authorization denied

This error occurs when SQLite's authorizer callback rejects an operation. Used for custom access control and security policies.

The authorization denied error means a custom authorizer function blocked your operation.

Understanding the Error

SQLITE_AUTH: authorization denied

An authorizer callback was set up and it rejected the SQL operation.

What is an Authorizer?

SQLite allows applications to set a callback that approves or denies each SQL operation. This enables custom security policies.

Common Causes

1. Custom Security Policy

Application has restricted certain operations:

JAVASCRIPT

// Authorizer that blocks DELETE
db.function('authorizer', (action, table, column, database, trigger) => {
  if (action === 9) {  // SQLITE_DELETE
    return 1;  // SQLITE_DENY
  }
  return 0;  // SQLITE_OK
});

2. Read-Only Mode

Application configured to block all writes:

JAVASCRIPT

function readOnlyAuthorizer(action) {
  const writeActions = [8, 9, 18, 21, 23];  // INSERT, DELETE, UPDATE, etc.
  if (writeActions.includes(action)) {
    return 1;  // DENY
  }
  return 0;  // OK
}

3. Table-Level Restrictions

Blocking access to certain tables:

JAVASCRIPT

function tableAuthorizer(action, table) {
  const protectedTables = ['users', 'secrets', 'audit_log'];
  if (protectedTables.includes(table)) {
    return 1;  // DENY
  }
  return 0;  // OK
}

How to Fix It

Solution 1: Check Authorizer Configuration

Review the authorizer setup in your application:

JAVASCRIPT

// Remove authorizer
db.function('authorizer', null);

// Or modify to allow your operation
db.function('authorizer', (action, ...args) => {
  console.log('Auth check:', action, args);
  return 0;  // Allow all (for debugging)
});

Solution 2: Use Allowed Operations

Check what operations are permitted:

JAVASCRIPT

// Test which operations work
try {
  db.exec('SELECT 1');  // Usually allowed
  db.exec('INSERT INTO test VALUES (1)');  // Might be blocked
  db.exec('DROP TABLE test');  // Often blocked
} catch (err) {
  console.log('Blocked operation:', err.message);
}

Solution 3: Request Elevated Access

If the authorizer supports it, request special access:

JAVASCRIPT

// Some apps check a flag for admin mode
db.pragma('admin_mode = ON');

Solution 4: Use Correct Connection

JAVASCRIPT

// Read-only connection
const readDb = new Database('app.db', { readonly: true });

// Admin connection with different authorizer
const adminDb = new Database('app.db', { fileMustExist: true });
setAdminAuthorizer(adminDb);

Common Authorizer Actions

JAVASCRIPT

const SQLITE_CREATE_INDEX = 1;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TABLE = 2;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TEMP_INDEX = 3;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TEMP_TABLE = 4;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TEMP_TRIGGER = 5;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TEMP_VIEW = 6;
const SQLITE_CREATE_TRIGGER = 7;
const SQLITE_CREATE_VIEW = 8;
const SQLITE_DELETE = 9;
const SQLITE_DROP_INDEX = 10;
const SQLITE_DROP_TABLE = 11;
const SQLITE_DROP_TEMP_INDEX = 12;
const SQLITE_DROP_TEMP_TABLE = 13;
const SQLITE_DROP_TEMP_TRIGGER = 14;
const SQLITE_DROP_TEMP_VIEW = 15;
const SQLITE_DROP_TRIGGER = 16;
const SQLITE_DROP_VIEW = 17;
const SQLITE_INSERT = 18;
const SQLITE_PRAGMA = 19;
const SQLITE_READ = 20;
const SQLITE_SELECT = 21;
const SQLITE_TRANSACTION = 22;
const SQLITE_UPDATE = 23;
const SQLITE_ATTACH = 24;
const SQLITE_DETACH = 25;

Best Practices

Document your authorizer rules
Log denied operations for debugging
Use principle of least privilege
Test all needed operations with authorizer active
Provide clear error messages to users