A formal role-based access control model for security policies in multi-domain mobile networks

Mobile users present challenges for security in multi-domain mobile networks. The actions of mobile users moving across security domains need to be specified and checked against domain and inter-domain policies. We propose a new formal security policy model for multi-domain mobile networks, called FPM-RBAC, Formal Policy Model for Mobility with Role Based Access Control. FPM-RBAC supports the specification of mobility and location constraints, role hierarchy mapping, inter-domain services, inter-domain access rights and separation of duty. Associated with FPM-RBAC, we also present a formal security policy constraint specification language for domain and inter-domain security policies. Formal policy constraint specifications are based on ambient logic and predicate logic. We also use ambient calculus to specify the current state of a mobile network and actions within security policies for evaluation of access requests according to security policies. A novel aspect of the proposed policy model is the support for formal and automated analysis of security policies related to mobility within multiple security domains. (c) 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.