A routing rule selects between two different authentication mechanisms for the same downstream service based on the value of a client-supplied request header, rather than on any property the client cannot control. An authenticated user in possession of a shared service credential can set this header to route around the primary role-based authorization check and reach the alternate path's fixed, elevated role instead. This allows a low-privileged authenticated attacker who knows the shared credential to perform actions reserved for a higher-privileged role.

A routing rule selects between two different authentication mechanisms for the same downstream service based on the value of a client-supplied request header, rather than on any property the client cannot control. An authenticated user in possession of a shared service credential can set this header to route around the primary role-based authorization check and reach the alternate path's fixed, elevated role instead. This allows a low-privileged authenticated attacker who knows the shared credential to perform actions reserved for a higher-privileged role.