Single Sign-On (SSO) Overview
Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication service that allows users to access multiple different applications or systems associated with the same authentication service using a single set of usernames and passwords. When SSO is enabled in the EMQX Platform, users can conveniently log in to the EMQX Platform deployment console using their enterprise account credentials.
EMQX Platform implements the SSO feature based on the OpenID Connect (OIDC) standard. When users perform a single sign-on with their enterprise account, EMQX Platform, acting as the application server (also known as the "Relying Party," RP), can obtain the user's basic identity information from an authorized identity provider (the enterprise's own identity management server). Users can then log in to the EMQX Platform with a single click using their enterprise account.
Key Concepts
Before using the Single Sign-On feature, you need to understand several key concepts:
- OpenID Provider (OP) or Identity Provider (IdP): The authorized identity provider or authorization server. Common enterprise IdPs include Okta and Azure Active Directory (AAD).
- RP: Relying Party, which is the application server or website that outsources its user authentication to the IdP (Identity Provider). EMQX Platform, as the provider of single sign-on services, is also referred to as the Service Provider (SP).
- ID Token: After successful authentication, the identity provider returns an identity identifier known as the ID Token. It is a JWT-format string used to obtain the user's basic information.
Authorization Flow
The basic workflow for users to log in to the EMQX Platform using SSO is illustrated in the following diagram:
- The user logs in to the application server, which is EMQX Platform, using a web browser.
- EMQX Platform redirects to the IdP for authentication and authorization.
- The IdP returns an (authorization) code to the browser and redirects it back to EMQX Platform.
- EMQX Platform retrieves the ID Token using the code provided by the IdP and sends it to the IdP for verification.
- The IdP returns the ID Token to EMQX Platform.
- EMQX Platform grants authorization to the browser and completes the login process.
Configuration Steps
Before you enable the SSO feature, OIDC configurations are required for both EMQX Platform and the enterprise IdP to establish trust between the two. The general csteps are as follows:
- Configure EMQX Platform metadata information in the enterprise IdP.
- Obtain the metadata information generated by the enterprise IdP and input the relevant details in EMQX Platform to complete the SSO configuration.
- Create users and grant authorization for the EMQX Platform application in the enterprise IdP.
- Create corresponding sub-accounts in EMQX Platform.
- Use the dedicated SSO login URL to complete the login process.
Configuration Examples
The following pages provide configuration examples for enabling SSO iwith authorization from common enterprise IdPs (Okta and Azure AD):