OAuth vs OpenID Connect: Key Differences 2024

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) are essential protocols for web security, but they serve different purposes:

• OAuth 2.0: Handles authorization (what you can access)
• OpenID Connect: Manages authentication (who you are)

Key differences:

Feature	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
Primary function	Authorization	Authentication
Token types	Access tokens	Access + ID tokens
User info	Not included	Included in ID token
Best for	API access	User logins, SSO
Complexity	More flexible	More standardized

When to use:

• OAuth 2.0: For granting API access without sharing passwords
• OIDC: For user authentication and getting basic user info

Many apps use both: OIDC for login, OAuth 2.0 for API access.

Future trends:

• Enhanced security features
• Support for IoT devices
• Preparation for quantum computing challenges

Choose based on your needs: OIDC for user identity, OAuth 2.0 for resource access.

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Basic Concepts

Let's break down OAuth and OpenID Connect. These protocols are key for web app security, so it's important to get a grip on them.

What Are OAuth and OpenID Connect?

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) are different, but they work together:

Protocol	Main Job	What It Does
OAuth 2.0	Authorization	Lets apps access user stuff without passwords
OpenID Connect	Authentication	Checks who users are across different apps

OAuth 2.0 came out in 2012. It's why you can click "Login with Google" without giving your Google password to that app.

OIDC showed up in 2014. It's built on OAuth 2.0 and makes it easy for apps to check who you are.

How Did We Get Here?

Online security has come a long way:

• 2005: OpenID starts
• 2006: Twitter cooks up OAuth
• 2007: OAuth 1.0 drops
• 2012: OAuth 2.0 arrives
• 2014: OpenID Connect becomes official

These changes fixed big problems with how apps talk to each other and check who users are.

Jacob Ideskog from Curity puts it like this:

"OAuth 2.0 was now available to help solve it. It introduced the procedure that we are all familiar with now: the user gets an account with an OAuth server, which issues access tokens to let the client call the API."

Now, you don't have to share your password with every app you use.

How They Work

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect are similar, but they do different jobs:

OAuth 2.0:

• Handles permissions
• Uses tokens for access
• Has four main players: Client, Resource Server, Resource Owner, and Authorization Server

OpenID Connect:

• Built on OAuth 2.0 for checking who you are
• Uses ID tokens (JWTs) with your info
• Adds new roles like OpenID Provider and Relying Party

Here's a quick look at how they work:

Step	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
1	App asks for permission	App starts login process
2	User says yes	User logs in
3	Server gives access token	Server gives ID token and access token
4	App uses token to get stuff	App checks who you are and gets stuff

OpenID Connect makes life easier for developers. It uses simple web tech (REST and JSON), so it works well with all kinds of apps - web, mobile, you name it.

If you're building apps with these protocols, you need to know the lingo. OAuth 2.0 talks about scopes and access tokens. OpenID Connect brings in claims and ID tokens. Knowing these terms will help you build safer, better apps.

As tech changes, these protocols are changing too. More people are using apps on their phones, so we're seeing new ways to log in that don't need a web browser. Keep an eye on these changes to make sure your apps stay secure and easy to use.

How OAuth Works

OAuth 2.0 is the backbone of modern web security. It lets apps access user data without exposing passwords. Here's how it works:

Main Rules of OAuth

OAuth follows these core principles:

• Clear roles for Resource Owner, Client, Authorization Server, and Resource Server
• Uses tokens instead of sharing credentials
• Access granted only for specific resources and actions
• Access tokens typically expire for better security

Parts and Processes

The OAuth process involves these key steps:

1. Client registration

Apps register with the API they'll use, getting a client ID and secret.

2. Authorization request

The app redirects the user to log in and grant permissions.

3. Token issuance

After user approval, the Authorization Server provides an access token.

4. Resource access

The app uses the token to request data from the Resource Server.

Let's look at a real-world example:

Step	Action	Example
1	App registration	Spotify registers with Facebook's API
2	User authorization	You click "Login with Facebook" on Spotify
3	Token generation	Facebook issues a token for Spotify
4	Data access	Spotify uses the token to fetch your friend list

Token Systems

OAuth uses different types of tokens:

• Access tokens: Short-lived keys to access resources
• Refresh tokens: Long-lived tokens to get new access tokens
• ID tokens: Contain user identity information (used in OpenID Connect)

Here's how they compare:

Token Type	Purpose	Lifespan	Security Level
Access Token	Resource access	Short (hours)	High
Refresh Token	Get new access tokens	Long (days/months)	Very High
ID Token	User authentication	Short (minutes)	Medium

Common Uses

OAuth is everywhere in modern web and mobile apps. Some examples:

• "Login with Google" on websites like Medium or Airbnb
• Zapier connecting to your Trello boards
• Smart TVs accessing streaming services

"OAuth 2.0 was now available to help solve it. It introduced the procedure that we are all familiar with now: the user gets an account with an OAuth server, which issues access tokens to let the client call the API."

This quote shows how OAuth changed the game for secure API access, making it the go-to choice for developers worldwide.

How OpenID Connect Works

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is like OAuth 2.0's cooler, more security-savvy cousin. It adds an extra layer of authentication that's crucial for keeping modern web apps safe.

Here's how OIDC does its thing:

1. You try to access something that's locked down.
2. The app says, "Hold up, let's check with the bouncer" (that's the OpenID Provider or OP).
3. You show your ID to the bouncer.
4. The bouncer gives the app a special code.
5. The app trades that code for some VIP passes (tokens).
6. Now the app can get your info and let you in.

This whole dance keeps your login details safe from prying eyes.

ID Tokens: The VIP Passes

OIDC's star player is the ID token. It's a special type of token (a JWT, for the tech-savvy) packed with info about you. Here's what's inside:

What's in it	What it means
iss	Who vouched for you
sub	Your unique ID
aud	Which app you're using
exp	When the pass expires
iat	When you got the pass
auth_time	When you last showed your ID
nonce	A one-time code to prevent sneaky replays

These tokens are like a universal ID card that different services can trust.

Different Ways to Connect

OIDC isn't a one-size-fits-all deal. It's got different methods depending on what kind of app you're running:

1. Authorization Code Flow: Best for apps with a backstage area.
2. Implicit Flow: Quick and dirty for single-page apps (but not as safe).
3. Hybrid Flow: A mix of both for when things get complicated.

Each method has its ups and downs. The Authorization Code Flow is like taking the long way home - safer, but more steps. The Implicit Flow is like a shortcut - quicker, but you might run into trouble.

What OIDC Brings to the Table

OIDC isn't just about logging in. It's got a few tricks up its sleeve:

• Single Sign-On (SSO): One key for all your doors.
• Identity Checking: Apps can trust you without keeping your secrets.
• Sharing Your Info: Standardized way to pass along your basic details.
• You're in Control: You decide what apps get to know about you.

"OpenID Connect is like having a trusted friend vouch for you everywhere you go online. It takes the headache out of managing passwords and makes life easier for both users and developers."

This is why big companies are jumping on the OIDC bandwagon. It makes security simpler and puts users in the driver's seat when it comes to their data.

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Main Differences

OAuth and OpenID Connect serve different purposes. Let's break it down:

Login vs Permissions

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect have distinct primary functions:

Protocol	Function	Purpose
OAuth 2.0	Authorization	Grants resource access without sharing credentials
OpenID Connect	Authentication	Verifies user identity and provides user info

Think of OAuth 2.0 as a bouncer checking your wristband for access. It doesn't care who you are, just what you can do. OpenID Connect is more like an ID checker, confirming your identity before entry.

Token Types

Both use tokens, but differently:

Token Type	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
Access Token	Yes	Yes
ID Token	No	Yes

OpenID Connect's ID token is a JWT with user identity claims. It lets apps know who the user is without extra API calls.

Best Use Cases

Choose based on your needs:

Use Case	Best Choice	Reason
API access	OAuth 2.0	Focuses on authorization
User authentication	OpenID Connect	Gets user info easily
Single Sign-On	OpenID Connect	Built for cross-app auth

Building an app to access Google Drive files? Go with OAuth 2.0. Creating a login system for multiple services? OpenID Connect is your best bet.

Implementation Complexity

They differ in setup:

Aspect	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
Flexibility	Higher	More standardized
Learning Curve	Steeper	Easier
Documentation	Extensive	More focused

OpenID Connect is often easier to implement due to its structure. But OAuth 2.0's flexibility can be a plus for complex scenarios.

Security Features

Both prioritize security, but approach it differently:

Feature	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
Token Signing	Optional	Required (JWT)
Encryption	Not specified	Supported
Scope Definition	Flexible	Standardized
Token Introspection	Yes	Yes
Revocation	Yes	Yes

OpenID Connect offers more out-of-the-box security features. Its signed tokens help prevent tampering, addressing a potential OAuth 2.0 vulnerability.

"OpenID Connect's standardized authentication adds security that OAuth 2.0 alone doesn't provide. It's about knowing who's accessing what."

Many organizations use both. Google's system uses OpenID Connect for login and OAuth 2.0 for API access to services like Gmail or Drive.

Choose based on your needs. Need to grant resource access? OAuth 2.0 might suffice. Is user identity crucial? OpenID Connect offers a more complete solution.

Setting Up These Protocols

Let's break down how to set up OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) in SaaS systems. It's not rocket science, but you'll need to pay attention to the details.

Common Setup Cases

Here's a quick rundown of how to add OAuth and OIDC to your SaaS app:

Setup Case	OAuth 2.0	OpenID Connect
Server-side Web App	Authorization Code Flow	Authorization Code Flow with openid scope
Single-Page App (SPA)	Authorization Code Flow with PKCE	Authorization Code Flow with PKCE
Mobile App	Authorization Code Flow with PKCE	Authorization Code Flow with PKCE
Machine-to-Machine	Client Credentials Flow	Not applicable

For a server-side web app like Shopify, you'd use the Authorization Code Flow for both OAuth and OIDC. This keeps token exchange and user authentication locked down tight.

Safety Steps

When it comes to these protocols, security isn't just important - it's everything. Here's what you need to do:

1. Use HTTPS for all OAuth and OIDC endpoints. No exceptions.
2. Check those tokens. Verify signatures and claims on every token you get.
3. For mobile and SPA clients, use Proof Key for Code Exchange (PKCE).
4. Don't leave tokens lying around. On iOS, use the keychain. On Android, go with EncryptedSharedPreferences.
5. Keep access tokens on a short leash. Use brief expiration times and rotate refresh tokens.

Choosing the Right Protocol

Picking between OAuth and OIDC? It depends on what you're after:

Requirement	Go With
User Authentication	OpenID Connect
API Access Control	OAuth 2.0
Single Sign-On (SSO)	OpenID Connect
Delegated Authorization	OAuth 2.0

Building something like Asana that needs user login and API access for integrations? Use OIDC for the login part and OAuth 2.0 for API permissions.

Setup Guidelines

Making Protocol Setup Easier

Let's face it: setting up these protocols can be a pain, especially for smaller teams. That's where services like Endgrate come in handy. They offer a unified API for tons of third-party services, many using OAuth or OIDC.

Using Endgrate can:

• Cut down your integration development time
• Keep your implementations consistent across services
• Keep you up to date with protocol compliance without constant tweaking

When to Use Each Protocol

Here's a cheat sheet for when to use OAuth 2.0 vs OpenID Connect:

Scenario	Pick This	Why
User login for SaaS app	OpenID Connect	Gives you standardized user info
Third-party API access	OAuth 2.0	Focuses on authorization, not authentication
Enterprise SSO solution	OpenID Connect	Handles federated identity management
IoT device authorization	OAuth 2.0 (Device Flow)	Works with limited input devices
Microservices communication	OAuth 2.0 (Client Credentials)	Efficient for service-to-service auth

Many modern identity providers support both protocols. Take Auth0 - you can use OIDC for authentication and OAuth 2.0 for API access in the same flow. It's a one-stop shop for most SaaS apps.

What's Next for These Protocols

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) are gearing up for some big changes. Let's dive into what's coming down the pipeline.

Coming Updates

Both protocols are getting a security boost:

1. OAuth 2.0 Push Authorization Requests (PAR)

PAR is shaking things up for the Authorization Code grant type. It's a two-step process that cuts out user agents, making it tougher for bad actors to mess with authorization requests.

What's cool about PAR?

• It's extra secure (great for finance stuff)
• It stops people from tampering with request parameters
• It plays nice with different types of clients

2. OpenID Connect Extensions

OIDC is branching out:

Extension	What it does	Why it matters
FAPI 2.0	Beefs up security for financial APIs	Keeps your money safer
OIDC for Identity Assurance	Sets standards for ID checks	Makes sure you're really you, no matter where you log in
OIDC for Verifiable Credentials	Supports decentralized IDs	Gives you more control over your personal info

New Security Rules

Cyber threats are always evolving, so these protocols are stepping up their game:

1. Zero-Trust Architecture Integration

OAuth 2.0 and OIDC are getting on board with zero-trust. This means:

• Constant auth checks
• More detailed access controls
• Better monitoring

2. Proof of Possession (PoP) Techniques

PoP is becoming a big deal to stop token replay attacks:

• New standards for access tokens
• Hardware-backed keys for mobile apps
• Better ways to store tokens in web apps

"To really protect against security threats, you need to get APIs, clients, and their environments."

Working with New Tech

OAuth and OIDC are adapting to new tech:

1. IoT Device Support

They're tweaking the OAuth 2.0 Device Flow for IoT gadgets that can't handle complex inputs.

2. Quantum-Resistant Algorithms

With quantum computing on the horizon, both protocols are preparing:

• Creating algorithms that can stand up to quantum computers
• Slowly bringing in Post-Quantum Cryptography (PQC)

3. Decentralized Identity Integration

Projects like IDunion are trying to mix decentralized identity management with OAuth and OIDC:

Feature	Why it's cool
User-centric data sharing	You control your info
Interoperable credentials	Your ID works everywhere
Less reliance on central authorities	More privacy, more security

Current Usage Trends

OAuth 2.0 and OIDC are catching on in different industries:

1. Financial Services

Banks and fintech are jumping on board:

• Brazil's Open Banking is using OAuth 2.0 and OIDC
• Australia's Consumer Data Right is beefing up security

2. Enterprise Solutions

Big companies are upping their auth game:

• Microsoft's moving from SAML to OIDC for Azure Active Directory
• Google's using OAuth 2.0 all over its API access

3. Mobile and Web Applications

App developers are prioritizing secure logins:

• More use of Authorization Code Flow with PKCE in mobile apps
• OIDC is becoming the go-to for Single Sign-On (SSO) in web apps

Going forward, it's all about balancing tight security with user-friendliness. OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect will keep evolving, giving developers the tools to create secure, easy-to-use auth systems in our complex digital world.

Conclusion

Let's recap the key differences between OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) to help you pick the right protocol for your SaaS app.

The Big Picture

OAuth 2.0 and OIDC serve different purposes:

• OAuth 2.0 is all about authorization. It's the bouncer at the club, deciding what you can access.
• OIDC handles authentication. It's the ID checker, making sure you are who you say you are.

Tokens: Not All Created Equal

Both use tokens, but they're not the same:

• OAuth 2.0: Access tokens only
• OIDC: Access tokens AND ID tokens (in JWT format)

OIDC's ID token is a big deal. It gives you user info without extra API calls. Nice, right?

Ease of Use

OIDC is often easier to set up because it's more standardized. But OAuth 2.0 gives you more wiggle room for complex setups.

Security: OIDC Takes It Up a Notch

OIDC builds on OAuth 2.0 and adds:

• Must-have token signing
• Optional encryption
• Standard scopes

If user identity is crucial, OIDC is your go-to.

Real-World Examples

• Need API access (like getting into Google Drive)? Use OAuth 2.0.
• Want user login (like "Sign in with Google")? Go for OIDC.
• Setting up Single Sign-On (SSO)? OIDC's got your back.

Many big players (looking at you, Google) use both together for a full-package deal.

What's Next?

Both protocols are gearing up for:

• Zero-Trust Architecture
• IoT devices
• Quantum computing challenges

So, what's the bottom line? If you need user auth and profile info, OIDC is your best bet. For API access and resource authorization, stick with OAuth 2.0.

FAQs

What's the difference between OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect?

OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect (OIDC) are like two sides of the same coin:

Protocol	Main Job	Think of it as...
OAuth 2.0	Authorization	A valet key for your car
OpenID Connect	Authentication	Your ID at a club's entrance

OAuth 2.0 is all about giving apps permission to access your stuff without handing over your password. It's like that valet key - it lets someone park your car, but they can't rummage through your glove box.

OpenID Connect takes OAuth 2.0 and adds a "Who are you?" layer. It's like showing your ID at a club after the bouncer (OAuth 2.0) has already checked if you're on the guest list.

"OAuth controls access to a protected resource, API, or service, while OIDC is a standard for authenticating users built on top of OAuth."

In the real world, these two often team up. When you "Sign in with Google", you're using both - OIDC for the login, and OAuth 2.0 for letting the app peek at your Google services.

Is OpenID Connect better than OAuth2?

It's not a question of better - it's about using the right tool for the job:

Protocol	What it's good at	Best for
OAuth 2.0	Flexible authorization	Sharing specific resources
OpenID Connect	Standardized authentication	User logins, SSO

OpenID Connect is your authentication superhero. It's perfect for:

• Letting users log in once and access multiple apps (SSO)
• Grabbing basic user info
• Making sure users are who they say they are

OAuth 2.0 is the authorization champ. Use it when you need to:

• Let other apps use your API
• Share specific data without giving away the keys to the kingdom
• Set up detailed permissions for data access

Many apps use both. Picture a project management tool that lets you log in with your Google account (OIDC) and then checks your Google Calendar for scheduling (OAuth 2.0).

The takeaway? Need to know who someone is? OpenID Connect. Just want to access some of their data? OAuth 2.0. And remember, you can always use both if your app needs it.

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