Authentication and Authorization in Web Applications

Abstract

This article navigates through the landscape of OAuth 2.0, a pivotal authentication and authorization protocol widely adopted in web applications. By demystifying the core components – namely the Resource Owner, Client, Resource Server, Authorization Server, Access Token, and Refresh Token – the article sheds light on their distinct roles and interplay in safeguarding user credentials while permitting authorized access to protected resources. Furthermore, it delves into the various authorization flows, elucidating mechanisms that guide secure interactions between users, applications, and resource servers. With an adjunct focus on security considerations and challenges, the article provides a holistic view of implementing OAuth 2.0. It aims to give developers and IT professionals comprehensive insights into effectively leveraging this protocol while mitigating potential vulnerabilities. A balanced perspective juxtaposes the protocol's robustness and complexity, striving to offer a thorough understanding of employing OAuth 2.0 in diverse web application scenarios.