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Glossary Term

OAuth Misconfiguration

Incorrect OAuth setup that leads to token theft or unauthorized access.

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Short definition: Incorrect OAuth setup that leads to token theft or unauthorized access.
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What it is

OAuth enables delegated access without passwords. Misconfigurations-like missing redirect URI validation or overly broad scopes-allow attackers to hijack tokens or impersonate users.

Why it matters

OAuth powers thousands of apps, login flows, and cloud integrations. A single misconfiguration can expose sensitive data.

How to reduce risk

  • Validate redirect URIs
  • Verify state parameters
  • Limit token scope
  • Secure token storage
  • Rotate tokens
  • Monitor OAuth grant activity

Related Terms

External Resources

  • OAuth Threat Model: https://datatracker.ietf.org/doc/html/rfc6819
  • OWASP OAuth Cheat Sheet: https://owasp.org/www-project-cheat-sheets/