Formal method provides a way to achieve an exact and consistent definition of security for a given scenario. This paper presents
a formal state-based verifiable RBAC model described with Z language, in which the state-transition functions are specified
formally. Based on the separation of duty policy, the constraint rules and security theorems are constructed. Using a case
study, we show how to specify and verify the consistency of formal RBAC system with theorem proving. By specifying RBAC model
formally, it provides a precise description for the system security requirements. The internal consistency of this model can
be validated by verification of the model.
Keywords Formal Specification - Verification - RBAC - Separation of Duty
Supported by National High-Tech Research and Development Program of China (863) under Grant No. 2002AA141080; National Natural
Science Foundation of China under Grant No.60073022 and 60373054;Graduate Student Innovation Grant of Chinese Academy of Sciences.