Secure Your Backend: Restrict Admin URLs Using SafeLine

When running a self-hosted site or web app, exposing your admin interface to the public web can be risky. Malicious bots and scanners often try to discover and brute-force admin URLs to gain unauthorized access. A simple but effective measure is to block or hide admin paths.

This article shows how to use SafeLine WAF to restrict access to any URL containing admin.

Why Restrict Admin Paths?

• Reduce attack surface: Hides sensitive endpoints from scanners and automated scripts.
• Prevent unauthorized login attempts: Stops common brute-force or credential stuffing attempts at the admin interface.
• Adds a layer of security: Even if your credentials are strong, reducing visibility helps.

SafeLine WAF Rule Example

Rule library snapshot:

• Whitelist rules: 0
• Blacklist rules: 1
• Applicable SafeLine version: 7.3.0 and later

Rule details:

• Type: Blacklist
• Condition: Block any URL path that contains the string admin

This simple condition ensures that external visitors cannot reach your admin dashboard. Only allowlisted IPs or VPN connections should be used for management access.

How to Implement

1. Log in to your SafeLine WAF management console.
2. Create a new blacklist rule.
3. Set Match condition: URL Path contains admin.
4. Save and apply changes.
5. Test by attempting to access /admin or similar paths from a browser.

Join the SafeLine Community

If you continue to experience issues, feel free to contact SafeLine support for further assistance.

• GitHub Repository
• Official Docs
• Discord Community