Secure Okta Single Logout (SLO) with SAML: Protect Against Session Vulnerabilities
While Single Sign-On (SSO) simplifies access to multiple web applications, it has a downside: users often forget to log out of all sessions, creating potential security risks, including:
- Session Hijacking: Unauthorized access to active sessions.
- Cross-Site Scripting (XSS): Exploits that inject malicious scripts.
- Man-in-the-Middle Attacks: Interception of sensitive data.
Logging out of a Service Provider (SP) only clears the local session, not the Okta Identity Provider (IdP) session. If the IdP redirects unauthenticated users back to the SP (common behavior), a new session is created, negating the logout. This makes true SLO critical for security.Our SAML-based SLO solution ensures users fully terminate both Okta and application sessions in one step, significantly reducing these vulnerabilities and enhancing overall security.
We have seen this problem lately and solved the problem of Single Logout (SLO). SLO is a feature in federated authentication where the end-users sign out of both their Okta session and a configured application with a single logout action.
SSO makes our life easier so we can effortlessly log into various web applications. But this luxury comes with drawbacks:
Users often forget to log out of every session during SSO, and this can lead to these vulnerabilities:
Single Logout Protection from:
- Session Hijacking
- XSS
- Man-in-the-middle attacks
Remember, just because you can log out of a Service Provider (SP) does not mean you are also logging out from your IdP (Okta). When you log out of an SP (app), you only clear your local session (log out). Suppose your IdP is redirecting unauthenticated users to an SP automatically (standard behavior). In that case, logging out won't have any effect because the user will be redirected to the IdP and then redirected back to the SP with a brand new session. SSO doesn't make it easy to log out.
That's is why a true Single Log Out (SLO) experience helps reduce the vulnerabilities, as mentioned earlier.
What are the Okta SLO Requirements?
SLO does have its requirements and restrictions. For example, both parties (the IdP and the SPs) must support the SAML Single Logout protocol. But for custom applications where you own the code, SLO is a solution you can always provide.
In short, we solved when you log out of the SP; you also log out of the IdP not only in one device but all devices. Iron Cove creates an authentic Single Log Out experience.
Iron Cove has an Custom Developed SLO solution that can potentially work for you. Call today at 888.959-2825 for a Security Consultation and discuss.
Reference https://blog.bio-key.com/2016/06/20/saml-single-logout-need-to-know
What is SAML?
SAML is a protocol that allows users to authenticate once with an IdP (e.g., Okta) and access multiple SPs (e.g., web applications like Salesforce or Google Workspace) without needing to log in separately for each. It achieves this by exchanging digitally signed XML messages, called assertions, that contain user identity and authorization data. SAML is widely used in enterprise environments to streamline access while maintaining security.
Key Components of SAML
Identity Provider (IdP):
- The system responsible for authenticating users and issuing SAML assertions.
- Maintains user credentials, profiles, and authentication policies.
- Example: Okta, Azure AD, or Ping Identity.
Service Provider (SP):
- The application or service the user wants to access.
- Relies on the IdP to authenticate users and trusts the SAML assertions it receives.
- Example: Web apps like Dropbox, Slack, or custom enterprise applications.
SAML Assertion:
- An XML document containing user information, such as:Authentication: Confirms the user’s identity (e.g., username, email).
- Attributes: User details like roles, groups, or permissions.
- Authorization: Specifies what the user can do in the SP.
Assertions are digitally signed to ensure integrity and authenticity.
SAML Profiles:
- Define specific use cases for SAML, such as Web Browser SSO or Single Logout (SLO).
- Each profile outlines the flow of SAML messages for a particular scenario.
SAML Bindings:
- Specify how SAML messages are transmitted between IdP and SP (e.g., over HTTP POST, HTTP Redirect, or SOAP).
Metadata:
- An XML file exchanged between IdP and SP to configure the SAML relationship.
- Contains details like endpoints, certificates, and supported protocols.
Watch our Okta SLO Demo Video.
If you have further questions, just call and lets chat your situation.
Cloud Licensing Providers we support
| Provider | Available |
|---|---|
| Dropbox | Yes |
| Google WorkSpace | Yes |
| Microsoft Office 365 | Yes |
| Okta | Yes |
| Orchestration Engine | Yes |
| ProofPoint | Yes |