WebAPI function invoked before controller action

WebAPI function invoked before controller action

I'm developing RESTful service with Microsoft ASP.NET Web API.
What I need is to have some kind of handler function, which is triggered
every time when service is called, before my flow enters into controller
method.
Let's say, place when I can call my database and check if provided in
request header hash token has privilege to retrieve data through API, and
then, if it has, continue to controller method.
Is there any programmable place like I need in WebAPI? I'm not VERY
familiar with Web API data flow.
Thanks