
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) has been the standard protocol for Single Sign-On (SSO). It provides reliable authentication for browser-based logins and supports identity federation across trusted domains.

However, SAML was primarily designed to handle authentication in web browser sessions and does not natively support secure API access or delegated authorization models required by modern applications.

OAuth 2.0 was developed to address these gaps. It offers a **token-based authentication framework** with fine-grained, scoped access controls that are essential for secure API interactions, automation processes, and complex identity workflows involving multiple services.

OAuth enables applications to request access on behalf of users without exposing their credentials, supporting seamless integration with third-party tools and services.

Knowing **when to choose OAuth over SAML in Atlassian** environments empowers your team to:

- Secure API-driven workflows by granting limited and revocable access tokens
- Enable real-time access control through dynamic permission updates
- Improve compatibility with a broad range of third-party integrations
- Reduce administrative overhead in large-scale deployments by automating user provisioning and access management

Making an informed decision ensures that your Atlassian tools remain both secure and efficient as your organization grows and your identity management needs evolve.

## When to Choose OAuth Over SAML in Atlassian {#when-to-choose-oauth-over-saml}

Choosing the right authentication protocol depends on your team’s specific needs and environment. Below are key scenarios where OAuth offers distinct advantages over SAML, helping you decide when making the switch makes the most sense.

**1. API-Driven Environments**

(Primary: OAuth for Atlassian, Atlassian API authentication)

Modern Atlassian deployments increasingly rely on automated workflows, such as CI/CD pipelines, infrastructure-as-code, reporting dashboards, and custom integrations. OAuth 2.0 excels in these API-driven contexts because it uses **token-based authentication** specifically designed for secure, delegated access without exposing user credentials.

Unlike SAML’s XML-based browser SSO, OAuth issues **access tokens scoped to specific permissions**, which client applications can use for granular API calls. This means automation tools like Jenkins, Bamboo, or custom apps can authenticate independently of user sessions. For example, a DevOps team integrating Jenkins with Jira Service Management can configure OAuth scopes so that build servers access only the relevant Jira APIs. Tokens can be revoked centrally if the user leaves or changes roles.

This model supports **fine-grained authorization, token expiration, and refresh**, all critical for secure automation. By decoupling API access from interactive logins, OAuth reduces risks such as leaked credentials and session hijacking that can compromise CI/CD pipelines.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth ensures that API interactions within Atlassian are secure, auditable, and maintain least-privilege access, which is foundational for maintaining trust in automated enterprise workflows.

**2. Dynamic User Access Needs**

(Secondary: OAuth vs SAML security, Atlassian user access control)

Atlassian environments are rarely static. Team compositions evolve, contractors come and go, and project roles shift rapidly. OAuth, especially when paired with SCIM provisioning, supports **dynamic, real-time user and group management** by syncing permissions directly from Identity Providers (IdPs) such as Azure AD, Okta, or Google Workspace.

This real-time synchronization enables **role-based access control (RBAC)** that adjusts immediately as users are added or removed from groups, without requiring users to log out and back in. OAuth tokens reflect current permissions through **scopes and claims**, ensuring that API calls and app sessions are always authorized according to the latest organizational policies.

In contrast, SAML relies on assertions generated during the login event and is **session-bound**, meaning any role or group changes during an active session will not take effect until the next authentication. This can potentially leave security gaps if permissions are not updated promptly.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s dynamic provisioning and real-time sync reduce administrative overhead, improve compliance posture, and minimize risks associated with stale permissions and over-privileged users.

**3. Third-Party Integrations**

(Primary: OAuth vs SAML Atlassian integrations)

The Atlassian suite rarely exists in isolation. Modern enterprises connect Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket with myriad third-party platforms such as Slack for notifications, GitHub for code repositories, AWS for cloud services, and Google Workspace for collaboration.

OAuth’s **delegated authorization model** enables these integrations to request **limited, revocable access tokens** scoped to specific actions or resources. This delegation aligns with the OAuth principle of least privilege and enables users to control what external applications can access on their behalf, without exposing passwords or full account access.

SAML, on the other hand, is primarily an authentication protocol designed for **identity federation** between two parties and does not natively support delegated resource access or token refresh. Integrations using SAML often rely on workarounds or additional protocols, increasing complexity and security risks.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s native support for delegated access simplifies cross-platform integrations, enhances security by minimizing credential exposure, and facilitates modern, API-first workflows critical for agile teams.

**4. Scalability Requirements**

(Secondary: OAuth vs SAML performance, scalable authentication Atlassian)

Large-scale Atlassian deployments, especially those spanning multiple geographic regions or supporting tens of thousands of users, demand authentication protocols that scale efficiently and reliably.

SAML’s authentication exchanges rely on verbose **XML-based assertions** and synchronous browser redirects, which introduce higher latency and complexity. Additionally, managing SAML configurations for multiple IdPs or handling bulk user attribute mappings often requires significant manual effort and custom tooling.

OAuth addresses these challenges with **lightweight JSON Web Tokens (JWTs)** that are faster to generate, parse, and validate. Its stateless token model supports **high concurrency and distributed authentication** across multiple Atlassian instances or data centers. Features like **token expiration and refresh workflows** further optimize resource use and improve session resilience.

For example, enterprises with large Jira user bases find OAuth enables faster authentication responses and easier support for multiple login flows without sacrificing security or control.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth reduces authentication overhead, improves user experience through faster logins, and simplifies administration, all of which are key factors for scaling Atlassian in enterprise environments.

**5. Modern Security & Compliance**

(Primary: OAuth vs SAML security Atlassian)

Security in 2025 is no longer just about verifying identity. It demands continuous assurance, adaptive policies, and detailed auditability. OAuth 2.0 and its extension OpenID Connect are designed with these modern requirements in mind:

- **Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA)**: OAuth tokens can require MFA enforcement for both interactive and API access, integrating with identity provider policies seamlessly.
- **Conditional Access**: OAuth supports policies based on user device health, location, network context, and risk signals, enabling Zero Trust architectures.
- **Identity Verification**: OpenID Connect adds an ID token that authenticates user identity alongside OAuth’s authorization capabilities.
- **Comprehensive Auditing**: OAuth workflows can be logged in detail, capturing token issuance, usage, and revocation events, which are critical for compliance regimes such as GDPR, HIPAA, and SOC 2.

While SAML can be extended to support some of these capabilities, it often requires additional middleware or complex customizations, increasing cost and operational risk.

**Why it matters:**

OAuth’s modern security architecture helps organizations maintain compliance, reduce attack surfaces, and enforce strict access controls aligned with evolving enterprise security policies.

## Why miniOrange Is Your Go-To for OAuth SSO in Atlassian {#why-miniorange-is-go-to-for-oauth-sso}

miniOrange offers a **comprehensive OAuth/OIDC SSO solution for Atlassian Data Center and Cloud** that goes beyond native options to meet enterprise requirements:

- **Broad Identity Provider Support**: Seamlessly integrates with over 20 IdPs including Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, and Ping Identity, providing flexibility to fit your existing infrastructure.
- **Advanced User & Group Management**: Supports Just-in-Time provisioning and SCIM for automated user lifecycle management, along with customizable attribute synchronization and regex-based username generation for tailored login experiences.
- **Robust Session & Security Controls**: Enables Single Logout (SLO) across Jira and the Identity Provider, and enhances session security with OAuth’s OIDC logout endpoints, adaptive authentication, and support for MFA and WebAuthn.
- **Flexible Configuration & Scalability**: Provides export/import of configurations to streamline deployment and maintenance, and leverages lightweight JSON tokens for fast, scalable authentication even in large organizations.
- **Future-Ready Features**: Includes support for risk-based access policies, audit logging, and secure API gateways, ensuring compliance with evolving security standards while maintaining user productivity.

miniOrange empowers Atlassian admins to harness OAuth’s full potential with user-friendly configuration, expert support, and enterprise-grade security—making OAuth adoption straightforward and effective.

**Bonus**: You can run OAuth alongside SAML for hybrid environments, ideal during phased migrations.

## Conclusion {#conclusion}

SAML has served Atlassian teams well for over a decade, delivering reliable browser-based SSO and meeting the needs of traditional identity federation. But the way teams work in 2025 looks very different.

Workflows now span APIs, multiple identity providers, external collaborators, and a growing web of third-party integrations. Security standards have shifted from “log in once” to **continuous, context-aware authentication**.

That’s where OAuth shines.

It’s **purpose-built for API access, flexible enough for dynamic roles, lightweight for global scale**, and **future-ready for modern compliance frameworks**. By adopting OAuth for Atlassian, whether for Jira, Confluence, or Bitbucket—you’re not just replacing a login protocol. You’re enabling:

- Faster, more secure integrations
- Real-time access alignment across tools
- Compatibility with today’s and tomorrow’s security policies
- Reduced admin effort in managing access at scale

If your environment still relies solely on SAML, the decision to move toward OAuth isn’t about abandoning a proven standard, it’s about evolving to meet the needs of a connected, API-driven enterprise. In many cases, the smartest path is a **hybrid approach**—running OAuth where agility, integrations, and APIs matter most, and keeping SAML where it still makes sense for stable, browser-only access.

## FAQs {#faq}

**Q1: Which identity providers support OAuth for Atlassian?**

Okta, Azure AD, Google Workspace, Auth0, Ping Identity, and most modern IdPs support OAuth 2.0 for Atlassian.

**Q2: When should I choose OAuth over SAML?**

If you rely heavily on APIs, have dynamic access needs, or require seamless third-party integrations, OAuth is the better fit.

**Q3: Can OAuth replace SAML for all Atlassian authentication?**

Yes, in most Cloud and Data Center setups. For purely browser-based SSO without API requirements, SAML remains viable.


In Atlassian environments, whether you are managing Jira Software, Confluence, or Bitbucket, the choice of authentication protocol plays a critical role in determining your system's security posture, scalability, and overall user experience.

Choosing OAuth Over SAML for Atlassian: When and Why It Makes Sense


## SCIM and SAML: Streamline Identity Management & SSO {#seamless-sso-and-identity-management}

In 2024, 90% of organizations faced [issues with identity management](https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/new-study-reveals-90-of-organizations-experienced-an-identity-related-incident-in-the-last-year-84-reported-a-direct-business-impact-302156769.html). From onboarding new hires to handling role changes or offboarding employees, these user management processes are often inconsistent, error-prone, and leave room for security vulnerabilities.

This is where SAML single sign on (SSO) and SCIM work together as a complete identity solution. SAML handles secure single sign-on authentication, **while SCIM automates the entire user provisioning**. Thus, making them essential for modern enterprises managing distributed workforces and complex application ecosystems.

Simplify identity and access management with the combined power of SAML SSO and SCIM provisioning. This blog explores the key benefits, real-world use cases, and how miniOrange delivers a unified identity solution for modern enterprises.

### Understanding SAML: How Does SAML Work in Atlassian? {#understanding-saml}

Managing access to multiple tools like Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket can quickly get overwhelming. Especially when your team is growing, working remotely, or handling multiple systems. That’s where SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) comes into play.

Instead of users managing separate Atlassian passwords, SAML SSO lets them log in with their existing work credentials, through systems your company already uses, like Azure AD, Okta, or Google Workspace.

This means:
* One login for everything
* Fewer password resets
* Stronger security with centralized control

[SAML single sign on authentication](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/atlassian-saml-single-sign-on-sso) makes it easier to manage user accounts of their teams as well. User access is managed directly from your identity provider (IdP). Thus, there’s less manual work, fewer mistakes, and better compliance, whether it be on Atlassian Cloud or Data Center.

### SCIM: Automating User Provisioning and Deprovisioning {#automating-user-provisioning-and-deprovisioning}

When someone joins your company, how many systems do they need to access project tickets? Jira? Confluence? Bitbucket? And when they leave, does the admin manually remove their access from each platform?

That’s where SCIM comes in.

[SCIM](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/atlassian-user-and-group-sync) (short for System for Cross-Domain Identity Management) automates the user and group management process, right from adding new employees to removing access when they leave. SCIM syncs everything from your identity provider (like Azure AD or Okta) to your tools in real-time, without the need of manually updating these changes. 

Here’s what that means for you:

* New employees get instant access to the right tools based on their role. 
* When someone changes departments, their access updates automatically.
* When offboarding, their accounts are removed instantly, reducing security risks. 
* No more spreadsheet tracking, manual mistakes, or compliance worries

### A Comprehensive Approach to Combining SAML And SCIM {#saml-and-scim}

SAML takes care of how users log in — securely, with just one set of credentials.
On the other hand, SCIM takes care of who gets access to what — automatically adding, updating, or removing users based on your identity provider in real-time.

Used together, they solve a lot of everyday issues for growing teams:

1. **Onboarding and Offboarding**

Let’s say a new hire, Sarah, joins your team. With SCIM in place, her user account is automatically created in Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket, without any manual setup. When she signs in, SAML SSO handles secure, seamless authentication.

Now imagine another employee John leaves the company. With SCIM, his access is revoked across all tools instantly, without the need of manual updation. 

2. **Keeping User Attributes in Sync**

When Sarah gets promoted and moves to a new department, her group memberships and access levels need to reflect that change. SCIM updates everything the moment her profile is updated in the Identity Provider.

Thus, there is no mismatch in roles or out-of-date permissions. Just clean, accurate user data across your entire toolset.

3. **Real-Time Deactivation for Tighter Security**

Now consider an employee David is terminated. Without SCIM, the admin would need to update their access. With SCIM, that risk disappears. His access is revoked immediately, as soon as he’s removed from your IdP.

That kind of proactive control dramatically reduces security risks.

4. **Scalable Identity Management**

As teams scale, so do the issues with managing user access. SAML ensures a single, secure way to authenticate users. SCIM automates the rest: provisioning, deprovisioning, and updating roles at scale. Whether you're adding 5 users or 500, your identity management stays efficient, secure, and low-maintenance.

### Need for SCIM and SAML Integration {#scim-saml-integration}

There are several use cases for which SCIM needs to be combined with SAML-based single sign-on for a better, comprehensive approach: 

1. **Managing Temporary Project-Based Users**

When contractors or freelancers are brought on for short-term projects in Jira or Confluence:

* SCIM automatically provisions access only to the relevant Jira projects or Confluence spaces based on their role.
* [Jira SAML SSO](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/saml-sso-documentation) ensures they can log in securely without needing separate credentials.
* When the project ends, SCIM automatically deactivates their access, removing the risk of lingering permissions.

2. **Remote Work and BYOD Scenarios**

As teams access Atlassian tools from different locations and devices:

* Confluence SAML SSO enables secure access to Jira Cloud or Confluence without needing local credentials.
* SCIM ensures that changes to their role, team, or permissions are reflected in real time, without manual updation (unlike JIT).

3. **Automated Role-Based Access in Jira Projects**

Different teams require access to different Jira boards and Bitbucket repositories:

* SCIM ensures users are assigned the right roles and project permissions based on their job title or department.
* SAML enforces authentication and group-based access controls.

4. **Regulatory Compliance for Teams Using Jira/Confluence**

In regulated industries, companies using Atlassian tools must meet strict compliance standards:

* SCIM provides a clear audit trail for account creation, modification, and removal across tools.
* SAML logs every login attempt, helping security teams monitor and report on access with confidence.

5. **SaaS User Provisioning Management Across Atlassian Tools**

For organizations using Atlassian Cloud, managing hundreds of users can be a challenge:

* SCIM ensures that new hires are auto-provisioned across Jira, Confluence, and Bitbucket with accurate permissions.
* When someone leaves, SCIM immediately removes their access without requiring logins.
* SAML continues to provide a secure, unified login process across all apps.

### miniOrange's SAML and SCIM Bundle {#saml-and-scim-bundle}

miniOrange offers a comprehensive solution that integrates SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) and SCIM provisioning, addressing the challenges and use cases discussed earlier. This bundled offering streamlines identity management and enhances the overall user experience across various applications and services.

With [miniOrange's SAML and SCIM integration](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1215430/single-sign-on-saml-sso-for-jira-sso-saml-user-sync-scim?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview), organizations can benefit from the following features:

* **Centralized Identity Management:** Manage user identities and access rights from a single, centralized location, reducing administrative overhead and ensuring consistent policy enforcement.
* **Automated Provisioning and Deprovisioning:** Seamlessly onboard and offboard users across multiple applications and services through SCIM-based provisioning, eliminating manual intervention and reducing the risk of errors.
* **Real-time User Attribute Synchronization:** Keep user attributes, such as roles, permissions, and group memberships, synchronized across all connected applications, ensuring accurate and up-to-date access controls.
* **Scalability:** Easily scale identity management operations as your organization grows, without compromising efficiency or security.
* **Simplified Integration:** miniOrange's solution supports a wide range of popular applications and services, making it easy to integrate SAML SSO plugin and SCIM into your existing infrastructure.
* **Comprehensive Reporting and Auditing:** Gain insights into user activities, access patterns, and potential security threats through detailed reporting and auditing capabilities.


By combining SAML SSO and [SCIM provisioning](https://www.miniorange.com/atlassian/scim-and-rest-api-user-provisioning-documentation), miniOrange's solution addresses the key use cases discussed earlier, including effortless onboarding and offboarding, streamlined user attribute management, enhanced security through real-time access management, and scalable identity management for growing organizations.


### Wrapping Up {#wrapping-up}

Integrating SCIM with SAML SSO streamlines identity management processes, enhances security, and improves the overall user experience. By combining the strengths of SAML for authentication and SCIM for provisioning, organizations can achieve effortless onboarding and offboarding, seamless user attribute management, real-time access control, and scalable identity management solutions.

Choosing the right solution that combines SAML and SCIM capabilities is crucial for organizations seeking to optimize their identity management processes. Solutions like [miniOrange's SAML and SCIM bundle](https://marketplace.atlassian.com/apps/1215430/single-sign-on-saml-sso-for-jira-sso-saml-user-sync-scim?hosting=datacenter&tab=overview) offer a comprehensive and user-friendly approach, enabling organizations to leverage the full potential  of this powerful integration across various use cases and applications.











In the ever-evolving landscape of digital identity, achieving simplicity and efficiency is paramount. With the latest upgrade to the miniOrange SAML plugins, we're excited to announce the seamless integration of SCIM.

Seamless SSO and Identity Management: Unleashing the Power of SAML and SCIM Integration in miniOrange Plugin


## Why Use SAML SSO in Decoupled .NET Applications? {#Why Use SAML SSO in Decoupled .NET Applications?}

**Centralized Authentication**

Eliminate multiple logins—authenticate once and access all connected apps securely without additional credentials.

**Cross-Platform Compatibility**

Seamless integration with ASP.NET, ASP.NET Core, and microservices-based .NET applications.

**Tailored for Decoupled Apps**

Use our plugins to integrate SAML SSO into your decoupled .NET apps effortlessly.

**Compliance & Security**

Built on SAML 2.0 standards, ensuring encrypted communication and enterprise-grade security.

## How SAML SSO Works for Decoupled .NET Applications (Frontend + Backend) {#How SAML SSO Works for Decoupled .NET Applications}

A decoupled .NET application consists of independent apps (API, front-end, back-end) that need a unified authentication mechanism. Here’s how miniOrange makes it work:


 ![Working of Decoupled .NET Architecture](/blog/assets/2025/asp-net-decoupled-architecture.webp)

 **1. User Starts Login**

 When **User A** visits your frontend app, the app checks if the user is already logged in. If not, it starts the SSO process.

 **2. Frontend Redirects to Backend**

 The frontend passes the login request to the .NET backend to handle authentication.

 **3. Backend Sends SAML Request to Identity Provider (IdP)**

 The backend sends a SAML request to the Identity Provider (IdP) (like Azure AD, Okta, etc.) to ask for user authentication.

 **4. IdP Authenticates the User**

 The IdP checks the user's credentials. If everything is valid, it sends back a SAML response confirming the user's identity.

 **5. Backend Logs the User In**

 The backend reads the SAML response, logs in the user, and sets a claims cookie. Then it redirects the user back to the frontend.

 **6. Frontend Asks for a Token**

 After being redirected, the frontend sends a request to the backend to get a JWT token (a secure login token).

 **7. Backend Sends the JWT Token**

 The backend checks the request and sends a signed JWT token back to the frontend. The frontend now uses this token to make secure API calls.

 ## Use Case: SAML SSO for Angular, Vue.js & React Frontends with .NET Backend

 **Scenario:**

 Organizations are increasingly adopting decoupled apps, using modern frontends like Angular, Vue.js, or React that communicate with a centralized ASP.NET (.NET Core/Web API) backend. While this setup offers flexibility and scalability, it presents a challenge when implementing SAML Single Sign-On (SSO).

 **Challenge:**

 **SAML Incompatibility with Modern Frontends:**

 SAML depends on browser-based redirects, which don’t play well with frontend   frameworks like React, Angular, or Vue. 

 **Disjointed Authentication Experience:**

 The absence of a centralized login system leads to inconsistent user experiences and adds complexity and time to the development process.

**Unauthorized API Access:**

Unable to allow only authenticated users to access your .NET APIs. Implementing JWT could help prevent unauthorized data exposure.

**Lack of Role-Based Access:**

User roles (e.g., admin, viewer) needed to be enforced at the backend, keeping them hidden from the frontend and reducing security risks.

**No Frontend Code Modifications:**

The organization prefers not to alter frontend code—whether due to the risk of introducing bugs or the complexity of deployment pipelines.

**Solution:**

**Backend-Handled SAML Authentication:**

By introducing a .NET-based SAML Identity Broker, all SAML requests and responses are handled at the backend.

**Multi-IdP Support:**

With support for multiple Identity Providers like Azure AD, Okta, ADFS, and Google Workspace, organizations can centralize authentication across different systems.

**Secure Token Exchange + API Access:**

After successful SAML authentication, the backend issues a JWT or session token. Frontend apps use this token to make secure API calls, ensuring only authenticated users can access your .NET APIs.

**Role & Attribute Mapping:**

The backend fetches user roles and attributes (like email, department, and permissions) from the IdP and applies RBAC policies. This keeps role enforcement off the frontend, improving security.

**Outcome:**

By implementing the miniOrange SAML SSO solution for decoupled frontend-backend apps, organizations benefit in the following key ways:

**Centralized & Secure Authentication:**

Centralized SAML authentication ensures secure login, better control, and prevents token mishandling on the client side.

**Better User Experience Across Frontends:** 

Users on Angular, Vue.js, or React apps experience smooth, SSO-based login flows without redirects breaking the UI or interrupting sessions.

**Efficient Token-Based API Communication:**

 Post-authentication, JWT tokens are issued by the backend, enabling frontend apps to securely call APIs. 

**Granular Access Control with RBAC:**  

Fine-grained authorization logic that can enforce access restrictions at both the API and feature levels—without exposing role logic in the frontend.

**Support for Multiple Identity Providers:** 

miniOrange SAML SSO integrates with any SAML-compliant IdP—allowing organizations to manage multiple login sources from a single backend integration point.

## Why Choose miniOrange for SAML SSO in Decoupled .NET Apps? {#Why Choose miniOrange for SAML SSO in Decoupled .NET Apps?}

**Seamless Integration with .NET Backend**

Works with ASP.NET Core, Web API, and microservices. Ensure smooth and secure communication between .NET apps.

**Secure Token-Based Authentication**

Ensures safe API access using industry-standard JWTs. Prevent unauthorized access and maintain data integrity.

**Supports Multiple IdPs**

Authenticate your users using a variety of Identity Providers (IdPs) such as Okta, Azure AD, ADFS, Google Workspace, and more.

**Flexible Role & Attribute Mapping**

Go beyond basic authentication with custom role and attribute mapping. 

&nbsp;

## Resources {#more resources}
- [What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso)
- [What is ASP.NET SAML Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-single-sign-on-sso)
- [Steps to Configure the ASP.NET SAML 2.0 Module](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-dot-net-saml-2-0-single-sign-sso-connector)
- [Setup Steps for ASP.NET SAML SSO Module](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-sso-setup-guides)


Simplify Authentication Across Your .NET Applications.Eliminate repeated logins with SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) built for decoupled .NET apps. Let users log in once and securely access all your applications—streamlining access while ensuring enterprise-grade security and a seamless user experience.

Secure Your Decoupled .NET Apps with SAML SSO


### What is SAML? {#what-is-saml}

SAML - Security Assertion Markup Language, it is an XML standard that allows secure web domains to exchange user authentication and authorization data. Using SAML 2.0, an online Service Provider (SP) can contact a separate online Identity Provider (IDP) to authenticate users who are trying to access secure content.

SAML 2.0 authentication protocol is popular for browser-based enterprise applications. SAML 2.0 uses XML data format to transfer messages between applications. This XML document is digitally signed by the Identity Provider and shared with the Service Provider (SP) during the user authentication process.


### Basics Of SAML {#basics-of-saml}
1.&nbsp;[**SAML Service Provider (SP):**](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-single-sign-on-sso) A SAML Service Provider (SP) is a system entity that receives and accepts authentication assertions in conjunction with a Single Sign-On (SSO) profile of the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML).

2.&nbsp;[**SAML Identity Provider (IDP):**](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-saml-idp) A SAML Identity Provider (IDP) is a system entity that issues authentication assertions in conjunction with a single sign-on (SSO) profile of the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML). An Identity Provider performs the authentication that the end user is who they say they are and sends that data to the Service Provider along with the user’s access rights for the service.

3.&nbsp;**SAML Request:** A SAML Request, also referred to as an authentication request, it is generated by the Service Provider (SP) to "request" an authentication.

4.&nbsp;**SAML Response:** A SAML Response is generated by the Identity Provider (IDP). It contains the actual assertion of the authenticated user. In addition, a SAML Response may contain additional information about the user, such as user profile information, group/role information, etc.

### SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) {#saml-single-sign-on}
SAML Single Sign-On (SSO) is an authentication process in which a user is provided access to multiple applications and/or websites by using only a single set of login credentials (such as username and password). This prevents the need for the user to login separately into the different applications.

The user credentials and other identity information is stored and managed by a centralized system called Identity Provider (IDP). The Identity Provider (IDP) is a trusted system which provides access to other websites and applications.  


### How SAML 2.0 Works {#how-saml-works}
SAML SSO works by transferring the user’s identity from the Identity Provider (IDP) to the Service Provider(SP). This is done through an exchange of digitally signed XML documents. Consider the following Use Case: A user is logged into a system that acts as an Identity Provider(IDP). The user wants to log in to a remote application, i.e. the Service Provider(SP). The following is the flow taking place:
 
1.&nbsp;The user **requests a resource** from their desired application/website (Service Provider).  
2.&nbsp;The Identity Provider (IDP) verifies the user.  
3.&nbsp;The [Service Provider](https://docs.miniorange.com/documentation/saml/service-provider-info) identifies the IDP (Identity Provider) and redirects the user back to IDP with authentication request.  
4.&nbsp;The **Identity Provider** sends a response with the XHTML form.  
5.&nbsp;Identity Provider (IDP) sends the XML document (SAML Assertion) to the Service Provider (SP) which contains the user authorization.

### SAML 2.0 Single Sign-On (SSO) Flow:
![SAML Protocol flow](/blog/assets/2025/saml-sso.webp)
 
### Benefits of SAML 2.0 Authentication {#benefits}

1. **SAML 2.0 Single Sign-On (SSO):** SAML provides fastest & efficient access to multiple applications through assertion which helps to connect SAML support Service Provider (SP) to Identity Provider (IDP). SAML 2.0 provides a better user experience through assertion which communicates between the Service Provider (SP) & the Identity Server (IDP).  
2. **Increased Security:** SAML authentication eliminates the passwords & provides authentication through digital signature. SAML 2.0 also uses the Public Key Infrastructure (PKI) to protect identities from attacks. SAML SSO provides a single point of authentication, which happens at a secure Identity Provider (IDP). Then, SAML transfers the identity information to the Service Providers (SP). This form of authentication ensures that credentials are only sent to the IDP (Identity Provider) directly.  
3. **Reduce Password recovery time:** SAML SSO will eliminate password issues such as reset and recovery, which will reduce the time to recover old passwords.  
4. **Reduced costs for the Service Provider (SP):** With SAML SSO you don't have to maintain an account for multiple services. The Identity Provider (IDP) will burden this.  
5. **Improved User experience:** Without any authentication, a user can access multiple Service Providers by signing in just once which allows a faster and better experience at each Service Provider (SP).  
6. **Standardization:** SAML 2.0 interoperates with any system independent of implementation because of its standardized format.  
7. **Loose Coupling of Directories:** SAML does not require maintaining and synchronizing user information between directories.  
 

### SAML Assertion {#saml-assertion}
SAML 2.0 Assertion is a XML document provided by Identity Provider (IdP) to the Service Provider (SP) which contains the user authorization. SAML 2.0 assertions contain all the information necessary for a Service Provider (SP) to confirm user identity, including the source of the assertion, the time it was issued, and the conditions that make the assertion valid. There are three types of SAML Assertions.  

1. **Authentication Assertion:** The specified subject was authenticated by a particular means at a particular time. This kind of statement is typically generated by a SAML authority called an Identity Provider, which is in charge of authenticating users and keeping track of other information about them.  
2. **Attribute Assertion:** The specified subject is associated with the supplied attributes.  
3. **Attribute Decision Assertion:** A request to allow the specified subject to access the specified resource has been granted or denied.  

An assertion consists of one or more statements. For single sign-on, a typical SAML assertion will contain a single authentication statement and possibly a single attribute statement. Note that a SAML response could contain multiple assertions, although it's more typical to have a single assertion within a response.

The SAML specification defines three roles:
 - The principal (typically a user)
 - The Identity Provider (IDP)
 - The Service Provider (SP)

In the use case addressed by SAML, the principal requests a service from the Service Provider (SP). The Service Provider requests and obtains an identity assertion from the Identity Provider (IDP). Based on this assertion, the Service Provider (SP) can make an access control decision - in other words it can decide whether to perform some service for the connected principal.


### SAML 2.0 Example {#saml-example}
How to configure miniOrange Self-Service Console as a Service Provider by accepting a SAML assertion generated by the miniOrange IDP.  

1. Register a Service Provider on the Identity Server:  
- Add Issuer as miniOrange.  
- Assertion Consumer URL as https://login.xecurify.com/moas/samlresponse  
- Make sure Enable Attribute Profile is checked.  
- Add email address in Attribute Claims.  
- Make sure Include Attributes in the Response Always is checked.  

2. User selects SAML SSO from End User Sign In window to login using miniOrange Identity Server.  
3. miniOrange Authentication Service sends an authentication SAML request along with Attribute Query to miniOrange Identity Server along with the Consumer Index generated after registering miniOrange as a Service Provider on the Identity Server.  
4. miniOrange IDP parses the SAML request and redirects to Identity Server Login page.  
5. User enters the username & password. If valid credentials are entered, IdP sends an encoded SAML Response to the miniOrange Authentication Service with the email address of the user.  
6. miniOrange Authentication Service receives SAML response, decodes it, parses the email ID of the user. If a valid email address is found, it logs in the user into self-service console.  

Also, you can configure miniOrange Self-Service Console as a Service Provider (SP) with Other Identity Providers (IDPs) like Okta, OneLogin, Azure AD, Auth0 etc.

### SAML vs. OAuth {#saml-vs-oauth}
OAuth is a slightly newer standard that was co-developed by Google and Twitter to enable streamlined internet logins. OAuth uses a similar methodology as SAML to share login information. SAML 2.0 provides more control to enterprises to keep their SSO logins more secure, whereas OAuth is better on mobile and uses JSON. Facebook and Google are two OAuth providers that you might use to log into other internet sites.
| Feature                                                        | SAML 2.0                                                        | OAuth                                       |
|-------------------------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|--------------------------------------------|
| **Protocol** | SAML is an authentication protocol. | OAuth is an authorization protocol.|
| **Usage Scenario** | SAML 2.0 will be used by those who are looking for federation and identity management. They will use this identity to login the users to different applications.| OAuth will be used by those who are not looking to maintain identities but are rather trying to leverage the implementation of secure protocol by applications such as Google, Microsoft, Paypal, who ensure that the identities are authentic.|
| **Suitable Application** | SAML 2.0 is popular for browser-based applications.| OAuth is suitable for both browser and mobile applications.|
| **Commonly Used By** | SAM 2.0 is widely used for enterprise applications.| OAuth is widely used for customer applications and API access.|
| **Data Format**| SAML 2.0 uses XML to transfer messages between applications.| OAuth uses JSON to transfer messages between applications.|


### Additional Resources {#additional-resources}  
1. [Single Sign-On](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso)  
2. [miniOrange Identity Provider](https://idp.miniorange.com)  
3. [WordPress SAML Single-On](https://plugins.miniorange.com/wordpress-single-sign-on-sso)  

Know how security assertion markup language, SAML works to exchange authentication and authorization data in web domain security in XML format.

What is Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML)?


### How to use Single Sign-On for your ASP.NET MVC application? {#how to use single-sign-on for ASP.NET MVC application}

There may come a time when you need to implement [Single Sign-On onto your ASP.NET MVC application](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-single-sign-on-sso). It allows you to integrate your app with other systems and helps them work together as if they are one unified application.

Some of the benefits of doing this are an improved user experience, increased security, and reduction in costs. Users will be able to seamlessly access pages on any of these applications or systems after signing in only once.

Or, if you want to migrate your application, rather than having to rewrite it entirely, you can migrate it one service at a time. Implementing SSO between the two applications helps you effectively link them together as if they were one, after which you can migrate your app with ease. There are even more advantages discussed later in this article.

To understand how you can implement [ASP.NET MVC Single Sign On](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-single-sign-on-sso), let us first understand what its components mean.

### What is ASP.NET MVC? {#what is ASP.NET MVC}

ASP.NET MVC is composed of two parts: ASP.NET and MVC. The first is an open-source web application framework that can be used to produce dynamic web pages, applications, and services. The second is MVC, which stands for Model View Controller. It is an architectural pattern that is meant to achieve separation of concerns. 

Together, they form a web application framework that eliminates the drawbacks of web forms like slow response times, issues in unit testing, and HTML customization.

Designing your application using the ASP.NET MVC framework allows you to benefit from both its components’ advantages. However, you still need to make it easier for users to sign in to your application and avail of its services in a hassle-free manner. Let’s see how we can do that.

 ### What is SSO? {#what is SSO}

 When a user wants to access secured services on your application, they have to enter their username and password once to authenticate themselves. In a situation where they want to access similar services over multiple applications connected or related to each other, they would be required to enter either the same or different usernames and passwords multiple times.

 ![what-is-single-sign-on-and-how-sso-works-4](/blog/assets/2023/what-is-single-sign-on-and-how-sso-works-4.webp)

 Single Sign-On (SSO) makes this process easier by using the same authentication ID and authorizing the user across multiple services. Because of SSO, as the name suggests, the user is required to sign in only once in a certain time window before the authentication token expires.

 ### What are the types of SSO protocols? {#what are the types of SSO protocols}

 For SSO to work, Service Providers (SP) and Identity Providers (IDP) must decide on an open standard protocol for how they will choose to exchange identity and authentication information with one another over the relevant applications.

 Here are a few examples of these protocols: 

 **OAuth**: This is an open standard for token-based authentication and authorization, which is used to provide Single Sign-On (SSO). It allows an end user’s account information to be used by third-party services without exposing the user’s password. It serves as an intermediary on behalf of the end-user, providing the service with an access token that authorizes specific account information to be shared.

 **OpenID**: This is one of the most popular authentication protocols, used by the likes of Google and Facebook. It is open standard and decentralized. Third-party Identity Providers (IdP) are used to authenticate users to Relying Parties (RP). It serves as an identity layer on top of OAuth, thereby functioning as an extension to it.

 **SAML**: SAML uses session cookies in a browser that allows a user to access certain pages. It gives more control to enterprises to keep their SSO logins more secure. You can find a detailed explanation of SAML below.


### Let’s take an in-depth look at SAML {#in-depth look at SAML}

SAML stands for Security Assertion Markup Language. Its main purpose in online security is to enable you to access multiple web applications using one set of credentials. It works by passing authenticated credentials between two parties: an Identity Provider (IDP) and a Service Provider (SP). Doing so makes the user experience simpler while also providing better security.

 ![saml-diagram-2](/blog/assets/2023/saml-diagram-2.webp)

 ### Where can we use SAML SSO? {#where can we use SAML SSO}

The primary attribute of SAML is that it is used for authentication, not authorization. This means that a variety of applications, websites, and services that could be used to access and edit data from the service provider need to form a trusted relationship with the SSO website.


Now, when a user tries to access data from the service provider’s app, they’ll need to be authenticated at least once by entering a username and password before they can read or write onto this data. If, however, they have already done this once, then they will be granted access more directly. A SAML request will be generated by the application, asking to authenticate the user, to which the identity provider will respond with a SAML response.


This is particularly useful in situations where the service provider is offering their services across a wide range of applications. It inadvertently also increases the scope of the product by allowing a variety of third-party applications to offer their unique services using the same data.

For example:
- Data-driven statistics websites and applications for online multiplayer games.
- Social media applications and bulletin boards designed around the same topic.
- Online video streaming services with features for viewer engagement.
- Online software marketplaces like Steam that offer user analytics and metadata.

### What are the benefits of using ASP.NET MVC Single Sign On? {#benefits of using ASP.NET MVC Single Sign On}

**Shorter development time**: Using ASP.NET MVC Single Sign-On reduces development time by providing developers with a common authentication framework. It takes even more load off of them if the mechanism is independent.

**Reduction in costs**: Besides the fact that development time is reduced, support requests for forgotten passwords and IT help desk calls also go down, thereby lowering the overall costs.

**Increased security**: An important benefit of SSO is that it reduces the chance of users falling prey to phishing attacks. This is because the user is not trained to mindlessly enter their username and password everywhere. Furthermore, SSO systems usually force users to use secure communication channels. This means that only one place of authentication receives their credentials. The applications, however, don’t receive any specific information besides whether they should let the user in or not. This happens only once, resulting in a minimum transfer of sensitive information, which is naturally favorable.

**Streamlined administration**: The burden on the administrative system to manage user accounts is massively reduced with the implementation of SSO. Keep note, however, that SSO only takes care of authentication. The authorization of users based on their access privileges still needs to be set up separately.

**Improved user experience**: With ASP.NET MVC Single Sign On enabled, users don’t have to enter their usernames and passwords multiple times to access the same service across multiple applications and browsers.

### Additional Sources: {#Additional sources}
- [What is Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://www.miniorange.com/products/single-sign-on-sso)
- [What is ASP.NET SAML Single Sign-On (SSO)?](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-single-sign-on-sso)
- [Steps to Configure the ASP.NET SAML 2.0 Module](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-dot-net-saml-2-0-single-sign-sso-connector#steps)
- [Setup Steps for ASP.NET SAML SSO Module](https://plugins.miniorange.com/asp-net-saml-sso-setup-guides)





How to use Single Sign-On for your ASP.NET MVC application?