What are SAML error codes and how do I troubleshoot them?

What are SAML error codes and how do I troubleshoot them?

SAML error codes are standardized codes used in Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) to indicate issues during authentication. Common codes include 'InvalidRequest', 'Unauthorized', and 'NoPassive'. To troubleshoot, check the SAML request and response for errors, ensure the identity provider and service provider configurations are correct, and verify network connectivity.

Can you explain what the 'InvalidRequest' error means?

The 'InvalidRequest' error indicates that the SAML request sent to the identity provider is malformed or missing required parameters. This can happen if the request is not properly constructed or if there are issues with the URL encoding.

What should I do if I encounter the 'Unauthorized' error?

The 'Unauthorized' error suggests that the user is not permitted to access the requested resource. Check the user's permissions, ensure they are correctly authenticated, and verify that the identity provider is configured to allow access.

Are there any tools to help debug SAML errors?

Yes, there are several tools available for debugging SAML errors, such as SAML-tracer, which is a browser extension that captures SAML messages, and online SAML validators that can help analyze SAML assertions.