API Scope

Definition

API Scope is a configuration for defining the range of permissions or access levels that users or applications have when using APIs. Often integrated with OAuth 2.0, it restricts client access to specific resources or functions.

Advantages

• Fine-grained Control: Restricts users to specific resources or operations.

• Enhanced Security: Reduces the risk of unauthorized users operating on sensitive data or functions.

• Simplified Authorization Logic: Manages authorization needs using labels, reducing code complexity.

Use Cases

• Restricting Functions: Example: A "read-only" scope allows clients to only read resources, while a "read-write" scope allows modifications.

• Resource-based Authorization: Example: A client may access /user/profile but not /user/settings.

• Dynamic Authorization: Allows API authorization to be determined dynamically based on Scope, suitable for scenarios requiring temporary expansion or reduction of permissions.

Standard Operating Process

1. Design the Scope Structure:

   • Design Scope labels based on resources and operations, such as read, write, admin.

   • Map Scope labels to API functions (e.g., /users resource mapped to read-users, write-users).

2. Define Scope Rules:

   • Specify which Scopes correspond to which API operations.

   • Establish inheritance or hierarchy logic for Scopes (e.g., admin includes read and write permissions).

3. Authorize and Verify:

   • Issue Tokens containing Scopes when a client requests access.

   • Validate the requested Scope through the API Gateway or backend.

4. Runtime Control:

   • When APIs are invoked, check if the request Token contains the matching Scope.

   • Execute requests or return a rejection response based on the Scope configuration.