WS-Security Profile for XML-based Tokens

Article
10/08/2007

Version 1.0
August 28, 2002

Authors

Phillip Hallam-Baker, VeriSign
Maryann Hondo, IBM
Chris Kaler (Editor), Microsoft
Hiroshi Maruyama, IBM
Anthony Nadalin, IBM
Nataraj Nagaratnam, IBM
Hemma Prafullchandra, VeriSign
John Shewchuk, Microsoft

Copyright Notice

The presentation, distribution or other dissemination of the information contained in this specification is not a license, either expressly or implied, to any intellectual property owned or controlled by IBM or Microsoft or VeriSign and/or any other third party. IBM, Microsoft, VeriSign and/or any other third party may have patents, patent applications, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property rights covering subject matter in this document. The furnishing of this document does not give you any license to IBM's or Microsoft's or VeriSign's or any other third party's patents, trademarks, copyrights, or other intellectual property. The example companies, organizations, products, domain names, e-mail addresses, logos, people, places, and events depicted herein are fictitious. No association with any real company, organization, product, domain name, email address, logo, person, places, or events is intended or should be inferred.

This specification and the information contained herein is provided on an "AS IS" basis and to the maximum extent permitted by applicable law, IBM and Microsoft and VeriSign provides the document AS IS AND WITH ALL FAULTS, and hereby disclaims all other warranties and conditions, either express, implied or statutory, including, but not limited to, any (if any) implied warranties, duties or conditions of merchantability, of fitness for a particular purpose, of accuracy or completeness of responses, of results, of workmanlike effort, of lack of viruses, and of lack of negligence, all with regard to the document. ALSO, THERE IS NO WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF TITLE, QUIET ENJOYMENT, QUIET POSSESSION, CORRESPONDENCE TO DESCRIPTION OR NON-INFRINGEMENT OF ANY INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY RIGHTS WITH REGARD TO THE DOCUMENT.

IN NO EVENT WILL IBM OR MICROSOFT OR VERISIGN BE LIABLE TO ANY OTHER PARTY FOR THE COST OF PROCURING SUBSTITUTE GOODS OR SERVICES, LOST PROFITS, LOSS OF USE, LOSS OF DATA, OR ANY INCIDENTAL, CONSEQUENTIAL, DIRECT, INDIRECT, OR SPECIAL DAMAGES WHETHER UNDER CONTRACT, TORT, WARRANTY, OR OTHERWISE, ARISING IN ANY WAY OUT OF THIS OR ANY OTHER AGREEMENT RELATING TO THIS DOCUMENT, WHETHER OR NOT SUCH PARTY HAD ADVANCE NOTICE OF THE POSSIBILITY OF SUCH DAMAGES.

Abstract

Status

This document is provided as-is and for review and evaluation only. IBM and Microsoft and VeriSign hope to solicit your contributions and suggestions in the near future. IBM and Microsoft and VeriSign make no warrantees or representations regarding the specifications in any manner whatsoever.

1. Introduction

1.1. Notational Conventions

1.2. Namespaces

2. General Principles

2.1. Attaching Security Tokens

2.2. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

2.3. Subject Confimation

2.4. Processing Rules

3. Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) Usage

3.1. Processing Model

3.2. Attaching Security Tokens

3.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

3.4. Subject Confirmation

3.5. Error Codes

3.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

4. eXtensible rights Markup Language (XrML) Usage

4.1. Processing Model

4.2. Attaching Security Tokens

4.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

4.4. Subject Confirmation

4.5. Error Codes

4.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

5. Security Considerations

6. References

1. Introduction

There is a growing popularity in XML-based security tokens. Two well-known formats are the Security Assertion Markup Language [SAML] and the eXtensible rights Markup Language [XrML]. Since these formats are described in standalone specifications, not unlike X.509 and Kerberos, this document describes their usage with respect to the WS-Security specification.

This document describes a general framework to enable XML-based security tokens to be used with WS-Security. Two profiles that use this general framework are provided: one for the Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) and another for the eXtensible rights Markup Language (XrML). Note that this specification does not endorse any particular XML security token standard – the description of SAML and XrML are provided to show the mechanisms by which the bindings should be performed. Additional XML token formats may be added to this specification in future revisions as needed.

1.1. Notational Conventions

The keywords "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in RFC2119.

Namespace URIs (of the general form "some-URI") represent some application-dependent or context-dependent URI as defined in RFC2396.

This specification is designed to work with the general SOAP message structure and message processing model, and should be applicable to any version of SOAP. The current SOAP 1.2 namespace URI is used herein to provide detailed examples, but there is no intention to limit the applicability of this specification to a single version of SOAP.

1.2. Namespaces

The following namespaces are used in this document:

Prefix	Namespace
S	https://www.w3.org/2002/06/soap-envelope
ds	https://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#
saml	urn:oasis:names:tc:SAML:1.0:assertion
xenc	https://www.w3.org/2001/04/xmlenc#
wsse	https://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2002/07/secext
xmltok	https://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2002/08/xmltok
wsu	https://schemas.xmlsoap.org/ws/2002/07/utility
xrml	https://www.xrml.org/schema/2001/11/xrml2core

2. General Principles

This section presents the basic principals around using WS-Security with security tokens. Later sections describe rules and processes specific to certain XML-based security token formats.

2.1. Attaching Security Tokens

The WS-Security specification defines the <wsse:Security> header as a mechanism for conveying security information with and about a SOAP message. This header is, by design, extensible to support many types of security information.

The specification defines the <wsse:BinarySecurityToken> element as a mechanism for attaching security tokens that are represented by binary octet streams and therefore do not naturally lend themselves to XML.

For security tokens based on XML, the extensibility of the <wsse:Security> header allows for these security tokens to be directly inserted into the header.

2.2. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

The WS-Security specification defines multiple mechanisms for identifying and referencing security tokens using the wsu:Id attribute and the <wsse:SecurityTokenReference> element (as well as some additional mechanisms).

2.3. Subject Confirmation

The WS-Security specification does not dictate how subject confirmation must be done, however, it does define how signatures can be used and associated with security tokens (by referencing them in the signature) towards this end.

2.4. Processing Rules

The WS-Security specification describes the processing rules for using and processing XML Signature and XML Encryption. These rules MUST be followed when using any type of security token including XML-based tokens. Note that this does NOT mean that XML-based tokens MUST be signed or encrypted – only that if signature or encryption is used in conjunction with XML-based tokens, they MUST be used in a way that conforms to the processing rules defined by the WS-Security specification.

3. Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) Usage

This section describes the profile (specific mechanisms and procedures) for the WS-Security profile of SAML.

Identification: urn:oasis:names:tc:WSS:1.0:bindings:WSS-SAML-binding

Contact information: TBD

Description: Given below.

Updates: None.

3.1. Processing Model

The processing model for WS-Security with SAML assertion tokens is no different from that of WS-Security with other token formats as described in WS-Security.

3.2. Attaching Security Tokens

SAML assertions are attached to SOAP messages using WS-Security by placing assertion elements inside the <wsse:Security> header. The following example illustrates a SOAP message with a SAML assertion token.

<S:Envelope xmlns:S="...">
    <S:Header>
        <wsse:Security xmlns:wsse="...">
            <saml:Assertion 
                      MajorVersion="1" 
                      MinorVersion="0" 
                      AssertionID="SecurityToken-ef375268" 
                      Issuer="elliotw1" 
                      IssueInstant="2002-07-23T11:32:05.6228146-07:00"   
                    xmlns:saml="urn:oasis:names:tc:SAML:1.0:assertion">
                ...
            </saml:Assertion>
            ...
        </wsse:Security>
    </S:Header>
    <S:Body>
        ...
    </S:Body>
</S:Envelope>

3.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

The following example illustrates a message with an XML Signature that references a SAML assertion token.

<S:Envelope xmlns:S="...">
    <S:Header>
        <wsse:Security xmlns:wsse="...">
            <saml:Assertion 
                      MajorVersion="1" 
                      MinorVersion="0" 
                      AssertionID="SecurityToken-ef375268" 
                      Issuer="elliotw1" 
                      IssueInstant="2002-07-23T11:32:05.6228146-07:00"   
                    xmlns:saml="urn:oasis:names:tc:SAML:1.0:assertion">
                ...
            </saml:Assertion>
            <ds:Signature xmlns:ds="...">
                ...
                <ds:KeyInfo>
                    <wsse:SecurityTokenReference>
                        <saml:AssertionIDReference>
                            SecurityToken-ef375268
                        </saml:AssertionIDReference>
                    </wsse:SecurityTokenReference>
                </ds:KeyInfo>
            </ds:Signature>
            ...
        </wsse:Security>
    </S:Header>
    <S:Body>
        ...
    </S:Body>
</S:Envelope>

3.4. Subject Confirmation

As previously stated, the WS-Security specification does not dictate how subject confirmation must be performed. As well, the SAML specification allows for multiple types of confirmation. If a secure transport is not used, it is strongly RECOMMENDED that a key-based confirmation mechanism be used.

Any processor of SAML assertion tokens MUST conform to the required validation and processing rules defined in the SAML specification.

The following table illustrates how several different confirmation mechanisms are processed:

Mechanism	RECOMMENDED Processing Rules
`urn:oasis:names:tc:SAML:1.0:cm:holder-of-key`	The requestor (the subject) includes an XML Signature that can be verified with the key information in the referenced security token.
`urn:ietf:rfc:3075`	The requestor (the subject) includes an XML Signature that can be verified with the key information in the referenced security token.
`Urn:oasis:names:tc:SAML:1.0:cm:sender-vouches`	The requestor (the sender, different from the subject) vouches for the verification of the subject. The receiver MUST have an existing trust relationship with the requestor to accept this. It is RECOMMENDED that the requestor sign the token and the message or use a secure transport.

3.5. Error Codes

When using SAML assertion tokens, it is RECOMMENDED to use the error codes defined in the WS-Security specification. However, implementations MAY use custom errors, defined in private namespaces if they desire. Care should be taken not to introduce security vulnerabilities in the errors returned.

3.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

The use of SAML assertion tokens with WS-Security introduces no new threats beyond those identified for SAML or WS-Security with other types of security tokens.

Message alteration and eavesdropping can be addressed by using the integrity and confidentiality mechanisms described in WS-Security. Replay attacks can be addressed by using message timestamps and caching, as well as other application-specific tracking mechanisms. For SAML assertion tokens whose ownership is verified by use of keys, man-in-the-middle attacks are generally mitigated by the use of subject confirmation.

It is strongly RECOMMENDED that all relevant and immutable message data be signed.

It should be noted that transport-level security MAY be used to protect the message and the security token.

4. eXtensible rights Markup Language (XrML) Usage

This section describes the profile (specific mechanisms and procedures) for the WS-Security profile of XrML.

Identification: urn:oasis:names:tc:WSS:1.0:bindings:WSS-XrML-binding

Contact information: TBD

Description: Given below.

Updates: None.

4.1. Processing Model

The processing model for WS-Security with XrML tokens is no different from that of WS-Security with other token formats as described in WS-Security.

4.2. Attaching Security Tokens

XrML licenses are attached to SOAP messages using WS-Security by placing the license element inside the <wsse:Security> header. The following example illustrates a SOAP message with an XrML license token.

<S:Envelope xmlns:S="...">
    <S:Header>
        <wsse:Security xmlns:wsse="...">
            <xrml:license xmlns:xrml="...">
                ...
            </xrml:license>
            ...
        </wsse:Security>
    </S:Header>
    <S:Body>
        ...
    </S:Body>
</S:Envelope>

4.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

The WS-Security specification defines the wsu:Id attribute as the common mechanism for referencing security tokens by "Id" (the specification describes the reasons for this). Since the XrML specification does not allow attribute extensibility of the <xrml:license> element, this specification defines a separate mechanism for referencing licenses. The XrML specification allows licenses to be named using a URI with the licenseId attribute. Consequently, this specification defines the global namespace qualifier attribute xmltok:RefType for use with the <wsse:Reference> element (used within a <wsse:SecurityTokenReference> element). Using this attribute, references can specify the type of token desired thereby allowing the token-specific matching rules to be processed. Specifically, when the xmktok:RefType attribute's value is "xrml:license", then the URI attribute refers to an <xrml:license> element whose licenseId attribute is specified by the URI attribute.

The following example illustrates a message with an XML Signature that references an XrML token.

<S:Envelope xmlns:S="...">
    <S:Header>
        <wsse:Security xmlns:wsse="...">
            <xrml:license xmlns:xrml="..."
                          licenseId="urn:SecurityToken-ef375268"/>

                ...
            </xrml:license>
            <ds:Signature xmlns:ds="...">
                ...
                <ds:KeyInfo>
                   <wsse:SecurityTokenReference>
                     <wsse:Reference URI="urn:SecurityToken-ef375268"
                                     xmltok:RefType="xrml:license"
                                     xmlns:xmltok="..."/>
                   </wsse:SecurityTokenReference>
                </ds:KeyInfo>
            </ds:Signature>
            ...
        </wsse:Security>
    </S:Header>
    <S:Body>
        ...
    </S:Body>
</S:Envelope>

4.4. Subject Confirmation

As previously stated, the WS-Security specification does not dictate how subject confirmation must be performed. As well, the XrML specification allows for multiple types of confirmation. If a secure transport is not used, it is strongly RECOMMENDED that a key-based confirmation mechanism be used.

Any processor of XrML security tokens MUST conform to the required validation and processing rules defined in the XrML specification.

The following table illustrates how several different confirmation mechanisms are processed:

Mechanism	RECOMMENDED Processing Rules
`<xrml:keyHolder>`	The sender (the subject) includes an XML Signature that can be verified with the key information in the referenced security token.
`<xrml:allPrincipals>`	The sender (the subject) includes an XML Signature that can be verified. An implementation MAY choose to not require principals to "authenticate".

4.5. Error Codes

When using XrML tokens, it is RECOMMENDED to use the error codes defined in the WS-Security specification. However, implementations MAY use custom errors, defined in private namespaces if they desire. Care should be taken not to introduce security vulnerabilities in the errors returned.

4.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

The use of XrML security tokens with WS-Security introduces no new threats beyond those identified for XrML or WS-Security with other types of security tokens.

Message alteration and eavesdropping can be addressed by using the integrity and confidentiality mechanisms described in WS-Security. Replay attacks can be addressed by using of message timestamps and caching, as well as other application-specific tracking mechanisms. For XrML tokens whose ownership is verified by use of keys, man-in-the-middle attacks are generally mitigated.

It is strongly RECOMMENDED that all relevant and immutable message data be signed.

It should be noted that transport-level security MAY be used to protect the message and the security token.

5. Security Considerations

In order to provide relying parties with the confidence that they can trust XML-based tokens, the issuers of those tokens SHOULD sign those tokens using the mechanisms outlined in this document. Signing XML tokens allows parties relying on them to be confident that the tokens haven't been forged or altered. It is strongly RECOMMENDED that <saml:Assertion> and <xrml:license> elements used in WS-Security header fields be signed (using either the token-signing mechanisms defined in the SAML or XrML specifications or the header-element signing mechanisms defined in the WS-Security specification, or both mechanisms)

It should be noted that references to unsigned or unsecured tokens represent potential security holes and make increase attack opportunities.

6. References

[KEYWORDS]
S. Bradner, "Key Words for Use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement Levels," RFC 2119, Harvard University, March 1997.
[SAML]
P. Hallam-Baker, P., and E. Maler, (Editors), Assertions and Protocol for the OASIS Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML), Committee Specification 01, OASIS, May 2002.
[SOAP]
W3C Note, "SOAP: Simple Object Access Protocol 1.1," 08 May 2000.

Draft, SOAP 1.2, https://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part0/

Draft, SOAP 1.2, https://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part1/

Draft, SOAP 1.2, https://www.w3.org/TR/soap12-part2/
[URI]
T. Berners-Lee, R. Fielding, L. Masinter, "Uniform Resource Identifiers (URI): Generic Syntax," RFC 2396, MIT/LCS, U.C. Irvine, Xerox Corporation, August 1998.
[XML-Encrypt]
W3C Working Draft, "XML Encryption Syntax and Processing," 04 March 2002.
[XML-ns]
W3C Recommendation, "Namespaces in XML," 14 January 1999.
[XML Signature]
W3C Recommendation, "XML Signature Syntax and Processing," 12 February 2002.
[XrML]
"eXtensible rights Markup Language (XrML) 2.0 Specification", ContentGuard, 11/2001.
[WS-Security]
"Web Services Security Language", IBM, Microsoft, VeriSign, April 2002.

"WS-Security Addendum", IBM, Microsoft, VeriSign, August 2002.

WS-Security Profile for XML-based Tokens

Authors

Copyright Notice

Abstract

Status

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

1.1. Notational Conventions

1.2. Namespaces

2. General Principles

2.1. Attaching Security Tokens

2.2. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

2.3. Subject Confirmation

2.4. Processing Rules

3. Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) Usage

3.1. Processing Model

3.2. Attaching Security Tokens

3.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

3.4. Subject Confirmation

3.5. Error Codes

3.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

4. eXtensible rights Markup Language (XrML) Usage

4.1. Processing Model

4.2. Attaching Security Tokens

4.3. Identifying and Referencing Security Tokens

4.4. Subject Confirmation

4.5. Error Codes

4.6. Threat Model and Countermeasures

5. Security Considerations

6. References

Additional resources