Insufficient Type Distinction

Insufficient type distinction happens when a system treats different kinds of data as if they are the same. For example, it might confuse a user-controlled string with a system command, or a regular data object with a privileged administrative token. This lack of clear separation creates a 'confused deputy' scenario, where the system can be tricked into performing actions it shouldn't, simply because it can't tell the difference between safe and unsafe input. For developers, the core issue is often in design logic that relies on implicit assumptions rather than explicit type checking or validation. To prevent this, you must enforce strict boundaries between data types, user privilege levels, and system resources. Implement explicit validation, use strong typing where possible, and design authorization checks that verify not just *if* an action is allowed, but also *what type* of entity is requesting it.