What are the differences between SameSite cookies in MVC apps?

What are the differences between SameSite cookies in MVC apps?

SameSite cookies are used to control how cookies are sent with cross-site requests. In MVC apps, there are three settings: Strict, Lax, and None. Strict cookies are only sent in a first-party context, Lax allows cookies to be sent with top-level navigations, and None allows cookies to be sent in all contexts but requires Secure.

Can you explain how each setting affects user experience?

Sure! With Strict, users may face issues when navigating from other sites, as cookies won't be sent. Lax provides a balance, allowing some cross-site requests while still offering some protection. None is the most permissive, but it can expose users to CSRF attacks if not handled properly.

What are the security implications of using SameSite=None?

Using SameSite=None requires the Secure attribute, meaning cookies will only be sent over HTTPS. However, it can still expose your app to CSRF attacks if proper validation isn't implemented.

How can I implement these settings in my MVC application?

You can set the SameSite attribute in your cookie options when creating cookies in your MVC app. For example, in ASP.NET Core, you can configure it in the Startup.cs file.