Abstract: Learn how to easily secure your AWS Lambda application with Single Sign-On (SSO) using Okta as your Identity Provider.
2024-06-22 by DevCodeF1 Editors
Simple Way to Put a AWS Lambda App Behind SAML Authentication with Okta
In today's world, security is a top priority for any organization. One way to enhance the security of your AWS Lambda applications is by implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) and using an Identity Provider (IdP) such as Okta. This article will guide you through the easiest way to put a AWS Lambda app behind SAML authentication with Okta, even if the app is rarely used by a large number of employees.
What is SAML and why use it?
SAML (Security Assertion Markup Language) is an open standard that allows for the exchange of authentication and authorization data between parties. It enables SSO, which allows users to access multiple applications with a single set of credentials, reducing the need for multiple usernames and passwords.
Why use Okta as your IdP?
Okta is a popular cloud-based Identity and Access Management (IAM) solution that provides a centralized directory of users and enables SSO for various applications. It is easy to set up and use, making it an ideal choice for organizations of all sizes.
Prerequisites
Before you begin, you will need the following:
- An AWS account with the necessary permissions to create and configure a Lambda function
- An Okta developer account
- A simple AWS Lambda app that you want to put behind SAML authentication
Step 1: Create an Okta application
To create an Okta application, log in to your Okta developer account and navigate to the Applications tab. Click on the "Add Application" button and select "Web" as the platform. Fill in the necessary details, such as the application name, base URL, and login redirect URI. Make sure to select "SAML 2.0" as the sign-on method.
Step 2: Configure the Okta application
After creating the Okta application, you will need to configure it to work with your AWS Lambda app. To do this, navigate to the Sign-On tab and click on the "View Setup Instructions" button. This will provide you with the necessary SAML metadata, including the Single Sign-On URL and the X.509 certificate.
Step 3: Create an AWS Lambda function
Next, you will need to create an AWS Lambda function that will handle the SAML authentication. To do this, navigate to the AWS Lambda console and create a new function. Make sure to give it a name and select the appropriate runtime.
Step 4: Configure the AWS Lambda function
After creating the Lambda function, you will need to configure it to work with the Okta application. To do this, you will need to add the necessary SAML metadata to the function's environment variables. This includes the Single Sign-On URL and the X.509 certificate that you obtained in Step 2.
Step 5: Test the setup
To test the setup, you can use the Okta developer dashboard to simulate a SAML request. This will allow you to verify that the SAML authentication is working as expected and that your AWS Lambda app is properly protected.
In this article, we have covered the easiest way to put a AWS Lambda app behind SAML authentication with Okta. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can enhance the security of your AWS Lambda applications and provide a better user experience for your employees.
References
```// Example Lambda function codeconst aws = require('aws-sdk');const saml = require('saml2-js');const sso = new aws.SingleSignOn();exports.handler = async (event) => { const samlResponse = event.Records[0].Sns.Message; const samlParser = new saml.Parser(); const samlAssertion = samlParser.parseSamlAssertion(samlResponse); const cognitoIdentity = new aws.CognitoIdentity(); const cognitoParams = { IdentityPoolId: 'your-identity-pool-id', Logins: { 'your-okta-domain': samlAssertion.nameId, }, }; const cognitoResult = await cognitoIdentity.getCredentialsForIdentity(cognitoParams).promise(); const credentials = cognitoResult.Credentials; // Use the credentials to access AWS resources};
Secure your AWS Lambda app with SAML authentication and Okta in a few simple steps.
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