White Paper: Implementing MSAL-based Single Sign-On (SSO) with Device Token Integration in React Native Expo Mobile App

Abstract

This white paper presents a comprehensive guide to implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) in a React Native application (EZ Thanks in our case) using the Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL). It includes the integration of device tokens for enhancing security and compliance with Azure Active Directory (Azure AD) policies.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction

2. Prerequisites

3. Azure AD Configuration

• Registering the Application

• Configuring Redirect URIs

• Setting API Permissions

4. React Native Integration

• Installing Required Libraries

• Configuring MSAL

• Implementing Authentication

5. Device Token Integration

• Understanding Device Code Flow

• Implementing Device Code Flow

6. Conclusion

7. References

1. Introduction

With the rise of needs in EZ Thanks app clients demanding for the SSO login, and with Microsoft Azure introducing MSAL based with advanced device token added authentication, secure authentication has become a critical component of application development. MSAL provides a robust framework for implementing authentication in applications using Azure AD. This white paper elaborates on integrating MSAL in our EZ Thanks React Native app and incorporating device tokens for enhanced security.

2. Prerequisites

• Azure Active Directory Tenant: An Azure AD tenant is required to register and manage the application.

• Development Environment: Node.js, React Native CLI, and a React Native project set up.

• MSAL Library: The react-native-msal library for handling authentication in React Native.

3. Azure AD Configuration

Registering the Application

1. Navigate to the Azure portal.

2. Go to "Azure Active Directory" > "App registrations" > "New registration".

3. Enter the application details and register the app.

4. Note the Application (client) ID and Directory (tenant) ID.

Configuring Redirect URIs

1. In your app registration, go to "Authentication".

2. Add a redirect URI in the format msal<your-client-id>://auth.

Setting API Permissions

1. In your app registration, go to "API permissions".

2. Add permissions such as User.Read for basic user data access.

Flow diagram of how the Device token-based authentication works in mobile apps.

4. React Native Integration

Installing Required Libraries

Install the react-native-msal library:

npm install react-native-msal

Configuring MSAL

Create a configuration file (e.g., msalConfig.js):

export const msalConfig = {

auth: {

clientId: 'YOUR_CLIENT_ID',

authority: 'https://login.microsoftonline.com/YOUR_TENANT_ID',

redirectUri: 'msalYOUR_CLIENT_ID://auth',

},

cache: {

cacheLocation: 'localStorage',

storeAuthStateInCookie: false,

},

};

Implementing Authentication

App.js:

import React from 'react';

import { MSALProvider } from 'react-native-msal';

import { msalConfig } from './msalConfig';

import YourComponent from './YourComponent';

const App = () => {

return (

<MSALProvider config={msalConfig}>

<YourComponent />

</MSALProvider>

);

};

export default App;

YourComponent.js:

import React from 'react';

import { Button, View } from 'react-native';

import { useMSAL } from 'react-native-msal';

const YourComponent = () => {

const { instance, accounts } = useMSAL();

const login = async () => {

try {

const loginResponse = await instance.loginPopup({

scopes: ['User.Read'],

});

console.log('Login Response:', loginResponse);

} catch (error) {

console.error('Login Error:', error);

}

};

const getToken = async () => {

try {

const request = {

scopes: ['User.Read'],

account: accounts[0],

};

const tokenResponse = await instance.acquireTokenSilent(request);

console.log('Token Response:', tokenResponse);

} catch (error) {

console.error('Token Error:', error);

}

};

return (

<View>

<Button title="Login" onPress={login} />

<Button title="Get Token" onPress={getToken} />

</View>

);

};

export default YourComponent;

5. Device Token Integration

Understanding Device Code Flow

Device Code Flow allows users to authenticate on devices with limited input capabilities by using a secondary device. It is useful for scenarios where traditional interactive authentication is not feasible.

Implementing Device Code Flow

YourComponent.js:

import React, { useState } from 'react';

import { Button, View, Text } from 'react-native';

import { PublicClientApplication } from 'react-native-msal';

import { msalConfig } from './msalConfig';

const YourComponent = () => {

const [message, setMessage] = useState('');

const pca = new PublicClientApplication(msalConfig);

const deviceCodeRequest = {

scopes: ['User.Read'],

deviceCodeCallback: (response) => setMessage(response.message),

};

const loginWithDeviceCode = async () => {

try {

const response = await pca.acquireTokenByDeviceCode(deviceCodeRequest);

console.log('Device Code Response:', response);

} catch (error) {

console.error('Device Code Error:', error);

}

};

return (

<View>

<Button title="Login with Device Code" onPress={loginWithDeviceCode} />

{message && <Text>{message}</Text>}

</View>

);

};

export default YourComponent;

6. Conclusion

This white paper outlines the integration of MSAL-based SSO in a React Native application with the addition of device token functionality. By following these steps, developers can ensure secure and seamless authentication experiences in their mobile applications, meeting the requirements of modern security standards and compliance.

7. References

1. Microsoft Authentication Library (MSAL) Documentation

2. Azure Active Directory Documentation