unauthorized
response.

Remember to install the acl library via npm ( npm install acl ) before running the
code. Adjust the code as per your application's specific requirements and integrate it
into your existing Node.js application for robust access control.

ACL in a Node.js application using the

(accesscontrol) library

const express = require('express');

const AccessControl = require('accesscontrol');
const app = express();

// Initialize the AccessControl instance

const ac = new AccessControl();

// Define roles and their permissions

ac.grant('admin')
.createAny('user')
.readAny('user')
.updateAny('user')
.deleteAny('user');

ac.grant('user')
.readOwn('profile')
.updateOwn('profile');

// Middleware for checking user permissions

const checkPermissions = (action, resource) => {
return (req, res, next) => {
const { user } = req;

const permission = ac.can(user.role)[action](resource);

if (!permission.granted) {
return res.status(403).json({ error: 'Access denied' })
}

// Access granted, proceed to the next middleware or rout

next();
};
};

// Protected routes
app.get('/user/:userId', checkPermissions('readAny', 'user'),
// Only accessible by users with 'admin' role
res.json({ message: 'User details' });
});

app.put('/user/:userId', checkPermissions('updateAny', 'user'

(req, res) => {
// Only accessible by users with 'admin' role
res.json({ message: 'User updated' });
});

app.get('/profile', checkPermissions('readOwn', 'profile'), (

// Accessible by users with 'admin' and 'user' roles
res.json({ message: 'User profile' });
});

// Unauthorized route
app.get('/unauthorized', (req, res) => {
res.status(401).json({ error: 'Unauthorized' });
});

// Start the server

app.listen(3000, () => {
console.log('Server running on port 3000');
});

In this example, we use the accesscontrol library to implement access control in a

Node.js application. We initialize the AccessControl instance, define roles ('admin'
and 'user'), and assign permissions to each role using a fluent API. The
checkPermissions middleware verifies user permissions based on their roles and the
requested action and resource. If a user does not have the required permissions, an
appropriate error response is sent.

The /user/:userId route is protected and can only be accessed by users with the
'admin' role. The /profile route is accessible by both 'admin' and 'user' roles, but
users can only read and update their own profile. If a user attempts to access an
unauthorized route, they receive a 401 Unauthorized response.

Remember to install the accesscontrol library via npm ( npm install accesscontrol )
before running the code. Adapt the code to fit your application's specific
requirements and integrate it into your existing Node.js application for robust access
control.

Conclusion
Implementing ACLs in Node.js applications is crucial for maintaining secure access
control and protecting valuable resources. By understanding the fundamental
concepts of ACLs, choosing the right ACL library, defining user roles and
permissions, and leveraging Express middleware, developers can create robust and
reliable access control mechanisms. Embracing advanced ACL concepts, testing
diligently, and following best practices ensure the effectiveness and longevity of the
implemented ACLs. Invest in writing ACLs for your Node.js applications to bolster
their security and provide a seamless user experience.

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