Using object capabilities and effects to build an authority-safe module system: poster

Abstract

The principle of least authority states that each component of a software system must have only the authority necessary for its execution and nothing else. This principle is a cornerstone of the security of software applications, but it is difficult to enforce in practice. Current programming languages, as well as non-linguistic approaches, do not provide adequate control over the authority of untrusted modules [1, 5]. To fill this gap, we designed and implemented a capability-based module system that facilitates controlling the security capabilities of software modules [2]. Furthermore, we are currently working on augmenting our module system with an effect system to make our design authority-safe. Our approach simplifies the process of ensuring that a software system maintains the principle of least authority, and also allows for attenuation of module authority [3]. Our design is implemented as part of the Wyvern programming language [4].