< draft-wdenniss-oauth-native-apps-01.txt   draft-wdenniss-oauth-native-apps-02.txt >
OAuth Working Group W. Denniss OAuth Working Group W. Denniss
Internet-Draft Google Internet-Draft Google
Intended status: Best Current Practice J. Bradley Intended status: Best Current Practice J. Bradley
Expires: July 27, 2016 Ping Identity Expires: August 7, 2016 Ping Identity
January 24, 2016 February 04, 2016
OAuth 2.0 for Native Apps OAuth 2.0 for Native Apps
draft-wdenniss-oauth-native-apps-01 draft-wdenniss-oauth-native-apps-02
Abstract Abstract
OAuth 2.0 authorization requests from native apps should only be made OAuth 2.0 authorization requests from native apps should only be made
through external user-agents such as the system browser (including through external user-agents such as the system browser (including
via an in-app browser tab). This specification details the security via an in-app browser tab). This specification details the security
and usability reasons why this is the case, and how native apps and and usability reasons why this is the case, and how native apps and
authorization servers can implement this best practice. authorization servers can implement this best practice.
Status of This Memo Status of This Memo
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Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute Task Force (IETF). Note that other groups may also distribute
working documents as Internet-Drafts. The list of current Internet- working documents as Internet-Drafts. The list of current Internet-
Drafts is at http://datatracker.ietf.org/drafts/current/. Drafts is at http://datatracker.ietf.org/drafts/current/.
Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of six months Internet-Drafts are draft documents valid for a maximum of six months
and may be updated, replaced, or obsoleted by other documents at any and may be updated, replaced, or obsoleted by other documents at any
time. It is inappropriate to use Internet-Drafts as reference time. It is inappropriate to use Internet-Drafts as reference
material or to cite them other than as "work in progress." material or to cite them other than as "work in progress."
This Internet-Draft will expire on July 27, 2016. This Internet-Draft will expire on August 7, 2016.
Copyright Notice Copyright Notice
Copyright (c) 2016 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the Copyright (c) 2016 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the
document authors. All rights reserved. document authors. All rights reserved.
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described in the Simplified BSD License. described in the Simplified BSD License.
Table of Contents Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2
1.1. Authorization Flow for Native Apps . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.1. Notational Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Notational Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.2. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 1.3. Overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Using Inter-app URI Communication for OAuth . . . . . . . . . 5 2. Using Inter-app URI Communication for OAuth . . . . . . . . . 6
5. Initiating the Authorization Request . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3. Initiating the Authorization Request . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
6. Receiving the Authorization Response . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4. Receiving the Authorization Response . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6.1. App-declared Custom URI Scheme Redirection . . . . . . . 6 4.1. App-declared Custom URI Scheme Redirection . . . . . . . 7
6.2. App-claimed HTTPS URI Redirection . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4.2. App-claimed HTTPS URI Redirection . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6.3. Localhost-based URI Redirection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 4.3. Localhost-based URI Redirection . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7.1. Embedded User-Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5.1. Embedded User-Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7.2. Protecting the Authorization Code . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5.2. Protecting the Authorization Code . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
7.3. Phishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 5.3. Phishing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
7.4. Limitations of Public Clients . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 5.4. Limitations of Non-verifiable Clients . . . . . . . . . . 12
8. Other External User Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 6. Other External User Agents . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
9. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 7. Client Authentication . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 8. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
9.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 8.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Appendix A. Operating System Specific Implementation Details . . 14 8.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
A.1. iOS Implementation Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Appendix A. Operating System Specific Implementation Details . . 15
A.2. Android Implementation Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 A.1. iOS Implementation Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
A.2. Android Implementation Details . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Appendix B. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Appendix B. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15 Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
The OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749] authorization framework, documents two The OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749] authorization framework, documents two
approaches in Section 9 for native apps to interact with the approaches in Section 9 for native apps to interact with the
authorization endpoint: via an embedded user-agent, or an external authorization endpoint: via an embedded user-agent, or an external
user-agent. user-agent.
This document recommends external user-agents like in-app browser This document recommends external user-agents like in-app browser
tabs as the only secure and usable choice for OAuth. It documents tabs as the only secure and usable choice for OAuth. It documents
how native apps can implement authorization flows with such agents, how native apps can implement authorization flows with such agents,
and the additional requirements of authorization servers needed to and the additional requirements of authorization servers needed to
support such usage. support such usage.
1.1. Notational Conventions
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and
"OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in Key
words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels [RFC2119]. If
these words are used without being spelled in uppercase then they are
to be interpreted with their normal natural language meanings.
1.2. Terminology
In addition to the terms defined in referenced specifications, this
document uses the following terms:
"app" A native application, such as one on a mobile device or
desktop operating system.
"app store" An ecommerce store where users can download and purchase
apps. Typically with quality-control measures to protect users
from malicious developers.
"system browser" The operating system's default browser, typically
pre-installed as part of the operating system, or installed and
set as default by the user.
"browser tab" An open page of the system browser. Browser typically
have multiple "tabs" representing various open pages.
"in-app browser tab" A full page browser with limited navigation
capabilities that is displayed inside a host app, but retains the
full security properties and authentication state of the system
browser. Has different platform-specific product names, such as
SFSafariViewController on iOS 9, and Chrome Custom Tab on Android.
"Claimed HTTPS URL" Some platforms allow apps to claim a domain name
by hosting a file that proves the link between site and app.
Typically this means that URLs opened by the system will be opened
in the app instead of the browser.
"web-view" A web browser UI component that can be embedded in apps
to render web pages, used to create embedded user-agents.
"reverse domain name notation" A naming convention based on the
domain name system, but where where the domain components are
reversed, for example "app.example.com" becomes "com.example.app".
"custom URI scheme" A URI scheme (as defined by [RFC3986]) that the
app creates and registers with the OS (and is not a standard URI
scheme like "https:" or "tel:"). Requests to such a scheme
results in the app which registered it being launched by the OS.
For example, "myapp:", "com.example.myapp:" are both custom URI
schemes.
"inter-app communication" Communication between two apps on a
device.
"OAuth" In this document, OAuth refers to OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749].
1.3. Overview
At the time of writing, many native apps are still using web-views, a At the time of writing, many native apps are still using web-views, a
type of embedded user-agent, for OAuth. That approach has multiple type of embedded user-agent, for OAuth. That approach has multiple
drawbacks, including the client app being able to eavesdrop user drawbacks, including the client app being able to eavesdrop user
credentials, and is a suboptimal user experience as the credentials, and is a suboptimal user experience as the
authentication session can't be shared, and users need to sign-in to authentication session can't be shared, and users need to sign-in to
each app separately. each app separately.
OAuth flows between a native app and the system browser (or another OAuth flows between a native app and the system browser (or another
external user-agent) are more secure, and take advantage of the external user-agent) are more secure, and take advantage of the
shared authentication state to enable single sign-on. The in-app shared authentication state to enable single sign-on. The in-app
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present the system browser without the user switching context present the system browser without the user switching context
something that could previously only be achieved by a web-view on something that could previously only be achieved by a web-view on
most platforms. most platforms.
Inter-process communication, such as OAuth flows between a native app Inter-process communication, such as OAuth flows between a native app
and the system browser can be achieved through URI-based and the system browser can be achieved through URI-based
communication. As this is exactly how OAuth works for web-based communication. As this is exactly how OAuth works for web-based
OAuth flows between RP and IDP websites, OAuth can be used for native OAuth flows between RP and IDP websites, OAuth can be used for native
app auth with very little modification. app auth with very little modification.
1.1. Authorization Flow for Native Apps 1.3.1. Authorization Flow for Native Apps
+~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+ +~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~+
| User Device | | User Device |
| | | |
| +---------------------------+ | +-----------+ | +---------------------------+ | +-----------+
| | | | (4) Authz Grant | | | | | | (4) Authz Grant | |
| | Client App |----------------------->| Authz | | | Client App |----------------------->| Authz |
| | |<-----------------------| Server | | | |<-----------------------| Server |
| +---------------------------+ | (5) Access Token | | | +---------------------------+ | (5) Access Token | |
| | ^ | +-----------+ | | ^ | +-----------+
| | | | | | | |
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3) Browser switches focus back to the client app using a URI with a 3) Browser switches focus back to the client app using a URI with a
custom scheme or claimed HTTPS URL, passing the code as a URI custom scheme or claimed HTTPS URL, passing the code as a URI
parameter. parameter.
4) Client presents the OAuth 2.0 authorization code and PKCE 4) Client presents the OAuth 2.0 authorization code and PKCE
[RFC7636] proof of possession verifier. [RFC7636] proof of possession verifier.
5) Server issues the tokens requested. 5) Server issues the tokens requested.
2. Notational Conventions 2. Using Inter-app URI Communication for OAuth
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and
"OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in Key
words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels [RFC2119]. If
these words are used without being spelled in uppercase then they are
to be interpreted with their normal natural language meanings.
3. Terminology
In addition to the terms defined in referenced specifications, this
document uses the following terms:
"app" A native application, such as one on a mobile device or
desktop operating system.
"app store" An ecommerce store where users can download and purchase
apps. Typically with quality-control measures to protect users
from malicious developers.
"system browser" The operating system's default browser, typically
pre-installed as part of the operating system, or installed and
set as default by the user.
"browser tab" An open page of the system browser. Browser typically
have multiple "tabs" representing various open pages.
"in-app browser tab" A full page browser with limited navigation
capabilities that is displayed inside a host app, but retains the
full security properties and authentication state of the system
browser. Has different platform-specific product names, such as
SFSafariViewController on iOS 9, and Chrome Custom Tab on Android.
"Claimed HTTPS URL" Some platforms allow apps to claim a domain name
by hosting a file that proves the link between site and app.
Typically this means that URLs opened by the system will be opened
in the app instead of the browser.
"web-view" A web browser UI component that can be embedded in apps
to render web pages, used to create embedded user-agents.
"reverse domain name notation" A naming convention based on the
domain name system, but where where the domain components are
reversed, for example "app.example.com" becomes "com.example.app".
"custom URI scheme" A URI scheme (as defined by [RFC3986]) that the
app creates and registers with the OS (and is not a standard URI
scheme like "https:" or "tel:"). Requests to such a scheme
results in the app which registered it being launched by the OS.
For example, "myapp:", "com.example.myapp:" are both custom URI
schemes.
"inter-app communication" Communication between two apps on a
device.
"OAuth" In this document, OAuth refers to OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749].
4. Using Inter-app URI Communication for OAuth
Just as URIs are used for OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749] on the web to initiate Just as URIs are used for OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749] on the web to initiate
the authorization request and return the authorization response to the authorization request and return the authorization response to
the requesting website, URIs can be used by native apps to initiate the requesting website, URIs can be used by native apps to initiate
the authorization request in the device's system browser and return the authorization request in the device's system browser and return
the response to the requesting native app. the response to the requesting native app.
By applying the same principles from the web to native apps, we gain By applying the same principles from the web to native apps, we gain
similar benefits like the usability of a single sign-on session, and similar benefits like the usability of a single sign-on session, and
the security by a separate authentication context. It also reduces the security by a separate authentication context. It also reduces
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native app provided by the authorization server, as opposed to the native app provided by the authorization server, as opposed to the
system browser. This approach shares a lot of similarity with using system browser. This approach shares a lot of similarity with using
the system browser as both use URIs for inter-app communication and the system browser as both use URIs for inter-app communication and
is able to provide a secure, shared authentication session, and thus is able to provide a secure, shared authentication session, and thus
MAY be used for secure native OAuth, applying most of the techniques MAY be used for secure native OAuth, applying most of the techniques
described here. However it is NOT RECOMMENDED due to the increased described here. However it is NOT RECOMMENDED due to the increased
complexity and requirement for the user to have the AS app installed. complexity and requirement for the user to have the AS app installed.
While much of the advice and security considerations are applicable While much of the advice and security considerations are applicable
to such clients, they are out of scope for this specification. to such clients, they are out of scope for this specification.
5. Initiating the Authorization Request 3. Initiating the Authorization Request
The authorization request is created as per OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749], and The authorization request is created as per OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749], and
opened in the system browser. Where the operating system supports opened in the system browser. Where the operating system supports
in-app browser tabs, those should be preferred over switching to the in-app browser tabs, those should be preferred over switching to the
system browser, to improve usability. system browser, to improve usability.
The function of the redirect URI for a native app authorization The function of the redirect URI for a native app authorization
request is similar to that of a web-based authorization request. request is similar to that of a web-based authorization request.
Rather than returning the authorization code to the OAuth client's Rather than returning the authorization code to the OAuth client's
server, it returns it to the native app. The various options for a server, it returns it to the native app. The various options for a
redirect URI that will return the code to the native app are redirect URI that will return the code to the native app are
documented in Section 6. Any redirect URI that allows the app to documented in Section 4. Any redirect URI that allows the app to
receive the URI and inspect its parameters is viable. receive the URI and inspect its parameters is viable.
6. Receiving the Authorization Response 4. Receiving the Authorization Response
There are three main approaches to redirection URIs for native apps: There are three main approaches to redirection URIs for native apps:
custom URI schemes, app-claimed HTTP URI schemes, and custom URI schemes, app-claimed HTTP URI schemes, and
http://localhost redirects. http://localhost redirects.
6.1. App-declared Custom URI Scheme Redirection 4.1. App-declared Custom URI Scheme Redirection
Most major mobile and desktop computing platforms support inter-app Most major mobile and desktop computing platforms support inter-app
communication via URIs by allowing apps to register custom URI communication via URIs by allowing apps to register custom URI
schemes. When the system browser or another app attempts to follow a schemes. When the system browser or another app attempts to follow a
URI with a custom scheme, the app that registered it is launched to URI with a custom scheme, the app that registered it is launched to
handle the request. This document is only relevant on platforms that handle the request. This document is only relevant on platforms that
support this pattern. support this pattern.
In particular, the custom URI scheme pattern is supported on the In particular, the custom URI scheme pattern is supported on the
mobile platforms Android [Android.URIScheme], iOS [iOS.URIScheme], mobile platforms Android [Android.URIScheme], iOS [iOS.URIScheme],
and Windows Phone [WindowsPhone.URIScheme]. Desktop operating and Windows Phone [WindowsPhone.URIScheme]. Desktop operating
systems Windows [Windows.URIScheme] and OS X [OSX.URIScheme] also systems Windows [Windows.URIScheme] and OS X [OSX.URIScheme] also
support custom URI schemes. support custom URI schemes.
6.1.1. Using Custom URI Schemes for Redirection 4.1.1. Using Custom URI Schemes for Redirection
To perform an OAuth 2.0 Authorization Request on a supported To perform an OAuth 2.0 Authorization Request on a supported
platform, the native app launches the system browser with a normal platform, the native app launches the system browser with a normal
OAuth 2.0 Authorization Request, but provides a redirection URI that OAuth 2.0 Authorization Request, but provides a redirection URI that
utilizes a custom URI scheme that is registered by the calling app. utilizes a custom URI scheme that is registered by the calling app.
When the authentication server completes the request, it redirects to When the authentication server completes the request, it redirects to
the client's redirection URI like it would any redirect URI, but as the client's redirection URI like it would any redirect URI, but as
the redirection URI uses a custom scheme, this results in the OS the redirection URI uses a custom scheme, this results in the OS
launching the native app passing in the URI. The native app extracts launching the native app passing in the URI. The native app extracts
the code from the query parameters from the URI just like a web the code from the query parameters from the URI just like a web
client would, and exchanges the Authorization Code like a regular client would, and exchanges the Authorization Code like a regular
OAuth 2.0 client. OAuth 2.0 client.
6.1.2. Custom URI Scheme Namespace Considerations 4.1.2. Custom URI Scheme Namespace Considerations
When selecting which URI scheme to associate with the app, apps When selecting which URI scheme to associate with the app, apps
SHOULD pick a scheme that is globally unique, and which they can SHOULD pick a scheme that is globally unique, and which they can
assert ownership over. assert ownership over.
To avoid clashing with existing schemes in use, using a scheme that To avoid clashing with existing schemes in use, using a scheme that
follows the reverse domain name pattern applied to a domain under the follows the reverse domain name pattern applied to a domain under the
app publishers control is RECOMMENDED. Such a scheme can be based on app publishers control is RECOMMENDED. Such a scheme can be based on
a domain they control, or the OAuth client identifier in cases where a domain they control, or the OAuth client identifier in cases where
the authorization server issues client identifiers that are also the authorization server issues client identifiers that are also
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In addition to uniqueness, basing the URI scheme off a name that is In addition to uniqueness, basing the URI scheme off a name that is
under the control of the app's publisher can help to prove ownership under the control of the app's publisher can help to prove ownership
in the event of a dispute where two apps register the same custom in the event of a dispute where two apps register the same custom
scheme (such as if an app is acting maliciously). For example, if scheme (such as if an app is acting maliciously). For example, if
two apps registered "com.example.app:", the true owner of two apps registered "com.example.app:", the true owner of
"example.com" could petition the app store operator to remove the "example.com" could petition the app store operator to remove the
counterfeit app. This petition is harder to prove if a generic URI counterfeit app. This petition is harder to prove if a generic URI
scheme was chosen. scheme was chosen.
6.1.3. Registration of App Redirection URIs 4.1.3. Registration of App Redirection URIs
As recommended in Section 3.1.2.2 of OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749], the As recommended in Section 3.1.2.2 of OAuth 2.0 [RFC6749], the
authorization server SHOULD require the client to pre-register the authorization server SHOULD require the client to pre-register the
redirection URI. This remains true for app redirection URIs that use redirection URI. This remains true for app redirection URIs that use
custom schemes. custom schemes.
Additionally, authorization servers MAY request the inclusion of Additionally, authorization servers MAY request the inclusion of
other platform-specific information, such as the app package or other platform-specific information, such as the app package or
bundle name, or other information used to associate the app that may bundle name, or other information used to associate the app that may
be useful for verifying the calling app's identity, on operating be useful for verifying the calling app's identity, on operating
systems that support such functions. systems that support such functions.
Authorizations servers SHOULD support the ability for native apps to Authorizations servers SHOULD support the ability for native apps to
register Redirection URIs that utilize custom URI schemes. register Redirection URIs that utilize custom URI schemes.
Authorization servers SHOULD enforce the recommendation in Authorization servers SHOULD enforce the recommendation in
Section 6.1.2 that apps follow naming guidelines for URI schemes. Section 4.1.2 that apps follow naming guidelines for URI schemes.
6.2. App-claimed HTTPS URI Redirection 4.2. App-claimed HTTPS URI Redirection
Some operating systems allow apps to claim HTTPS URLs of their Some operating systems allow apps to claim HTTPS URLs of their
domains. When the browser sees such a claimed URL, instead of the domains. When the browser sees such a claimed URL, instead of the
page being loaded in the browser, the native app is launched instead page being loaded in the browser, the native app is launched instead
with the URL given as input. with the URL given as input.
Where the operating environment provided app-claimed HTTPS URIs in a Where the operating environment provided app-claimed HTTPS URIs in a
usable fashion, these URIs should be used as the OAuth redirect, as usable fashion, these URIs should be used as the OAuth redirect, as
they allow the identity of the destination app to be guaranteed by they allow the identity of the destination app to be guaranteed by
the operating system. the operating system.
Apps on platforms that allow the user to disable this functionality, Apps on platforms that allow the user to disable this functionality,
present it in a user-unfriendly way, or lack it altogether MUST present it in a user-unfriendly way, or lack it altogether MUST
fallback to using custom URI schemes. fallback to using custom URI schemes.
The authorization server MUST allow the registration of HTTPS The authorization server MUST allow the registration of HTTPS
redirect URIs for non-confidential native clients to support app- redirect URIs for non-confidential native clients to support app-
claimed HTTPS redirect URIs. claimed HTTPS redirect URIs.
6.3. Localhost-based URI Redirection 4.3. Localhost-based URI Redirection
More applicable to desktop operating systems, some environments allow More applicable to desktop operating systems, some environments allow
the app to create a local server and listen for redirect URIs that. the app to create a local server and listen for redirect URIs that.
This is an acceptable redirect URI choice for native apps on This is an acceptable redirect URI choice for native apps on
compatible platforms. compatible platforms.
Authorization servers SHOULD support redirect URIs on the localhost Authorization servers SHOULD support redirect URIs on the localhost
host, and HTTP scheme, that is redirect URIs beginning with host, and HTTP scheme, that is redirect URIs beginning with
http://localhost (NB. in this case, HTTP is acceptable, as the http://localhost (NB. in this case, HTTP is acceptable, as the
request never leaves the device). request never leaves the device).
When an app is registered with such a redirect, it SHOULD be able to When an app is registered with such a redirect, it SHOULD be able to
specify any port in the authorization request, meaning that a request specify any port in the authorization request, meaning that a request
with http://localhost:*/* as the redirect should be considered valid. with http://localhost:*/* as the redirect should be considered valid.
7. Security Considerations 5. Security Considerations
7.1. Embedded User-Agents 5.1. Embedded User-Agents
Embedded user-agents, commonly implemented with web-views, are an Embedded user-agents, commonly implemented with web-views, are an
alternative method for authorizing native apps. They are however alternative method for authorizing native apps. They are however
unsafe for use by third-parties by definition. They involve the user unsafe for use by third-parties by definition. They involve the user
signing in with their full login credentials, only to have them signing in with their full login credentials, only to have them
downscoped to less powerful OAuth credentials. downscoped to less powerful OAuth credentials.
Even when used by trusted first-party apps, embedded user-agents Even when used by trusted first-party apps, embedded user-agents
violate the principle of least privilege by obtaining more powerful violate the principle of least privilege by obtaining more powerful
credentials than they need, potentially increasing the attack credentials than they need, potentially increasing the attack
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Due to the above, use of embedded user-agents is NOT RECOMMENDED, Due to the above, use of embedded user-agents is NOT RECOMMENDED,
except where a trusted first-party app acts as the external user- except where a trusted first-party app acts as the external user-
agent for other apps, or provides single sign-on for multiple first- agent for other apps, or provides single sign-on for multiple first-
party apps. party apps.
Authorization servers SHOULD consider taking steps to detect and Authorization servers SHOULD consider taking steps to detect and
block logins via embedded user-agents that are not their own, where block logins via embedded user-agents that are not their own, where
possible. possible.
7.2. Protecting the Authorization Code 5.2. Protecting the Authorization Code
A limitation of custom URI schemes is that multiple apps can A limitation of custom URI schemes is that multiple apps can
typically register the same scheme, which makes it indeterminate as typically register the same scheme, which makes it indeterminate as
to which app will receive the Authorization Code Grant. This is not to which app will receive the Authorization Code Grant. This is not
an issue for HTTPS redirection URIs (i.e. standard web URLs) due to an issue for HTTPS redirection URIs (i.e. standard web URLs) due to
the fact the HTTPS URI scheme is enforced by the authority (as the fact the HTTPS URI scheme is enforced by the authority (as
defined by [RFC3986]), the domain name system, which does not allow defined by [RFC3986]), the domain name system, which does not allow
multiple entities to own the same domain. multiple entities to own the same domain.
If multiple apps register the same scheme, it is possible that the If multiple apps register the same scheme, it is possible that the
authorization code will be sent to the wrong app (generally the authorization code will be sent to the wrong app (generally the
operating system makes no guarantee of which app will handle the URI operating system makes no guarantee of which app will handle the URI
when multiple register the same scheme). PKCE [RFC7636] details how when multiple register the same scheme). PKCE [RFC7636] details how
this limitation can be used to execute a code interception attack this limitation can be used to execute a code interception attack
(see Figure 1). This attack vector applies to public clients (see Figure 1). This attack vector applies to public clients
(clients that are unable to maintain a client secret) which is (clients that are unable to maintain a client secret) which is
typical of most native apps. typical of most native apps.
While Section 6.1.2 details ways that this can be mitigated through While Section 4.1.2 details ways that this can be mitigated through
policy enforcement (through being able to report and have removed any policy enforcement (through being able to report and have removed any
offending apps), we can also protect the authorization code grant offending apps), we can also protect the authorization code grant
from being used in cases where it was intercepted. from being used in cases where it was intercepted.
The Proof Key for Code Exchange by OAuth Public Clients (PKCE The Proof Key for Code Exchange by OAuth Public Clients (PKCE
[RFC7636]) standard was created specifically to mitigate against this [RFC7636]) standard was created specifically to mitigate against this
attack. It is a Proof of Possession extension to OAuth 2.0 that attack. It is a Proof of Possession extension to OAuth 2.0 that
protects the code grant from being used if it is intercepted. It protects the code grant from being used if it is intercepted. It
achieves this by having the client generate a secret verifier which achieves this by having the client generate a secret verifier which
it passes in the initial authorization request, and which it must it passes in the initial authorization request, and which it must
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Both the client and the Authorization Server MUST support PKCE Both the client and the Authorization Server MUST support PKCE
[RFC7636] to use custom URI schemes, or localhost redirects. [RFC7636] to use custom URI schemes, or localhost redirects.
Authorization Servers SHOULD reject authorization requests using a Authorization Servers SHOULD reject authorization requests using a
custom scheme, or localhost as part of the redirection URI if the custom scheme, or localhost as part of the redirection URI if the
required PKCE parameters are not present, returning the error message required PKCE parameters are not present, returning the error message
as defined in Section 4.4.1 of PKCE [RFC7636]. It is RECOMMENDED to as defined in Section 4.4.1 of PKCE [RFC7636]. It is RECOMMENDED to
use PKCE [RFC7636] for app-claimed HTTPS redirect URIs, even though use PKCE [RFC7636] for app-claimed HTTPS redirect URIs, even though
these are not generally subject to interception, to protect against these are not generally subject to interception, to protect against
attacks on inter-app communication. attacks on inter-app communication.
7.3. Phishing 5.3. Phishing
While in-app browser tabs provide a secure authentication context, as While in-app browser tabs provide a secure authentication context, as
the user initiates the flow from a native app, it is possible for the user initiates the flow from a native app, it is possible for
that native app to completely fake an in-app browser tab. that native app to completely fake an in-app browser tab.
This can't be prevented directly - once the user is in the native This can't be prevented directly - once the user is in the native
app, that app is fully in control of what it can render, however app, that app is fully in control of what it can render, however
there are several mitigating factors. there are several mitigating factors.
Importantly, such an attack that uses a web-view to fake an in-app Importantly, such an attack that uses a web-view to fake an in-app
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show the user some hint that they were previously logged in, as an show the user some hint that they were previously logged in, as an
attacking app would not be capable of doing this. attacking app would not be capable of doing this.
Users who are particularly concerned about their security may also Users who are particularly concerned about their security may also
take the additional step of opening the request in the system browser take the additional step of opening the request in the system browser
from the in-app browser tab, and completing the authorization there, from the in-app browser tab, and completing the authorization there,
as most implementations of the in-app browser tab pattern offer such as most implementations of the in-app browser tab pattern offer such
functionality. This is not expected to be common user behavior, functionality. This is not expected to be common user behavior,
however. however.
7.4. Limitations of Public Clients 5.4. Limitations of Non-verifiable Clients
Due to the fact that the identity of non-confidential clients cannot
be assured, tokens SHOULD NOT be issued to such clients without user
consent or interaction, even if the the user has consented to the
scopes and approved the client previously.
While using a claimed HTTPS URI for redirection in the system browser As stated in Section 10.2 of RFC 6749, the authorization server
guarantees the identity of the receiving app, it is still possible SHOULD NOT process authorization requests automatically without user
for a bad app to put the user through an authentication flow in an consent or interaction, except when the identity of the client can be
embedded user-agent of their own, and observe the redirect URI with assured. Measures such as claimed HTTPS redirects can be used by
the authorization code grant. Thus, this advice is applicable to all native apps to prove their identity to the authorization server, and
non-confidential clients, regardless of the redirection scheme used. some operating systems may offer alternative platform-specific
identity features which may be used, as appropriate.
8. Other External User Agents 6. Other External User Agents
This best practice recommends a particular type of external user- This best practice recommends a particular type of external user-
agent: the in-app browser tab. Other external user-agents patterns agent: the in-app browser tab. Other external user-agents patterns
may also be viable for secure and usable OAuth. This document makes may also be viable for secure and usable OAuth. This document makes
no comment on those patterns. no comment on those patterns.
9. References 7. Client Authentication
9.1. Normative References Secrets that are statically included as part of an app distributed to
multiple users should not be treated as confidential secrets, as one
user may inspect their copy and learn the secret of all users. For
this reason it is NOT RECOMMENDED for authorization servers to
require client authentication of native apps using a secret shared by
multiple installs of the app, as this serves no value beyond client
identification which is already provided by the client_id request
parameter. If an authorization server requires a client secret for
native apps, it MUST NOT assume that it is actually secret, unless
some method is being used to dynamically provision a unique secret to
each installation.
8. References
8.1. Normative References
[RFC6749] Hardt, D., Ed., "The OAuth 2.0 Authorization Framework", [RFC6749] Hardt, D., Ed., "The OAuth 2.0 Authorization Framework",
RFC 6749, DOI 10.17487/RFC6749, October 2012, RFC 6749, DOI 10.17487/RFC6749, October 2012,
<http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc6749>. <http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc6749>.
[RFC7636] Sakimura, N., Ed., Bradley, J., and N. Agarwal, "Proof Key [RFC7636] Sakimura, N., Ed., Bradley, J., and N. Agarwal, "Proof Key
for Code Exchange by OAuth Public Clients", RFC 7636, for Code Exchange by OAuth Public Clients", RFC 7636,
DOI 10.17487/RFC7636, September 2015, DOI 10.17487/RFC7636, September 2015,
<http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc7636>. <http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc7636>.
[RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate [RFC2119] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119,
DOI 10.17487/RFC2119, March 1997, DOI 10.17487/RFC2119, March 1997,
<http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc2119>. <http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc2119>.
[RFC3986] Berners-Lee, T., Fielding, R., and L. Masinter, "Uniform [RFC3986] Berners-Lee, T., Fielding, R., and L. Masinter, "Uniform
Resource Identifier (URI): Generic Syntax", STD 66, Resource Identifier (URI): Generic Syntax", STD 66,
RFC 3986, DOI 10.17487/RFC3986, January 2005, RFC 3986, DOI 10.17487/RFC3986, January 2005,
<http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc3986>. <http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc3986>.
9.2. Informative References 8.2. Informative References
[RFC6819] Lodderstedt, T., Ed., McGloin, M., and P. Hunt, "OAuth 2.0 [RFC6819] Lodderstedt, T., Ed., McGloin, M., and P. Hunt, "OAuth 2.0
Threat Model and Security Considerations", RFC 6819, Threat Model and Security Considerations", RFC 6819,
DOI 10.17487/RFC6819, January 2013, DOI 10.17487/RFC6819, January 2013,
<http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc6819>. <http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc6819>.
[iOS.URIScheme] [iOS.URIScheme]
"Inter-App Communication", February 2015, <https://develop "Inter-App Communication", February 2015, <https://develop
er.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/iPhone/Conceptual/ er.apple.com/library/ios/documentation/iPhone/Conceptual/
iPhoneOSProgrammingGuide/Inter-AppCommunication/Inter- iPhoneOSProgrammingGuide/Inter-AppCommunication/Inter-
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From iOS 9, apps can invoke the system browser without the user From iOS 9, apps can invoke the system browser without the user
leaving the app through SFSafariViewController leaving the app through SFSafariViewController
[SFSafariViewController], which implements the browser-view pattern. [SFSafariViewController], which implements the browser-view pattern.
This class has all the properties of the system browser, and is This class has all the properties of the system browser, and is
considered an 'external user-agent', even though it is presented considered an 'external user-agent', even though it is presented
within the host app. Regardless of whether the system browser is within the host app. Regardless of whether the system browser is
opened, or SFSafariViewController, the return of the token goes opened, or SFSafariViewController, the return of the token goes
through the same system. through the same system.
As of iOS 9, "Universal Links", the iOS method for app-claimed HTTPs
URIs are not generally considered usable for OAuth. While they
technically work, after the redirect happens, the user's address bar
shows "Back to Safari" on the left, and "open in example.com", where
example.com was the redirect.
A.2. Android Implementation Details A.2. Android Implementation Details
Chrome 45 introduced the concept of Chrome Custom Tab Chrome 45 introduced the concept of Chrome Custom Tab
[ChromeCustomTab], which follows the browser-view pattern and allows [ChromeCustomTab], which follows the browser-view pattern and allows
authentication without the user leaving the app. authentication without the user leaving the app.
The return of the token can go through the custom URI scheme or The return of the token can go through the custom URI scheme or
claimed HTTPS URI (including those registered with the App Link claimed HTTPS URI (including those registered with the App Link
[Android.AppLinks] system), or the navigation events can be observed [Android.AppLinks] system), or the navigation events can be observed
by the host app. It is RECOMMENDED that the custom URI, or claimed by the host app. It is RECOMMENDED that the custom URI, or claimed
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accidental observation of intermediate tokens on URI parameters. accidental observation of intermediate tokens on URI parameters.
At the time of writing, Android does allow apps to claim HTTPs links At the time of writing, Android does allow apps to claim HTTPs links
(App Links), but not in a way that is usable for OAuth, the native (App Links), but not in a way that is usable for OAuth, the native
app is only opened if the intent is fired from outside the browser. app is only opened if the intent is fired from outside the browser.
Appendix B. Acknowledgements Appendix B. Acknowledgements
The author would like to acknowledge the work of Marius Scurtescu, The author would like to acknowledge the work of Marius Scurtescu,
and Ben Wiley Sittler whose design for using custom URI schemes in and Ben Wiley Sittler whose design for using custom URI schemes in
native OAuth 2.0 clients formed the basis of Section 6.1. native OAuth 2.0 clients formed the basis of Section 4.1.
The following individuals contributed ideas, feedback, and wording The following individuals contributed ideas, feedback, and wording
that shaped and formed the final specification: that shaped and formed the final specification:
Naveen Agarwal, John Bradley, Brian Campbell, Adam Dawes, Hannes Naveen Agarwal, John Bradley, Brian Campbell, Adam Dawes, Hannes
Tschofenig, Ashish Jain, Paul Madsen, Breno de Medeiros, Eric Sachs, Tschofenig, Ashish Jain, Paul Madsen, Breno de Medeiros, Eric Sachs,
Nat Sakimura, Steve Wright, Erik Wahlstrom. Nat Sakimura, Steve Wright, Erik Wahlstrom, Andy Zmolek.
Authors' Addresses Authors' Addresses
William Denniss William Denniss
Google Google
1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy 1600 Amphitheatre Pkwy
Mountain View, CA 94043 Mountain View, CA 94043
USA USA
Phone: +1 650-253-0000 Phone: +1 650-253-0000
Email: wdenniss@google.com Email: wdenniss@google.com
URI: http://google.com/ URI: http://google.com/
John Bradley John Bradley
Ping Identity Ping Identity
Phone: +44 20 8133 3718 Phone: +1 202-630-5272
Email: ve7jtb@ve7jtb.com Email: ve7jtb@ve7jtb.com
URI: http://www.thread-safe.com/ URI: http://www.thread-safe.com/
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