OAuth Vulnerability Prevention
To prevent critical OAuth vulnerabilities seen in previous scenarios, both the client and authorization server must implement strict security practices:
Core Prevention Checklist
Always validate redirect_uri: Only exact, pre-registered URIs should be allowed. No wildcards, subdomains, userinfo tricks or open redirects!
Enforce the state parameter: Make it mandatory for all flows and always validate it. Never use predictable state values.
Prefer Authorization Code Grant: Use code grant instead of implicit. Never expose tokens directly to the browser if not strictly necessary.
Enforce HTTPS everywhere: All tokens must be transported and stored over secure (encrypted) channels.
Validate token audience/scope: Clients must ensure tokens are meant for them (never blindly accept tokens from elsewhere).
Input sanitization: Sanitize all GET/POST/query params and reflect nothing unescaped in authorization forms (protect against XSS).
No token/credential storage in URLs, logs, or browser storage.
OAuth servers: Regularly audit code/configs, perform security/pentest reviews, keep dependencies up to date.
Consider Multi-Factor Authentication: Enhance credential security with one-time codes, biometrics, etc., to reduce impact if account hijack occurs.
Responsibilities
Authorization Server: Strictly validate and enforce all standards (redirect_uri, state, scope/audience, etc.). Provide secure registration and documentation to clients.
Clients: Never try to "DIY" the protocol. Use mature OAuth client libraries and follow all recommendations from server/provider.
Summary:
OAuth security is only as strong as the least secure participant. Strict validation, safe-by-default configs, and regular review are essential to prevent vulnerabilities leading to token theft, CSRF, or account compromise.
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