OIDC Token Validation: How to Verify ID Tokens and Access Tokens in Your SaaS App

RFC 8725 highlights that the primary risks to JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) stem from implementation errors rather than cryptographic weaknesses, with specific warnings against using "alg: none" and confusing RS256 public keys with HS256 shared secrets. OIDC token validation is crucial for ensuring a token's authenticity and involves cryptographic checks like signature verification against the provider's published keys and validating claims such as issuer, audience, and expiry. A JWT consists of three Base64url parts—header, payload, and signature—where only a verified signature renders the first two components trustworthy. It's essential to pin the algorithm, such as RS256, to prevent vulnerabilities like the "alg: none" attack and key confusion issues, ensuring tokens cannot dictate their verification method. ID tokens, intended for client apps, and access tokens, meant for APIs, require distinct validation processes to avoid common mistakes like misinterpreting their audience. Proper token validation involves checking mandatory claims including issuer, audience, expiry, and nonce, while relying parties should use maintained libraries for cryptographic verification instead of custom implementations. Tools like SSOJet simplify OIDC token validation by providing a compliant discovery document and JWKS endpoint, thereby facilitating secure and efficient identity management.

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