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What are the best practices for configuring the openid-config in Azure APIM


Configuring OpenID Connect in Azure API Management (APIM) involves several best practices to ensure secure and efficient authentication and authorization for your APIs. Here are some key considerations:

1. Create an Azure AD Application:
- Register an application in Azure Active Directory (AAD) to represent your API. This application will be used to configure OpenID Connect in APIM[3].
- Ensure the application is marked as multi-tenant if you plan to use it with the developer portal[3].

2. Configure OpenID Connect Authorization:
- In the Azure portal, navigate to your APIM instance and add a new OpenID Connect authorization server under the "OpenID Connect" section[1][3].
- Provide the OpenID Connect metadata endpoint URL for your Azure AD tenant, typically in the form `https://login.microsoftonline.com/{tenant-id}/.well-known/openid-configuration`[1][3].
- Enter the client ID and client secret of the Azure AD application you created[1][3].

3. Configure Redirect URIs:
- In the Azure AD application, add the redirect URIs for both authorization code and implicit grant flows. These URIs are typically provided by APIM during the OpenID Connect setup[1][3].

4. Enable OpenID Connect for Your API:
- In APIM, select the API you want to protect and go to its settings. Under security, choose OAuth 2.0 and select the OpenID Connect authorization server you configured[1].

5. Validate JWT Tokens:
- Use the `validate-jwt` policy in APIM to validate JWT tokens sent in the Authorization header. This policy checks the token's audience claim to ensure it matches your backend application's client ID[5][8].
- Consider using named values or Azure Key Vault to securely store sensitive information like the OpenID Connect URL, audience, and issuer[6].

6. Testing and Monitoring:
- Test your API using the APIM developer portal to ensure that OpenID Connect authentication works correctly[3].
- Monitor API traffic and authentication flows to identify any issues or security vulnerabilities[7].

By following these best practices, you can effectively secure your APIs with OpenID Connect in Azure APIM.

Citations:
[1] https://www.cloudfronts.com/uncategorized/securing-an-api-using-open-id-connect-from-aapim-part-2-configure-setup-and-enable-open-id-connect-in-the-developer-console/
[2] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/77698997/configure-azure-apim-application-with-oauth-2-0-which-will-secure-api-with-jwt-t
[3] https://winterdom.com/2017/11/11/openid-connect-api-management
[4] https://www.liatrio.com/resources/blog/azure-api-management-okta-integration
[5] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/api-management/api-management-howto-protect-backend-with-aad
[6] https://stackoverflow.com/questions/72716297/can-the-openid-config-url-audience-issuer-value-in-the-azure-apim-policies-be/72716409
[7] https://techcommunity.microsoft.com/discussions/azure/api-management-service-secure-configuration-for-standard-v2-sku/4336449
[8] https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/azure/api-management/authentication-authorization-overview