Understanding How Authorization Schemes Work in Oracle APEX

Authorization schemes in Oracle APEX control access to different parts of an application, including entire pages, regions, buttons, or other UI components. By defining and applying an authorization scheme, developers can dynamically control what users can see and interact with based on predefined conditions.

Authorization Schemes in Oracle APEX are a core part of the application security model, used to control who can access specific components or features within your application. These schemes do not grant or revoke database access but instead allow or restrict user interaction within the APEX application UI, such as pages, regions, buttons, items, and processes.

At a high level, an Authorization Scheme is a named condition that evaluates to either true or false based on logic you define. If the result is true, access is granted. If false, access is denied.

Types of Authorization Schemes:

1. No Authorization Required – Default setting; anyone can access the component.

2. Must Not Be Public User – Common for components meant for authenticated users only.

3. Is in Role/Group – Used with APEX Access Control or LDAP integrations.

4. PL/SQL Function Returning Boolean – Fully customizable logic using PL/SQL code.

5. SQL Query Returning at Least One Row – Executes a SQL query to determine access.

Creating an Authorization Scheme:

1. Go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.

2. Click Create, then choose From Scratch or use a wizard.

3. Set the scheme type:

   • For PL/SQL:

     return :APP_USER in ('HR_ADMIN', 'MANAGER');
     

   • For SQL:

     select 1 from app_users where username = :APP_USER and role = 'EDITOR'
     

Applying Authorization Schemes:

Once created, apply the scheme to:

• Pages (Security > Authorization Scheme)

• Regions, Buttons, Items (Security section)

• Processes or Computations (Server-side condition)

You can also use authorization schemes in Server-Side Conditions and Dynamic Actions to further restrict access or behavior.

Combining with Authentication:

Authorization schemes work hand-in-hand with Authentication Schemes. Authentication proves who a user is, while authorization defines what they’re allowed to do once signed in.

Best Practices:

• Name schemes descriptively: e.g., Is_Admin, Can_Edit_Orders.

• Centralize complex logic in reusable schemes.

• Use SQL or PL/SQL based on performance and complexity needs.

• Test with different user accounts or impersonation.

Understanding and implementing Authorization Schemes properly ensures a secure and flexible Oracle APEX application where users only access what they are permitted to see or do.

When an authorization scheme is applied to a component, it evaluates to either pass or fail:

• If the scheme passes, the user has access to the component, and it is displayed.

• If the scheme fails, the component remains hidden or restricted.

• If an authorization scheme is applied at the application or page level and fails, Oracle APEX displays a predefined access restriction message.

Types of Authorization Schemes

Authorization schemes are flexible and can be based on various logic types, including:

• Exists SQL Query: Grants access if a specified SQL query returns at least one row.

• Not Exists SQL Query: Grants access if a specified SQL query returns no rows.

• PL/SQL Function Returning Boolean: Uses a PL/SQL function that returns TRUE or FALSE to determine access.

Applying Authorization Schemes to Components

Once an authorization scheme is created, it can be applied to various elements in the application:

• Application-Level Authorization: Restricts access to the entire application.

• Page-Level Authorization: Controls access to a specific page.

• Component-Level Authorization: Applies to buttons, regions, reports, or any other UI component.

To apply an authorization scheme to a component:

1. Navigate to the attributes page of the component.

2. Locate the Authorization Scheme setting.

3. Select the appropriate authorization scheme from the list.

By defining and assigning authorization schemes, developers can enforce fine-grained security controls, ensuring users only access the data and functionality they are authorized to use.