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Steilla Mitchel

Steilla Mitchel

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Aryan Kumar

Aryan Kumar

10-Nov-2023

Token revocation is a crucial aspect of securing systems that use bearer tokens, especially in OAuth 2.0-based authentication and authorization. Token revocation allows you to invalidate and render tokens unusable before their natural expiration, enhancing the overall security of your application. Here are key considerations and methods for achieving token revocation in bearer token systems:

1. Use Token Revocation Endpoint:

  • OAuth 2.0 Standard: OAuth 2.0 defines a standard Token Revocation Endpoint that allows clients to request the revocation of a previously issued token.
  • Endpoint URL: The revocation endpoint is typically located at /oauth2/revoke or a similar path on the authorization server.

2. Token Revocation Request:

  • HTTP Request: Clients send a token revocation request to the revocation endpoint using an HTTP POST request.
  • Parameters: The request includes the token to be revoked as a parameter, often named token or token_hint.

3. Token Revocation Response:

  • HTTP Response: The authorization server responds with a status code indicating the result of the revocation operation.
  • Success Status: A successful revocation typically results in a 200 OK response.

4. Token Hint Parameter:

  • Optional Parameter: The token_hint parameter is often used to provide a hint about the type of the token being revoked (access token, refresh token, etc.).

5. Support for Token Introspection:

  • Enhancement: Some authorization servers support revocation through token introspection, allowing clients to check the validity of a token and potentially revoke it using the introspection endpoint.

6. Client Authentication:

  • Optional Client Authentication: Depending on the authorization server's policy, the client may need to authenticate itself when making the token revocation request. This is typically done using client credentials.

7. Token Revocation Use Cases:

  • Logout Mechanisms: Token revocation is often used during user logout to invalidate tokens associated with the user's session.
  • Compromised Tokens: In case of a token compromise or suspected unauthorized access, tokens can be revoked to immediately terminate active sessions.

8. Token Revocation and Refresh Tokens:

  • Refresh Token Handling: When a refresh token is revoked, all associated access tokens derived from that refresh token are also invalidated.

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