Who is this workflow for? Securely authenticating users is critical for workflows that interact with sensitive data or perform privileged operations. This workflow leverages OpenID Connect to authenticate users, ensuring that only authorized individuals can trigger webhooks and access protected resources within your n8n automation..

What does this workflow do?

1. User Authentication Initiation

The workflow begins by requiring the user to authenticate via an OpenID Connect provider. If the user is not authenticated, the workflow initiates a login process using the Authorization Code with PKCE flow, a secure method outlined in RFC 7636.

2. Redirect to Identity Provider

Users are redirected to the identity provider’s authorization endpoint to log in. This step ensures that credentials are handled securely by the identity provider.

3. Token Retrieval and Storage

Upon successful authentication, the identity provider redirects back to the workflow’s webhook URL with an authorization code. The workflow exchanges this code for an access token and stores it in a cookie named n8n-custom-auth.

4. Access User Information

Using the access token, the workflow calls the userinfo endpoint of the identity provider to retrieve detailed information about the authenticated user. This information includes the user’s ID, email, and verified status.

5. Webhook Execution

With the user’s token and information securely obtained, the workflow proceeds to execute the intended webhook action. All subsequent requests within the workflow can utilize the user’s token for authenticated API calls.

6. Integration with Identity Providers

The workflow is configured to work seamlessly with identity providers like Keycloak. Configuration involves setting up the OpenID Connect endpoints, disabling client authentication, and configuring valid redirect URIs to ensure secure token exchange.

7. Refresh and Token Management

After user login, the webhook refreshes and retrieves the user’s token from the cookie. This token is used for all API interactions, ensuring that each request is authenticated and authorized based on the user’s identity.

🤖 Why Use This Automation Workflow?

  • Enhanced Security: Utilizes OpenID Connect standards, including Authorization Code with PKCE, to ensure robust user authentication.
  • Seamless Integration: Easily integrates with identity providers like Keycloak, enabling streamlined user management and authentication.
  • Flexible API Access: Obtains user tokens to interact with various APIs, allowing personalized and secure operations based on user identity.

👨‍💻 Who is This Workflow For?

This workflow is ideal for developers and automation specialists who need to secure their n8n workflows by authenticating users before allowing access to webhooks and connected services. It is particularly useful for teams managing sensitive data or requiring granular access control based on user identities.

🎯 Use Cases

  1. Secure Webhook Access: Ensure that only authenticated users can trigger webhooks that perform critical operations, such as updating databases or sending notifications.
  2. Personalized API Interactions: Authenticate users to obtain tokens that allow workflows to interact with user-specific APIs like Gmail or Google Drive, enabling personalized automation.
  3. User-Specific Data Processing: Retrieve user information securely and use it within workflows to perform tailored data processing or reporting tasks.

TL;DR

This n8n workflow template provides a secure and efficient method for authenticating users using OpenID Connect. By integrating with identity providers like Keycloak, it ensures that only authorized users can trigger webhooks and access protected APIs. Enhance your automation processes with robust user authentication and personalized API interactions, all within the flexible n8n environment.

For a deeper dive into this authentication flow and additional implementation details, visit our blog post.

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