SASL
SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer)
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SASL RFCs (26)
RFC 8437: IMAP UNAUTHENTICATE Extension for Connection Reuse
Proposed Standard- C. Newman
- August 2018
- IETF publication
- Applications and Real-Time Area
Abstract
This specification extends the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) to allow an administrative client to reuse the same IMAP connection on behalf of multiple IMAP user identities.
Abstract
This specification extends the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) to allow an administrative client to reuse the same IMAP connection on behalf of multiple IMAP user identities.
RFC 7832: Application Bridging for Federated Access Beyond Web (ABFAB) Use Cases
Informational- R. Smith
- May 2016
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
Federated identity is typically associated with web-based services at present, but there is growing interest in its application in non-web-based contexts. The goal of this memo is to document a selection of the wide variety of these contexts whose user experience could be improved through the use of technologies based on the Application Bridging for Federated Access Beyond web (ABFAB) architecture and specifications.
Abstract
Federated identity is typically associated with web-based services at present, but there is growing interest in its application in non-web-based contexts. The goal of this memo is to document a selection of the wide variety of these contexts whose user experience could be improved through the use of technologies based on the Application Bridging for Federated Access Beyond web (ABFAB) architecture and specifications.
RFC 7804: Salted Challenge Response HTTP Authentication Mechanism
Experimental- A. Melnikov
- March 2016
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
This specification describes a family of HTTP authentication mechanisms called the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM), which provides a more robust authentication mechanism than a plaintext password protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) and avoids the deployment obstacles presented by earlier TLS-protected challenge response authentication mechanisms.
Abstract
This specification describes a family of HTTP authentication mechanisms called the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM), which provides a more robust authentication mechanism than a plaintext password protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS) and avoids the deployment obstacles presented by earlier TLS-protected challenge response authentication mechanisms.
RFC 7677: SCRAM-SHA-256 and SCRAM-SHA-256-PLUS Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Mechanisms
Proposed Standard- T. Hansen
- November 2015
- IETF publication
- General Area
Abstract
This document registers the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanisms SCRAM-SHA-256 and SCRAM-SHA-256-PLUS, provides guidance for secure implementation of the original SCRAM-SHA-1-PLUS mechanism, and updates the SCRAM registration procedures of RFC 5802.
Abstract
This document registers the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanisms SCRAM-SHA-256 and SCRAM-SHA-256-PLUS, provides guidance for secure implementation of the original SCRAM-SHA-1-PLUS mechanism, and updates the SCRAM registration procedures of RFC 5802.
RFC 7628: A Set of Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Mechanisms for OAuth
Proposed Standard- W. Mills
- T. Showalter
- H. Tschofenig
- August 2015
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
OAuth enables a third-party application to obtain limited access to a protected resource, either on behalf of a resource owner by orchestrating an approval interaction or by allowing the third-party application to obtain access on its own behalf.
This document defines how an application client uses credentials obtained via OAuth over the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) to access a protected resource at a resource server. Thereby, it enables schemes defined within the OAuth framework for non-HTTP-based application protocols.
Clients typically store the user's long-term credential. This does, however, lead to significant security vulnerabilities, for example, when such a credential leaks. A significant benefit of OAuth for usage in those clients is that the password is replaced by a shared secret with higher entropy, i.e., the token. Tokens typically provide limited access rights and can be managed and revoked separately from the user's long-term password.
Abstract
OAuth enables a third-party application to obtain limited access to a protected resource, either on behalf of a resource owner by orchestrating an approval interaction or by allowing the third-party application to obtain access on its own behalf.
This document defines how an application client uses credentials obtained via OAuth over the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) to access a protected resource at a resource server. Thereby, it enables schemes defined within the OAuth framework for non-HTTP-based application protocols.
Clients typically store the user's long-term credential. This does, however, lead to significant security vulnerabilities, for example, when such a credential leaks. A significant benefit of OAuth for usage in those clients is that the password is replaced by a shared secret with higher entropy, i.e., the token. Tokens typically provide limited access rights and can be managed and revoked separately from the user's long-term password.
RFC 6616: A Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) Mechanism for OpenID
Proposed Standard- E. Lear
- H. Tschofenig
- H. Mauldin
- S. Josefsson
- May 2012
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
OpenID has found its usage on the Internet for Web Single Sign-On. Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) are application frameworks to generalize authentication. This memo specifies a SASL and GSS-API mechanism for OpenID that allows the integration of existing OpenID Identity Providers with applications using SASL and GSS-API. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
OpenID has found its usage on the Internet for Web Single Sign-On. Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) are application frameworks to generalize authentication. This memo specifies a SASL and GSS-API mechanism for OpenID that allows the integration of existing OpenID Identity Providers with applications using SASL and GSS-API. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 6595: A Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and GSS-API Mechanism for the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)
Proposed Standard- K. Wierenga
- E. Lear
- S. Josefsson
- April 2012
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
The Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) has found its usage on the Internet for Web Single Sign-On. The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) are application frameworks to generalize authentication. This memo specifies a SASL mechanism and a GSS-API mechanism for SAML 2.0 that allows the integration of existing SAML Identity Providers with applications using SASL and GSS-API. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
The Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) has found its usage on the Internet for Web Single Sign-On. The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) and the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) are application frameworks to generalize authentication. This memo specifies a SASL mechanism and a GSS-API mechanism for SAML 2.0 that allows the integration of existing SAML Identity Providers with applications using SASL and GSS-API. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 5801: Using Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) Mechanisms in Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL): The GS2 Mechanism Family
Proposed Standard- S. Josefsson
- N. Williams
- July 2010
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
This document describes how to use a Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) mechanism in the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. This is done by defining a new SASL mechanism family, called GS2. This mechanism family offers a number of improvements over the previous "SASL/ GSSAPI" mechanism: it is more general, uses fewer messages for the authentication phase in some cases, and supports negotiable use of channel binding. Only GSS-API mechanisms that support channel binding and mutual authentication are supported. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document describes how to use a Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) mechanism in the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. This is done by defining a new SASL mechanism family, called GS2. This mechanism family offers a number of improvements over the previous "SASL/ GSSAPI" mechanism: it is more general, uses fewer messages for the authentication phase in some cases, and supports negotiable use of channel binding. Only GSS-API mechanisms that support channel binding and mutual authentication are supported. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 5802: Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM) SASL and GSS-API Mechanisms
Proposed Standard- C. Newman
- A. Menon-Sen
- A. Melnikov
- N. Williams
- July 2010
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
The secure authentication mechanism most widely deployed and used by Internet application protocols is the transmission of clear-text passwords over a channel protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS). There are some significant security concerns with that mechanism, which could be addressed by the use of a challenge response authentication mechanism protected by TLS. Unfortunately, the challenge response mechanisms presently on the standards track all fail to meet requirements necessary for widespread deployment, and have had success only in limited use.
This specification describes a family of Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL; RFC 4422) authentication mechanisms called the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM), which addresses the security concerns and meets the deployability requirements. When used in combination with TLS or an equivalent security layer, a mechanism from this family could improve the status quo for application protocol authentication and provide a suitable choice for a mandatory-to-implement mechanism for future application protocol standards. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
The secure authentication mechanism most widely deployed and used by Internet application protocols is the transmission of clear-text passwords over a channel protected by Transport Layer Security (TLS). There are some significant security concerns with that mechanism, which could be addressed by the use of a challenge response authentication mechanism protected by TLS. Unfortunately, the challenge response mechanisms presently on the standards track all fail to meet requirements necessary for widespread deployment, and have had success only in limited use.
This specification describes a family of Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL; RFC 4422) authentication mechanisms called the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM), which addresses the security concerns and meets the deployability requirements. When used in combination with TLS or an equivalent security layer, a mechanism from this family could improve the status quo for application protocol authentication and provide a suitable choice for a mandatory-to-implement mechanism for future application protocol standards. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 5803: Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) Schema for Storing Salted Challenge Response Authentication Mechanism (SCRAM) Secrets
Informational- A. Melnikov
- July 2010
- IETF publication
Abstract
This memo describes how the "authPassword" Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) attribute can be used for storing secrets used by the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Message (SCRAM) mechanism in the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. This document is not an Internet Standards Track specification; it is published for informational purposes.
Abstract
This memo describes how the "authPassword" Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP) attribute can be used for storing secrets used by the Salted Challenge Response Authentication Message (SCRAM) mechanism in the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. This document is not an Internet Standards Track specification; it is published for informational purposes.
RFC 4959: IMAP Extension for Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Initial Client Response
Proposed Standard- R. Siemborski
- A. Gulbrandsen
- September 2007
- IETF publication
Abstract
To date, the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) has used a Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) profile which always required at least one complete round trip for an authentication, as it did not support an initial client response argument. This additional round trip at the beginning of the session is undesirable, especially when round-trip costs are high.
This document defines an extension to IMAP which allows clients and servers to avoid this round trip by allowing an initial client response argument to the IMAP AUTHENTICATE command. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
To date, the Internet Message Access Protocol (IMAP) has used a Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) profile which always required at least one complete round trip for an authentication, as it did not support an initial client response argument. This additional round trip at the beginning of the session is undesirable, especially when round-trip costs are high.
This document defines an extension to IMAP which allows clients and servers to avoid this round trip by allowing an initial client response argument to the IMAP AUTHENTICATE command. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 5034: The Post Office Protocol (POP3) Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Authentication Mechanism
Proposed Standard- R. Siemborski
- A. Menon-Sen
- July 2007
- IETF publication
Abstract
This document defines a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for the Post Office Protocol (POP3). This extension allows a POP3 client to indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during this session.
This document seeks to consolidate the information related to POP3 AUTH into a single document. To this end, this document obsoletes and replaces RFC 1734, and updates the information contained in Section 6.3 of RFC 2449. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document defines a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for the Post Office Protocol (POP3). This extension allows a POP3 client to indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during this session.
This document seeks to consolidate the information related to POP3 AUTH into a single document. To this end, this document obsoletes and replaces RFC 1734, and updates the information contained in Section 6.3 of RFC 2449. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4954: SMTP Service Extension for Authentication
Proposed Standard- R. Siemborski
- A. Melnikov
- July 2007
- IETF publication
Abstract
This document defines a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) extension whereby an SMTP client may indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during this session. This extension includes a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for SMTP.
This document obsoletes RFC 2554. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document defines a Simple Mail Transport Protocol (SMTP) extension whereby an SMTP client may indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during this session. This extension includes a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for SMTP.
This document obsoletes RFC 2554. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4752: The Kerberos V5 ("GSSAPI") Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Mechanism
Proposed Standard- A. Melnikov
- November 2006
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) is a framework for adding authentication support to connection-based protocols. This document describes the method for using the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) Kerberos V5 in the SASL.
This document replaces Section 7.2 of RFC 2222, the definition of the "GSSAPI" SASL mechanism. This document, together with RFC 4422, obsoletes RFC 2222. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) is a framework for adding authentication support to connection-based protocols. This document describes the method for using the Generic Security Service Application Program Interface (GSS-API) Kerberos V5 in the SASL.
This document replaces Section 7.2 of RFC 2222, the definition of the "GSSAPI" SASL mechanism. This document, together with RFC 4422, obsoletes RFC 2222. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4643: Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) Extension for Authentication
Proposed Standard- J. Vinocur
- K. Murchison
- October 2006
- IETF publication
- Applications Area
Abstract
This document defines an extension to the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) that allows a client to indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, to perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally to negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during the remainder of an NNTP session.
This document updates and formalizes the AUTHINFO USER/PASS authentication method specified in RFC 2980 and deprecates the AUTHINFO SIMPLE and AUTHINFO GENERIC authentication methods. Additionally, this document defines a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for NNTP. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document defines an extension to the Network News Transfer Protocol (NNTP) that allows a client to indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, to perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally to negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions during the remainder of an NNTP session.
This document updates and formalizes the AUTHINFO USER/PASS authentication method specified in RFC 2980 and deprecates the AUTHINFO SIMPLE and AUTHINFO GENERIC authentication methods. Additionally, this document defines a profile of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) for NNTP. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4616: The PLAIN Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Mechanism
Proposed Standard- K. Zeilenga
- August 2006
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
This document defines a simple clear-text user/password Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanism called the PLAIN mechanism. The PLAIN mechanism is intended to be used, in combination with data confidentiality services provided by a lower layer, in protocols that lack a simple password authentication command. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document defines a simple clear-text user/password Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanism called the PLAIN mechanism. The PLAIN mechanism is intended to be used, in combination with data confidentiality services provided by a lower layer, in protocols that lack a simple password authentication command. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4422: Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL)
Proposed Standard- A. Melnikov
- K. Zeilenga
- June 2006
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) is a framework for providing authentication and data security services in connection-oriented protocols via replaceable mechanisms. It provides a structured interface between protocols and mechanisms. The resulting framework allows new protocols to reuse existing mechanisms and allows old protocols to make use of new mechanisms. The framework also provides a protocol for securing subsequent protocol exchanges within a data security layer.
This document describes how a SASL mechanism is structured, describes how protocols include support for SASL, and defines the protocol for carrying a data security layer over a connection. In addition, this document defines one SASL mechanism, the EXTERNAL mechanism.
This document obsoletes RFC 2222. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
The Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) is a framework for providing authentication and data security services in connection-oriented protocols via replaceable mechanisms. It provides a structured interface between protocols and mechanisms. The resulting framework allows new protocols to reuse existing mechanisms and allows old protocols to make use of new mechanisms. The framework also provides a protocol for securing subsequent protocol exchanges within a data security layer.
This document describes how a SASL mechanism is structured, describes how protocols include support for SASL, and defines the protocol for carrying a data security layer over a connection. In addition, this document defines one SASL mechanism, the EXTERNAL mechanism.
This document obsoletes RFC 2222. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4505: Anonymous Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) Mechanism
Proposed Standard- K. Zeilenga
- June 2006
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
On the Internet, it is common practice to permit anonymous access to various services. Traditionally, this has been done with a plain-text password mechanism using "anonymous" as the user name and using optional trace information, such as an email address, as the password. As plain-text login commands are not permitted in new IETF protocols, a new way to provide anonymous login is needed within the context of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
On the Internet, it is common practice to permit anonymous access to various services. Traditionally, this has been done with a plain-text password mechanism using "anonymous" as the user name and using optional trace information, such as an email address, as the password. As plain-text login commands are not permitted in new IETF protocols, a new way to provide anonymous login is needed within the context of the Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) framework. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 4013: SASLprep: Stringprep Profile for User Names and Passwords
Proposed Standard- K. Zeilenga
- March 2005
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
This document describes how to prepare Unicode strings representing user names and passwords for comparison. The document defines the "SASLprep" profile of the "stringprep" algorithm to be used for both user names and passwords. This profile is intended to be used by Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanisms (such as PLAIN, CRAM-MD5, and DIGEST-MD5), as well as other protocols exchanging simple user names and/or passwords. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Obsoleted by RFC 7613
Abstract
This document describes how to prepare Unicode strings representing user names and passwords for comparison. The document defines the "SASLprep" profile of the "stringprep" algorithm to be used for both user names and passwords. This profile is intended to be used by Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL) mechanisms (such as PLAIN, CRAM-MD5, and DIGEST-MD5), as well as other protocols exchanging simple user names and/or passwords. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 3163: ISO/IEC 9798-3 Authentication SASL Mechanism
Experimental- R. Zuccherato
- M. Nystrom
- August 2001
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This document defines a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) authentication mechanism based on ISO/IEC 9798-3 and FIPS PUB 196 entity authentication. This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.
Abstract
This document defines a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) authentication mechanism based on ISO/IEC 9798-3 and FIPS PUB 196 entity authentication. This memo defines an Experimental Protocol for the Internet community.
RFC 2831: Using Digest Authentication as a SASL Mechanism
Historic- P. Leach
- C. Newman
- May 2000
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This specification defines how HTTP Digest Authentication can be used as a SASL mechanism for any protocol that has a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) profile. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Obsoleted by RFC 6331
Abstract
This specification defines how HTTP Digest Authentication can be used as a SASL mechanism for any protocol that has a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) profile. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 2808: The SecurID(r) SASL Mechanism
Informational- M. Nystrom
- April 2000
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This document defines a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) authentication mechanism using SecurID (a hardware token card product (or software emulation thereof) produced by RSA Security Inc., which is used for end-user authentication), thereby providing a means for such tokens to be used in SASL environments. This mechanism is only is only for authentication, and has no effect on the protocol encoding and is not designed to provide integrity or confidentiality services. This memo provides information for the Internet community.
Abstract
This document defines a SASL (Simple Authentication and Security Layer) authentication mechanism using SecurID (a hardware token card product (or software emulation thereof) produced by RSA Security Inc., which is used for end-user authentication), thereby providing a means for such tokens to be used in SASL environments. This mechanism is only is only for authentication, and has no effect on the protocol encoding and is not designed to provide integrity or confidentiality services. This memo provides information for the Internet community.
RFC 2554: SMTP Service Extension for Authentication
Proposed Standard- J. Myers
- March 1999
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This document defines an SMTP service extension [ESMTP] whereby an SMTP client may indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Obsoleted by RFC 4954
Abstract
This document defines an SMTP service extension [ESMTP] whereby an SMTP client may indicate an authentication mechanism to the server, perform an authentication protocol exchange, and optionally negotiate a security layer for subsequent protocol interactions. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 2444: The One-Time-Password SASL Mechanism
Proposed Standard- C. Newman
- October 1998
- IETF publication
- Security Area
Abstract
OTP provides a useful authentication mechanism for situations where there is limited client or server trust. Currently, OTP is added to protocols in an ad-hoc fashion with heuristic parsing. This specification defines an OTP SASL mechanism so it can be easily and formally integrated into many application protocols. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
OTP provides a useful authentication mechanism for situations where there is limited client or server trust. Currently, OTP is added to protocols in an ad-hoc fashion with heuristic parsing. This specification defines an OTP SASL mechanism so it can be easily and formally integrated into many application protocols. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 2245: Anonymous SASL Mechanism
Proposed Standard- C. Newman
- November 1997
- IETF publication
- Applications Area
Abstract
As plaintext login commands are not permitted in new IETF protocols, a new way to provide anonymous login is needed within the context of the SASL [SASL] framework. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Obsoleted by RFC 4505
Abstract
As plaintext login commands are not permitted in new IETF protocols, a new way to provide anonymous login is needed within the context of the SASL [SASL] framework. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
RFC 2222: Simple Authentication and Security Layer (SASL)
Proposed Standard- J. Myers
- October 1997
- Legacy publication
Abstract
This document describes a method for adding authentication support to connection-based protocols. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
Abstract
This document describes a method for adding authentication support to connection-based protocols. [STANDARDS-TRACK]
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