🔒 All decoding happens in your browser - tokens are never sent to any server
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What is OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect?
OAuth 2.0 is an industry-standard protocol for authorization that enables applications to obtain limited access to user accounts on third-party services (like Google, Microsoft, GitHub) without exposing passwords. OAuth uses access tokens instead of credentials.
OpenID Connect (OIDC) is an authentication layer built on top of OAuth 2.0 that adds identity verification. While OAuth handles authorization (permissions), OIDC handles authentication (identity). It introduces ID tokens (JWTs) containing user identity information.
Understanding JWT Tokens
JSON Web Tokens (JWT) are compact, URL-safe tokens consisting of three Base64-encoded parts (header.payload.signature) separated by dots. JWTs contain claims about a user and can be cryptographically signed to verify authenticity and prevent tampering.
Token Structure:
- Header: Algorithm and token type (e.g., { "alg": "RS256", "typ": "JWT" })
- Payload: Claims about the user (e.g., { "sub": "user123", "email": "[email protected]" })
- Signature: Cryptographic signature to verify token authenticity
PKCE Explained
PKCE (Proof Key for Code Exchange) is a security extension to OAuth 2.0 (RFC 7636) that prevents authorization code interception attacks. It's required for mobile and single-page applications; recommended for all OAuth clients.
How PKCE Works:
- App generates random
code_verifier(43-128 characters) - App computes
code_challenge = SHA256(code_verifier) - Send challenge in authorization request
- Send verifier in token exchange
- Server verifies that SHA256(verifier) matches the challenge
This ensures that only the app that started the authorization flow can exchange the code for tokens, even if the authorization code is intercepted.
Common OAuth Flows
Authorization Code Flow
Most secure flow for server-side applications. The client exchanges an authorization code for tokens. Requires client secret. Best for confidential clients that can securely store secrets.
Authorization Code Flow with PKCE
Secure flow for public clients (mobile apps, SPAs) that cannot securely store client secrets. Uses PKCE to prevent code interception. Recommended for all modern applications.
Client Credentials Flow
For machine-to-machine (service-to-service) authentication. No user interaction. App authenticates with client_id and client_secret to get an access token.
Implicit Flow (Deprecated)
Legacy flow for SPAs that returns tokens directly in the URL fragment. Deprecated due to security concerns. Use Authorization Code Flow with PKCE instead.
Security Best Practices
- Use PKCE for all OAuth clients, not just public clients
- Short-lived tokens: Access tokens should expire in 15-60 minutes
- Validate state parameter: Prevents CSRF attacks in authorization flow
- Exact redirect URI matching: Don't use wildcards or regex
- Verify token signatures: Always validate JWT signatures before trusting claims
- Check token expiration: Verify exp claim and reject expired tokens
- Use HTTPS: Never use OAuth over unencrypted HTTP in production
- Secure token storage: Store tokens securely, never in localStorage (use httpOnly cookies or secure storage)
Troubleshooting OAuth Errors
OAuth errors can be cryptic. Here are the most common ones and quick fixes:
invalid_grant
Usually means: (1) code expired, (2) code already used, or (3) redirect_uri mismatch
invalid_client
Check your client_id and client_secret. Verify they match your provider dashboard.
unauthorized_client
Client not configured for this grant type or redirect URI not registered
access_denied
User clicked "Deny" on consent screen or lacks permission for requested scopes
Use the Error Debugger tab for detailed troubleshooting with step-by-step solutions ranked by likelihood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about the OAuth/OIDC Debugger
Paste your JWT token into the "JWT Decoder" tab. The tool will automatically decode the header, payload, and signature. You'll see all claims with syntax highlighting, validation status, and expiration warnings. Optionally provide a secret to verify the signature. All decoding happens in your browser - tokens are never sent to any server.
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⚠️ Security Notice
This tool is provided for educational and authorized security testing purposes only. Always ensure you have proper authorization before testing any systems or networks you do not own. Unauthorized access or security testing may be illegal in your jurisdiction. All processing happens client-side in your browser - no data is sent to our servers.