HOW DO I Delete Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

Introduction

Deleting Access Control roles in Oracle APEX is an important task when roles become obsolete or need to be removed to streamline application security. Access Control roles, managed under Shared Components, define user permissions for role-based access control, and removing unused or outdated roles helps maintain a clean and secure application. However, deleting roles requires careful consideration to avoid disrupting existing authorization schemes or user access. This blog post will guide you through the process of deleting Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, provide detailed steps, share best practices, and include a link to the official Oracle APEX documentation for further guidance.

Steps to Delete Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

1. Understanding Access Control Roles
   Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, defined in Shared Components > Application Access Control, represent permission levels (e.g., Administrator, Editor, Viewer) used in authorization schemes to control access to application components. Deleting a role removes it from the Application Access Control list and requires updating any associated user mappings and authorization schemes to prevent access issues.

2. Checking Role Usage
   Before deleting a role, verify where it is used to avoid unintended consequences:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Application Access Control in your Oracle APEX application.
   • Review the list of roles (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR," "EDITOR") and note the role targeted for deletion.
   • Check for dependencies by examining associated authorization schemes:
     • Go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
     • Look for schemes referencing the role in their logic, such as:

       SELECT 1
       FROM apex_access_control
       WHERE username = :APP_USER
       AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
       

     • Use the Used In column in the Authorization Schemes list to identify pages, regions, or buttons linked to these schemes.
   • Query the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table to identify users assigned to the role:

     SELECT username
     FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

3. Removing User-Role Mappings
   Before deleting the role, update or remove user assignments:

   • Access the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table (or equivalent custom table) used for role mappings.
   • Delete or reassign users mapped to the role. Example:

     DELETE FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

     Or reassign to a different role:

     UPDATE apex_access_control
     SET access_level = 'EDITOR'
     WHERE access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

   • If using a form to manage roles, update assignments via the interface and ensure the form is secured with an authorization scheme.

4. Updating or Removing Authorization Schemes
   Modify or delete authorization schemes that reference the role:

   • Go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
   • For each scheme using the role, either:
     • Edit the scheme to reference a different role (e.g., change access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR' to access_level = 'MANAGER').
     • Delete the scheme if it’s no longer needed, but first ensure it’s not applied to any components (check Used In).
   • If deleting the scheme, update affected components:
     • In Page Designer, go to the Security tab of pages, regions, or buttons and set the Authorization Scheme to "No Authorization Required" or a different scheme.

5. Deleting the Access Control Role
   Once dependencies are resolved:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Application Access Control.
   • Locate the role (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR") in the list.
   • Click the role name and select Delete, or use the checkbox next to the role and click Delete Selected.
   • Confirm the deletion. The role is now removed from the Application Access Control list.

6. Resetting Authorization State
   After deleting the role, reset the authorization state to ensure updated access controls take effect:

   • Call APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE in a PL/SQL process or dynamic action:

     BEGIN
       APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE;
     END;
     

   • Alternatively, if significant changes are made, invalidate the session:

     BEGIN
       APEX_SESSION.DELETE_SESSION(p_session_id => :APP_SESSION);
       APEX_UTIL.REDIRECT_URL(p_url => 'f?p=' || :APP_ID || ':LOGIN:' || :APP_SESSION);
     END;
     

7. Testing the Deletion

   • Test by logging in as users previously assigned the deleted role to confirm they no longer have access to restricted components.
   • Verify that other roles and schemes function as expected.
   • Use APEX Debug Mode or query the APEX_ACTIVITY_LOG view to troubleshoot any issues with access control.
   • Ensure error messages (e.g., "Access Denied") display clearly for unauthorized users.

You can remove an access control role from your application by following these steps.

Steps to Delete a Role

1. Navigate to the Shared Components page:

• Go to the Workspace home page.

• Click the App Builder icon.

• Select the application where the role is defined.

• On the Application home page, click Shared Components.

2. Access the Application Access Control page:

• Under Security, select Application Access Control.

3. Select the role to delete:

• Locate the role you want to remove.

• Click on the role name to open the Role dialog.

4. Delete the role:

• Click Delete to remove the role permanently.

Once deleted, the role will no longer be available for authorization checks or assignments within the application.

Best Practices for Deleting Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

• Verify Dependencies: Always check where a role is used (in authorization schemes and components) before deletion to avoid breaking access controls.
• Backup Configurations: Export the Application Access Control configuration via Shared Components > Export before deleting roles to allow recovery if needed.
• Reassign Users: Update user-role mappings to appropriate roles before deletion to maintain access for affected users.
• Secure Role Management: Restrict role deletion to authorized users (e.g., administrators) using authorization schemes.
• Test in Development: Perform deletions in a development environment first to ensure no unintended consequences.
• Document Changes: Maintain records of deleted roles, affected schemes, and user reassignments for future reference.
• Monitor Access: Enable Application Activity Logging in Shared Components > Security Attributes to track access attempts and audit changes post-deletion.
• Reset Cache Promptly: Use APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE after role deletion to ensure immediate application of changes.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For detailed guidance on managing Application Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, refer to the official documentation:
Oracle APEX Application Access Control Documentation

Conclusion
Deleting Access Control roles in Oracle APEX is a straightforward process when done carefully, ensuring that obsolete roles are removed without disrupting application security. By verifying dependencies, updating user mappings, and resetting authorization states, you can maintain a clean and secure access control framework. Following best practices and consulting the Oracle APEX documentation will help you manage roles effectively and keep your application secure and efficient.

How Do I Copy or Subscribe to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

Introduction

Copying or subscribing to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX enables developers to efficiently manage role-based access control across multiple applications, ensuring consistent security policies while reducing maintenance efforts. Copying creates an independent duplicate of a role for customization, while subscribing links to a master role or authorization scheme in another application, allowing centralized updates. This blog post will detail how to copy or subscribe to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, provide step-by-step instructions, share best practices, and include a link to the official Oracle APEX documentation for further guidance.

Steps to Copy or Subscribe to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

1. Understanding Copying vs. Subscribing Access Control Roles

   • Copying: Creates a standalone duplicate of a role within the same or a different application. The copied role can be edited independently without affecting the original.
   • Subscribing: Links a target application to a master role or its associated authorization scheme in another application. Changes to the master propagate to all subscribed applications, ensuring uniformity.
     Access Control roles, managed under Shared Components > Application Access Control, define user permissions (e.g., Administrator, Editor, Viewer) and are typically linked to authorization schemes for access control.

2. Copying an Access Control Role
   To copy a role:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Application Access Control in the source application.
   • Locate the role to copy (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR" with description "Full administrative access").
   • Manually replicate the role in the target application:
     • Go to Shared Components > Application Access Control in the target application.
     • Click Add Role and enter the same role name (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR") and description.
   • Alternatively, export the Access Control configuration:
     • In the source application, go to Shared Components > Export > Application Access Control and export the roles.
     • In the target application, import the configuration via Shared Components > Import.
   • Ensure the underlying role table (e.g., APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL) is available in the target application. Example:

     CREATE TABLE apex_access_control (
       username VARCHAR2(100),
       access_level VARCHAR2(50),
       CONSTRAINT pk_apex_access_control PRIMARY KEY (username)
     );
     

   • Populate the table with user-role mappings:

     INSERT INTO apex_access_control (username, access_level) 
     VALUES ('JOHN_DOE', 'ADMINISTRATOR');
     

   • Create or copy an associated authorization scheme (see step 4).

3. Subscribing to an Access Control Role
   Oracle APEX does not directly support subscribing to individual Access Control roles but allows subscription to authorization schemes tied to roles. To subscribe:

   • In the master application, ensure the role (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR") is defined in Application Access Control and linked to an authorization scheme (e.g., "Admin_Only"):

     SELECT 1
     FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE username = :APP_USER
     AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

   • In the target application, go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
   • Click Create and select As a Subscription from Master Application.
   • Choose the master application by its ID or name and select the authorization scheme (e.g., "Admin_Only").
   • Provide a local name for the scheme (optional) and save the subscription.
   • Ensure the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table is accessible to the target application (e.g., via a shared schema).
   • Alternatively, export and import the entire Application Access Control configuration:
     • Export from the master application via Shared Components > Export > Application Access Control.
     • Import into the target application via Shared Components > Import. This creates a copy, not a subscription, requiring manual re-import for updates.

4. Applying Roles in Authorization Schemes
   Use the copied or subscribed role in authorization schemes:

   • In the target application, go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
   • Create or edit a scheme to reference the role. Example:

     SELECT 1
     FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE username = :APP_USER
     AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

   • Apply the scheme to components:
     • Pages: In Page Designer, open the page, go to the Security tab, and select the scheme.
     • Regions or Buttons: Assign the scheme in the Security tab of the region or button properties.
   • Verify application in the Used In column of the Authorization Schemes list.

5. Managing Copied or Subscribed Roles

   • Copied Roles: Edit the copied role’s name, description, or associated schemes independently in the target application.
   • Subscribed Schemes: Update the master authorization scheme in the source application, and verify changes propagate to subscribed applications. To stop subscribing, copy the scheme locally or create a new one.
   • Ensure user-role mappings in the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table are consistent across applications. Example update:

     UPDATE apex_access_control
     SET access_level = 'EDITOR'
     WHERE username = 'JANE_SMITH';
     APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE;
     

6. Testing Copied or Subscribed Roles

   • Test by logging in as users with different roles to verify access restrictions.
   • Use APEX Debug Mode or query the APEX_ACTIVITY_LOG view to troubleshoot issues with role or scheme evaluation.
   • For subscriptions, test after updating the master scheme to confirm changes apply correctly.
   • Ensure error messages (e.g., "Access Denied") display clearly.

You can copy access control roles either within the current application or from another application in the workspace. When copying a role from another application, you also have the option to subscribe to it.

Steps to Copy or Subscribe to Access Control Roles

1. Navigate to the Application Access Control page:

• Go to the Workspace home page.

• Click the App Builder icon.

• Select the application where you want to copy or subscribe to roles.

• On the Application home page, click Shared Components.

• Under Security, select Application Access Control.

The Application Access Control page will display available roles along with details such as Subscribed From, Subscription Status, and Subscribers.

2. Copy a role within the current application:

• Locate the role you want to copy and click Copy in the Copy column.

• The Copy Role Wizard will appear.

• Enter a unique name for the new role.

• Click Copy Role to complete the process.

3. Copy a role from another application:

• In the Tasks region, click Copy Role from another app.

• The Copy Role Wizard will open.

• Select the application from which you want to copy the role.

• Choose the role you wish to copy.

• Enable the Subscribe option if you want the copied role to stay linked to the original role.

• Click Copy Role to finalize the process.

By using subscriptions, you can maintain consistency across multiple applications and reduce administrative overhead.

Best Practices for Copying or Subscribing to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

• Choose Copying for Customization: Copy roles when you need to tailor them for a specific application.
• Choose Subscribing for Uniformity: Subscribe to authorization schemes tied to roles for consistent access control across applications.
• Use a Stable Master Application: Select a reliable master application for subscriptions to ensure consistent updates.
• Synchronize Role Data: Ensure the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table is accessible and consistent across applications.
• Use Clear Role Names: Define roles with descriptive names (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR," "EDITOR") for clarity.
• Test Extensively: Validate roles and schemes in a development environment to ensure correct behavior.
• Document Configurations: Record details of copied and subscribed roles, including master application IDs and schemes.
• Monitor Access: Enable Application Activity Logging in Shared Components > Security Attributes to track role usage and access attempts.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For detailed guidance on managing Application Access Control and authorization schemes in Oracle APEX, refer to the official documentation:
Oracle APEX Application Access Control Documentation

Conclusion
Copying or subscribing to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX streamlines the management of role-based security across applications. Copying provides flexibility for customization, while subscribing to authorization schemes ensures consistency through centralized updates. By following best practices and testing thoroughly, you can implement a secure and efficient access control framework. Consult the Oracle APEX documentation to leverage advanced features and maintain robust application security.

 

How Do I Copy or Subscribe to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

Introduction
Copying or subscribing to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX allows developers to efficiently reuse role-based access control configurations across applications or within the same application, ensuring consistent security policies and reducing maintenance overhead. Copying creates an independent duplicate of a role, while subscribing links to a master role in another application, enabling centralized updates. This blog post will detail how to copy or subscribe to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, provide step-by-step instructions, share best practices, and include a link to the official Oracle APEX documentation for further guidance.

Steps to Copy or Subscribe to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

1. Understanding Copying vs. Subscribing Access Control Roles

   • Copying: Creates a standalone duplicate of a role within the same or a different application. The copied role can be modified independently without affecting the original.
   • Subscribing: Links a target application to a master role defined in another application. Changes to the master role automatically propagate to all subscribed applications, ensuring consistency.
     Access Control roles are managed in Shared Components > Application Access Control, and they define user permissions (e.g., Administrator, Editor, Viewer) used in authorization schemes.

2. Copying an Access Control Role
   To copy an existing role:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Application Access Control in the source application.
   • Locate the role to copy (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR" with description "Grants full administrative access").
   • Export the role manually or copy its configuration:
     • Note the role’s name and description.
     • In the target application, go to Shared Components > Application Access Control.
     • Click Add Role and manually recreate the role by entering the same name (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR") and description.
     • Alternatively, export the source application’s Access Control configuration via Shared Components > Export > Application Access Control and import it into the target application.
   • Ensure the underlying role table (e.g., APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL) is replicated or accessible in the target application. Example table:

     CREATE TABLE apex_access_control (
       username VARCHAR2(100),
       access_level VARCHAR2(50),
       CONSTRAINT pk_apex_access_control PRIMARY KEY (username)
     );
     

   • Populate the table with user-role mappings if needed:

     INSERT INTO apex_access_control (username, access_level) 
     VALUES ('JOHN_DOE', 'ADMINISTRATOR');
     

   • Apply the copied role in authorization schemes (see step 4).

3. Subscribing to an Access Control Role
   Oracle APEX does not provide a direct subscription mechanism for individual Access Control roles, but you can subscribe to the entire Application Access Control configuration or an authorization scheme tied to a role. To subscribe:

   • Subscribe to an Authorization Scheme:
     • In the master application, create an authorization scheme tied to the role (e.g., "Admin_Only"):

       SELECT 1
       FROM apex_access_control
       WHERE username = :APP_USER
       AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
       

     • In the target application, go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
     • Click Create and select As a Subscription from Master Application.
     • Choose the master application by its ID or name and select the authorization scheme (e.g., "Admin_Only").
     • Save the subscription. Changes to the master scheme propagate to the target application.
   • Share the Access Control Table: Ensure the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table is accessible to both applications (e.g., via a shared database schema).
   • Alternatively, export and import the Application Access Control configuration:
     • In the master application, export the configuration via Shared Components > Export > Application Access Control.
     • In the target application, import the configuration via Shared Components > Import.
     • This replicates the roles but does not create a subscription; updates must be re-imported manually.

4. Applying Roles in Authorization Schemes
   After copying or subscribing, use the role in authorization schemes:

   • In the target application, go to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
   • Create or edit a scheme to reference the role. Example:

     SELECT 1
     FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE username = :APP_USER
     AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

   • Apply the scheme to components:
     • Pages: In Page Designer, open the page, go to the Security tab, and select the scheme.
     • Regions or Buttons: Assign the scheme in the Security tab of the region or button properties.
   • Verify application in the Used In column of the Authorization Schemes list.

5. Managing Copied or Subscribed Roles

   • Copied Roles: Edit the copied role’s name, description, or associated authorization schemes independently in the target application.
   • Subscribed Roles/Schemes: Update the master role or scheme in the source application, and verify that changes propagate to subscribed applications. To stop subscribing, copy the scheme locally or create a new one.
   • Ensure user-role mappings in the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table are consistent across applications.

6. Testing Copied or Subscribed Roles

   • Test by logging in as users with different roles (e.g., ADMINISTRATOR, EDITOR) to verify access restrictions.
   • Use APEX Debug Mode or query the APEX_ACTIVITY_LOG view to troubleshoot issues with role or scheme evaluation.
   • For subscriptions, test after updating the master role or scheme to confirm changes apply correctly.
   • Ensure error messages (e.g., "Access Denied: Insufficient Privileges") display clearly.

You can copy access control roles from your current application or another application within the workspace. Additionally, when copying a role from another application, you have the option to subscribe to it.

Why Subscribe to Access Control Roles?

Subscribing to an access control role allows developers to reuse shared components across multiple applications, ensuring consistency and reducing maintenance efforts.

For more details on shared component subscriptions, refer to Using Shared Component Subscriptions in the Oracle APEX documentation.

Best Practices for Copying or Subscribing to Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

• Choose Copying for Customization: Copy roles when you need to modify them independently for a specific application.
• Choose Subscribing for Consistency: Subscribe to authorization schemes tied to roles when uniform access control across applications is needed.
• Use a Stable Master Application: Select a well-maintained master application for subscriptions to ensure reliable updates.
• Maintain Consistent Data: Ensure the APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table or equivalent is accessible and synchronized across applications.
• Use Descriptive Role Names: Name roles clearly (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR," "EDITOR") to reflect their purpose.
• Test Thoroughly: Validate copied or subscribed roles in a development environment to ensure correct behavior.
• Document Configurations: Record details of copied and subscribed roles, including master application IDs and associated schemes.
• Monitor Access: Enable Application Activity Logging in Shared Components > Security Attributes to track role usage and access attempts.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For detailed guidance on managing Application Access Control and authorization schemes in Oracle APEX, refer to the official documentation:
Oracle APEX Application Access Control Documentation

Conclusion
Copying or subscribing to Access Control roles in Oracle APEX enables efficient reuse of role-based security configurations, balancing flexibility and consistency. Copying allows for independent customization, while subscribing to authorization schemes ensures synchronized updates across applications. By following best practices and testing thoroughly, you can maintain a secure and scalable access control framework. Consult the Oracle APEX documentation to leverage advanced features and keep your application’s security robust.

 

How Do I Create an Application Access Control Role in Oracle APEX

Introduction
Creating Application Access Control roles in Oracle APEX is a key step in implementing role-based access control, allowing developers to define specific user permissions and restrict access to application components like pages, regions, or buttons. The Application Access Control feature simplifies the management of user roles by providing a centralized way to define and assign roles, which can then be linked to authorization schemes for fine-grained security. This blog post will guide you through the process of creating an Application Access Control role in Oracle APEX, provide detailed steps for implementation, share best practices, and include a link to the official Oracle APEX documentation for further guidance.

Steps to Create an Application Access Control Role in Oracle APEX

1. Understanding Application Access Control Roles
   Application Access Control in Oracle APEX allows you to define roles (e.g., Administrator, Editor, Viewer) that represent different levels of access within your application. These roles are stored in a table (typically APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL) and are used in authorization schemes to enforce access restrictions. Roles provide a scalable way to manage user permissions across multiple components.

2. Accessing Application Access Control
   To create a role:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Application Access Control in your Oracle APEX application.
   • This section displays existing roles and allows you to manage role definitions and user assignments.

3. Creating a New Role
   To define a new role:

   • In Application Access Control, click Add Role.
   • Enter a Role Name (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR," "EDITOR," "VIEWER"). Use clear, descriptive names that reflect the role’s purpose.
   • Provide a Description to document the role’s intended use (e.g., "Grants full administrative access to all application features").
   • Save the role. The new role is now available for assignment to users and for use in authorization schemes.

4. Setting Up the Access Control Table
   Roles are typically associated with users via a database table, such as the default APEX_ACCESS_CONTROL table.

   • If not already present, create the table:

     CREATE TABLE apex_access_control (
       username VARCHAR2(100),
       access_level VARCHAR2(50),
       CONSTRAINT pk_apex_access_control PRIMARY KEY (username)
     );
     

   • Populate the table with user-role mappings. Example:

     INSERT INTO apex_access_control (username, access_level) 
     VALUES ('JOHN_DOE', 'ADMINISTRATOR');
     INSERT INTO apex_access_control (username, access_level) 
     VALUES ('JANE_SMITH', 'EDITOR');
     

   • Ensure the table is accessible to the application’s parsing schema.

5. Creating an Authorization Scheme for the Role
   Link the role to an authorization scheme to enforce access control:

   • Navigate to Shared Components > Authorization Schemes.
   • Click Create and define a scheme (e.g., "Admin_Only").
   • Select Exists SQL Query as the scheme type and use a query to check the role:

     SELECT 1
     FROM apex_access_control
     WHERE username = :APP_USER
     AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
     

   • Alternatively, use a PL/SQL Function Returning Boolean for complex logic:

     FUNCTION is_admin (p_username IN VARCHAR2) RETURN BOOLEAN IS
       l_count NUMBER;
     BEGIN
       SELECT COUNT(*) INTO l_count
       FROM apex_access_control
       WHERE username = p_username
       AND access_level = 'ADMINISTRATOR';
       RETURN l_count > 0;
     END;
     

   • Set the Evaluation Point to "Once per Session" for static roles or "Once per Page View" for dynamic roles.
   • Specify an error message (e.g., "Access Denied: Administrator role required.") for unauthorized access.

6. Applying the Authorization Scheme to Components
   Apply the role-based authorization scheme to restrict access:

   • Pages: In Page Designer, open the page, go to the Security tab, and select the scheme (e.g., "Admin_Only") from the Authorization Scheme dropdown.
   • Regions: Select a region in Page Designer, navigate to the Security tab, and assign the scheme to control visibility or interactivity.
   • Buttons or Items: Apply the scheme to buttons or form items via their Security tab to restrict actions like submitting or editing.
   • Check the Used In column in the Authorization Schemes list to verify where the scheme is applied.

7. Managing Role Assignments Dynamically

   • Create a form or PL/SQL process to allow administrators to assign or update roles in the apex_access_control table. Example process:

     BEGIN
       MERGE INTO apex_access_control dest
       USING (SELECT :P1_USERNAME AS username, :P1_ROLE AS access_level FROM dual) src
       ON (dest.username = src.username)
       WHEN MATCHED THEN
         UPDATE SET access_level = src.access_level
       WHEN NOT MATCHED THEN
         INSERT (username, access_level)
         VALUES (src.username, src.access_level);
       APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE;
     END;
     

   • Call APEX_AUTHORIZATION.RESET_CACHE after role updates to ensure immediate re-evaluation of authorization schemes.

8. Testing the Role and Access Control

   • Test the role by logging in as users with different roles (e.g., ADMINISTRATOR, EDITOR) to verify access restrictions.
   • Use APEX Debug Mode or query the APEX_ACTIVITY_LOG view to troubleshoot issues with role assignments or scheme evaluation.
   • Ensure error messages display clearly when access is denied.

To define user access within your APEX application, you can create custom Access Control Roles. Follow these steps to create a new role:

1. Access the Shared Components Page

• Navigate to the Workspace home page and click App Builder.

• Select the desired application.

• On the Application home page, click Shared Components to open the Shared Components page.

2. Open Application Access Control

• Under the Security section, click Application Access Control to access the role management page.

3. Add a New Role

• Under the Roles section, click Add Role to open the role creation dialog.

4. Define Role Attributes

• Name: Enter a meaningful name for the role. The name must contain only alphanumeric characters and underscores (_).

• Static Identifier: Provide an alternate unique identifier for this role.

• Description: Optionally, enter a brief description of the role’s purpose.

5. Create the Role

• Click Create Role to save the new role. Once created, the role will be listed under the Roles section on the Application Access Control page.

This newly created role can now be assigned to users and utilized within authorization schemes to enforce security across your application.

Best Practices for Creating Application Access Control Roles in Oracle APEX

• Define Clear Roles: Use descriptive role names (e.g., "ADMINISTRATOR," "EDITOR") that clearly indicate their purpose.
• Follow Least Privilege: Assign users the minimum roles needed to perform their tasks to enhance security.
• Centralize Role Management: Use a single apex_access_control table for consistent role assignments across applications.
• Secure Role Updates: Restrict role assignment modifications to authorized users (e.g., administrators) using authorization schemes.
• Optimize Evaluation Frequency: Set authorization schemes to "Once per Session" for static roles to improve performance, or "Once per Page View" for dynamic roles.
• Test Thoroughly: Validate roles and schemes in a development environment with various user scenarios to ensure correct behavior.
• Document Roles: Maintain documentation of all roles, their descriptions, and associated authorization schemes for easier maintenance.
• Monitor Access: Enable Application Activity Logging in Shared Components > Security Attributes to track role assignments and access attempts.

Oracle APEX Documentation
For comprehensive details on creating and managing Application Access Control roles in Oracle APEX, refer to the official documentation:
Oracle APEX Application Access Control Documentation

Conclusion
Creating Application Access Control roles in Oracle APEX provides a streamlined approach to implementing role-based security, ensuring that users only access authorized components. By defining roles, linking them to authorization schemes, and applying them to application components, you can build a secure and scalable application. Following best practices and consulting the Oracle APEX documentation will help you maintain a robust security framework and adapt to evolving access control needs.