Access Path Analysis

Access Path Analysis is a cybersecurity assessment technique that maps all possible routes an attacker could take to reach critical assets within a network or system.

This methodology systematically examines the relationships between users, systems, applications, and data to identify potential attack vectors and privilege escalation opportunities.

The analysis typically begins by cataloging all access points, including user accounts, service accounts, network connections, and application interfaces. Security professionals then trace how an attacker might move laterally through the environment, exploiting trust relationships, shared credentials, or vulnerabilities to gain deeper access. This process reveals both direct and indirect pathways that could lead to sensitive data or critical infrastructure.

Access path analysis is particularly valuable for identifying over-privileged accounts, unnecessary network connections, and weak points in segmentation strategies. Organizations use these insights to implement targeted security controls, reduce attack surface area, and prioritize remediation efforts. The analysis often incorporates automated tools that can model complex enterprise environments and simulate various attack scenarios, helping security teams understand their exposure from an attacker's perspective and make informed decisions about defensive investments.