OIDC Error W/ Gitea

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Introduction

OpenID Connect (OIDC) is a widely used authentication protocol that enables secure authentication and authorization between different applications. Gitea, a popular Git repository manager, supports OIDC as an authentication provider. However, users have reported issues with OIDC authentication after migrating to a config.yaml file. In this article, we will explore the possible causes of OIDC errors with Gitea and provide solutions to resolve these issues.

Understanding the Error

The error message reported by users is similar to the following:

{"code":"OAUTH_RESPONSE_BODY_ERROR","error":{"name":"invalid_client","description":"cannot load client with client id: 'xxx%2Dxxx%2Dxxxx%2Dxxxx%2Dxxxxxxx'"}}

where the %2D characters represent the dashes (-) in the client ID. This error suggests that there is an issue with the client ID or the way it is being encoded or decoded.

Is it an HTML Encode/Decode Error?

One possible cause of this error is an HTML encode/decode issue. When the client ID is encoded using URL encoding (e.g., %2D for dashes), it may not be properly decoded by the OIDC provider. This can lead to an invalid client ID, resulting in the error message.

Is it a Bug in OIDC or Gitea?

Another possible cause of this error is a bug in the OIDC or Gitea implementation. The issues reported on GitHub (e.g., juanfont/headscale/issues/2168 and tale/headplane/issues/117) suggest that there may be a problem with the way the client ID is being handled.

Troubleshooting Steps

To resolve the OIDC error with Gitea, follow these troubleshooting steps:

1. Check the Client ID

Verify that the client ID is correctly formatted and not encoded with URL encoding. Make sure that the dashes (-) are not replaced with %2D.

2. Check the OIDC Configuration

Review the OIDC configuration in the config.yaml file to ensure that it is correctly set up. Check for any typos or incorrect settings that may be causing the issue.

3. Try a Different OIDC Client Secret Method

As suggested in the GitHub issue tale/headplane/issues/89#issuecomment-2599598547, try setting OIDC_CLIENT_SECRET_METHOD to client_secret_basic. This may resolve the issue if it is related to the client secret method.

4. Check for Updates

Ensure that Gitea and OIDC are up-to-date. Updates may resolve known issues or bugs that are causing the error.

5. Contact Support

If none of the above steps resolve the issue, contact Gitea or OIDC support for further assistance.

Conclusion

OIDC errors with Gitea can be frustrating and challenging to resolve. By understanding the possible causes of the error and following the troubleshooting steps outlined in this article, users can resolve the issue and ensure secure authentication and authorization with OIDC.

Additional Resources

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Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the cause of the OIDC error with Gitea?

A: The OIDC error with Gitea can be caused by a variety of factors, including an HTML encode/decode issue, a bug in the OIDC or Gitea implementation, or incorrect OIDC configuration.

Q: How do I troubleshoot the OIDC error with Gitea?

A: To troubleshoot the OIDC error with Gitea, follow these steps:

  1. Check the client ID to ensure it is correctly formatted and not encoded with URL encoding.
  2. Review the OIDC configuration in the config.yaml file to ensure it is correctly set up.
  3. Try setting OIDC_CLIENT_SECRET_METHOD to client_secret_basic.
  4. Check for updates to Gitea and OIDC.
  5. Contact Gitea or OIDC support for further assistance.

Q: What is the difference between OIDC_CLIENT_SECRET_METHOD and client_secret_basic?

A: OIDC_CLIENT_SECRET_METHOD is a configuration option that determines how the client secret is handled. client_secret_basic is a specific method that uses the client secret in a basic authentication header.

Q: Can I use a different OIDC provider with Gitea?

A: Yes, you can use a different OIDC provider with Gitea. However, you will need to configure the OIDC provider in the config.yaml file and ensure that it is correctly set up.

Q: How do I configure OIDC with Gitea?

A: To configure OIDC with Gitea, follow these steps:

  1. Create an OIDC client ID and secret on the OIDC provider.
  2. Configure the OIDC provider in the config.yaml file.
  3. Set up the OIDC client ID and secret in the Gitea configuration.
  4. Test the OIDC authentication with Gitea.

Q: What are the benefits of using OIDC with Gitea?

A: The benefits of using OIDC with Gitea include:

  • Secure authentication and authorization
  • Single sign-on (SSO) capabilities
  • Support for multiple OIDC providers
  • Easy configuration and setup

Q: Can I use OIDC with Gitea in a production environment?

A: Yes, you can use OIDC with Gitea in a production environment. However, you will need to ensure that the OIDC provider is correctly set up and configured, and that the OIDC client ID and secret are securely stored.

Q: How do I troubleshoot OIDC errors with Gitea in a production environment?

A: To troubleshoot OIDC errors with Gitea in a production environment, follow these steps:

  1. Check the OIDC configuration in the config.yaml file.
  2. Review the OIDC logs for errors.
  3. Check the OIDC client ID and secret for correctness.
  4. Contact Gitea or OIDC support for further assistance.

Additional Resources

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