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Security Concerns with Application Sessions in Password Safe Cloud (File Access & Browser Restrictions)

  • April 9, 2026
  • 2 replies
  • 65 views

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I have a question regarding use of BeyondTrust Password Safe Cloud, specifically around application session security controls.

We are currently experiencing several security concerns when launching application sessions through the platform:

1. File Access via Chrome Download

When an application session is initiated, users can successfully access the target application via Chrome. However, if a user downloads a file and clicks “Show in folder”, it opens File Explorer on the application server.

This behavior allows users to:

  • Browse system directories
  • Access sensitive locations (e.g., C:\ drive)

2. Unrestricted Browser Usage

Within the same application session, users are able to:

  • Open new browser tabs
  • Navigate to other websites or internal applications
  • Perform actions outside the intended application scope

Security Concerns

This creates a significant risk, as users may gain unintended access to:

  • Unauthorized system resources
  • Sensitive files and directories

 

Has anyone implemented similar restrictions in Password Safe Cloud application sessions?

  • Are there recommended configurations, policies, or best practices to achieve this level of control?
  • Is this something that needs to be enforced at the Password Safe level, or should it be handled at the OS / browser configuration level (e.g., GPO, kiosk mode, hardening)?

2 replies

  • BeyondTrust Employee
  • May 15, 2026

Password Safe provide remote sessions and application sessions similarly as though you’re performing a native mstsc to a terminal server. The user will inherit the permission of the managed account. Password Safe is not designed to handle application control. The simplest way would be use a kiosk mode or control through Windows Group policy.

 

If you’re looking for application control then review BeyondTrust Endpoint Privilege Management. 


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  • Rising Star
  • May 18, 2026

You need to restrict the functional account used to launch the RDP sessions the app is executed in. I use a combination of a basic FA user (domain users member only), group policy (windows, RDS and browser settings), Privileged Management and NTFS permissions to restrict what can be done. 
I suggest that kiosk mode is irrelevant as PS_Automate already launches the browser in an ephemeral mode and you can’t change that easily.