> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/iam/appsec-openapi-9.md).

# Security scopes of operations are not defined in securityDefinition misconfiguration detected in cod

## Rule Details

|                        |                        |
| ---------------------- | ---------------------- |
| Cortex AppSec Rule ID  | APPSEC\_OPENAPI\_9     |
| Category - Subcategory | Public Exposure - APIs |
| Provider               | OTHER                  |
| Severity               | MEDIUM                 |
| Framework              | OpenAPI                |

## Impact

This rule looks into the security definitions in OpenAPI 2.0 files to ensure that security scopes for operations are properly defined. If they are not properly defined, it could lead to insecure API endpoints, potentially leaving the application vulnerable to unauthorized access or breaches. This could result in unauthorized data access, manipulation, or even system takeover, hence it's crucial to ensure each operation has been mapped with the correct security scope.

## How to Fix

**OpenAPI**

To fix this issue in your OpenAPI (Swagger) file, define security scopes that allow you to set the level of access for each API operation. Specifically, include each security scope within the `securityDefinition` block.

```yaml
securityDefinitions:
  my_oauth:
    type: oauth2
    scopes:
      'read:stuff': Read access to the stuff
      'write:stuff': Write access to the stuff
    flow: implicit
    authorizationUrl: https://oauth.example.com/authorize
```

In the above code, `my_oauth` defines an OAuth security scheme where 'read:stuff' and 'write:stuff' are the specific scopes. The 'read:stuff' and 'write:stuff' scopes indicate the actions that can be performed when a user is granted these permissions. This structure ensures that API consumers understand what specific authorizations are required to access each operation. This is a strong practice in securing your API as it provides granularity in access control for each operation in your API specification.


---

# Agent Instructions
This documentation is published with GitBook. GitBook is the documentation platform designed so that both humans and AI agents can read, navigate, and reason over technical content effectively. Learn more at gitbook.com.

## Querying This Documentation
If you need additional information that is not directly available in this page, you can query the documentation by asking a question.

Perform an HTTP GET request on the following URL with the `ask` and `goal` query parameters:

```
GET https://cortex-docs.paloaltonetworks.com/appsec-rules/iac-security/iam/appsec-openapi-9.md?ask=<question>&goal=<user_goal>
```

`ask` is the immediate question: it should be specific, self-contained, and written in natural language.
`goal` is what the user is ultimately trying to achieve, the reason they need the answer. Sharing it helps GitBook give you a better, more relevant answer. A goal is most helpful when it describes the outcome the user wants rather than restating the question. For example, with `ask=how do I create an API token`, a goal like `automate deployments from our CI pipeline` lets GitBook tailor the answer to that use case.

The response will contain a direct answer to the question and relevant excerpts and sources from the documentation.

Use this mechanism when the answer is not explicitly present in the current page, you need clarification or additional context, or you want to retrieve related documentation sections.
