This usually means authentication is working, but authorization checks are either missing or inconsistently applied. Logging a user in confirms who they are, but it doesn’t automatically restrict what they can access once inside the system.

In many applications, authorization logic exists at the UI or controller layer but is missing in deeper layers such as business logic or database queries. That makes it possible for users to bypass restrictions by calling APIs directly or manipulating parameters.

A reliable fix involves enforcing authorization at every sensitive operation, ideally close to where data is accessed rather than only at entry points.

Takeaway: Authentication opens the door, but authorization decides which rooms stay locked.