Secure API Design

Definition

The overarching architectural mindset of building APIs with 'Defense in Depth', ensuring minimal data exposure, proper authentication layers, and resilience against attacks.

Explain Like I'm New

Don't send data you don't need to. Don't trust anyone. Secure your endpoints.

Real World Example

Mass Assignment Vulnerability. A developer writes an update function that takes everything in the Request Body and saves it to the DB. A hacker sends `PUT /users/1` with `{ "name": "John", "isAdmin": true }`. The developer's lazy API accidentally makes the hacker an admin.

Common Use Cases

•Enterprise Architecture
•Penetration testing defense

Interactive Example

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Interview Questions

basic

What does the principle of 'Least Privilege' mean in API design?

intermediate

Why should you never return detailed database error messages (like SQL syntax errors) in your API responses?

Flash Cards

Question

Least Privilege?

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Answer

It means an API token, user, or microservice should only have the absolute minimum permissions required to do its job, and nothing more.

Question

Why hide DB errors?

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Answer

Information Leakage. If you return an error like `SQL syntax error near SELECT * FROM admin_users`, the hacker now knows exactly what database you use (MySQL) and the exact name of your sensitive tables. Always return generic 500 errors.