---
name: identityserver-configuration
description: Configure Duende IdentityServer including client definitions, API resources, identity resources, scopes, signing credentials, and server-side sessions. Covers client types (M2M, interactive, SPA), grant types, API Scopes vs API Resources vs Identity Resources, secret management, and client authentication methods. Includes both in-memory and database-backed configuration.
invocable: false
---

# Duende IdentityServer Configuration

## When to Use This Skill

Use this skill when:
- Setting up a new Duende IdentityServer host
- Defining or modifying client registrations
- Configuring API resources, API scopes, or identity resources
- Setting up signing key management (automatic or static)
- Enabling server-side sessions
- Tuning `IdentityServerOptions` for production deployments
- Migrating from IdentityServer4 to Duende IdentityServer

## Core Principles

1. **Authorization Code + PKCE by Default** — Use `GrantTypes.Code` for all interactive clients. Never use implicit flow for new applications.
2. **Least Privilege Scopes** — Grant clients only the scopes they need. Avoid wildcard or overly broad scope assignments.
3. **Automatic Key Management** — Prefer the built-in automatic key rotation over static key configuration in production.
4. **API Resources for Audience Isolation** — Use `ApiResource` to control the `aud` claim and isolate API boundaries. Use `ApiScope` for fine-grained permission modeling within those boundaries.
5. **Server-Side Sessions for Enterprise** — Enable server-side sessions when you need centralized session management, back-channel logout, or session queries.

## Related Skills

- `identityserver-stores` — EF Core persistence for configuration and operational data
- `oauth-oidc-protocols` — Protocol fundamentals that underpin these configuration choices
- `identity-security-hardening` — Production hardening of IdentityServer deployments
- `token-management` — Client-side token lifecycle with Duende.AccessTokenManagement
- `aspnetcore-authentication` — Configuring OIDC authentication in client applications

Docs: https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/configuration

---

## Sub-Documents

Load these sub-documents when the user's question specifically targets one of these areas:

| Document | Description | When to Load |
|----------|-------------|--------------|
| [docs/client-types.md](docs/client-types.md) | Grant type selection matrix, client property reference tables, client authentication methods (shared secret, private_key_jwt, mTLS), secret rollover, and CORS | private_key_jwt, mTLS, secret rotation, refresh token settings, client authentication, CORS origins |
| [docs/resources-scopes.md](docs/resources-scopes.md) | Resource type decision matrix, identity resources, API scopes (including parameterized scopes), and API resources with audience isolation | aud claim, audience isolation, parameterized scopes, IScopeParser, IResourceValidator, EmitStaticAudienceClaim, API Resources, Identity Resources |

---

## Pattern 1: Hosting and Basic Setup

Register Duende IdentityServer in `Program.cs` with `AddIdentityServer`. All configuration flows from the `IdentityServerOptions` lambda and the builder's fluent API.

```csharp
var builder = WebApplication.CreateBuilder(args);

var idsvrBuilder = builder.Services.AddIdentityServer(options =>
{
    // Let the issuer be inferred from the request URL (recommended)
    // options.IssuerUri = "https://identity.example.com"; // Only set when behind a reverse proxy

    // Enable events for diagnostics
    options.Events.RaiseErrorEvents = true;
    options.Events.RaiseInformationEvents = true;
    options.Events.RaiseFailureEvents = true;
    options.Events.RaiseSuccessEvents = true;
})
    .AddInMemoryIdentityResources(Config.IdentityResources)
    .AddInMemoryApiScopes(Config.ApiScopes)
    .AddInMemoryClients(Config.Clients);

var app = builder.Build();
app.UseIdentityServer(); // Includes UseAuthentication()
app.UseAuthorization();
app.Run();
```

> **Important:** Call `UseIdentityServer()` instead of `UseAuthentication()` — it registers both the IdentityServer middleware and the authentication middleware.

---

## Pattern 2: Client Definitions

Clients represent applications that request tokens. The three most common configurations are:

### Machine-to-Machine (Client Credentials)

For service-to-service communication with no interactive user:

```csharp
new Client
{
    ClientId = "service.worker",
    ClientName = "Background Worker Service",

    AllowedGrantTypes = GrantTypes.ClientCredentials,
    ClientSecrets = { new Secret("secret".Sha256()) },

    AllowedScopes = { "api1", "api2.read_only" }
}
```

### Interactive Web Application (Authorization Code + PKCE)

For server-rendered web apps that authenticate users and call APIs:

```csharp
new Client
{
    ClientId = "web.app",
    ClientName = "Web Application",

    AllowedGrantTypes = GrantTypes.Code,
    RequirePkce = true, // Default is true in Duende IS

    ClientSecrets = { new Secret("secret".Sha256()) },

    // Redirect URIs — must exactly match what the client sends
    RedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signin-oidc" },
    PostLogoutRedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signout-callback-oidc" },
    FrontChannelLogoutUri = "https://app.example.com/signout-oidc",

    // Enable offline access for refresh tokens
    AllowOfflineAccess = true,

    AllowedScopes =
    {
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.OpenId,
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.Profile,
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.Email,
        "api1"
    }
}
```

### SPA with BFF Pattern

For JavaScript SPAs using the Backend-for-Frontend pattern (see `duende-bff` skill):

```csharp
new Client
{
    ClientId = "spa.bff",
    ClientName = "SPA with BFF",

    AllowedGrantTypes = GrantTypes.Code,
    RequirePkce = true,
    RequireClientSecret = true, // BFF host holds the secret

    ClientSecrets = { new Secret("secret".Sha256()) },

    RedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signin-oidc" },
    PostLogoutRedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signout-callback-oidc" },
    BackChannelLogoutUri = "https://app.example.com/bff/backchannel",

    AllowOfflineAccess = true,

    AllowedScopes =
    {
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.OpenId,
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.Profile,
        "api1"
    }
}
```

### Key Client Properties

| Property | Purpose | Default |
|----------|---------|---------|
| `RequirePkce` | Enforce PKCE for authorization code flow | `true` |
| `AllowOfflineAccess` | Enable refresh token issuance | `false` |
| `AccessTokenLifetime` | Access token duration in seconds | `3600` (1 hour) |
| `IdentityTokenLifetime` | Identity token duration in seconds | `300` (5 min) |
| `RefreshTokenUsage` | `ReUse` or `OneTimeOnly` | `ReUse` (recommend `OneTimeOnly` for security) |
| `RefreshTokenExpiration` | `Absolute` or `Sliding` | `Absolute` |
| `AbsoluteRefreshTokenLifetime` | Max refresh token lifetime in seconds | `2592000` (30 days) |
| `AllowedCorsOrigins` | CORS origins for token endpoint calls | empty |
| `RequireConsent` | Show consent screen | `false` |
| `CoordinateLifetimeWithUserSession` | Tie token lifetimes to user session | `false` |

### Defining Clients in appsettings.json

For scenarios where client configuration should be externalized:

```json
{
  "IdentityServer": {
    "Clients": [
      {
        "Enabled": true,
        "ClientId": "local-dev",
        "ClientName": "Local Development",
        "ClientSecrets": [
          {
            "Value": "<Insert Sha256 hash of the secret encoded as Base64 string>"
          }
        ],
        "AllowedGrantTypes": ["client_credentials"],
        "AllowedScopes": ["api1"]
      }
    ]
  }
}
```

```csharp
// Load clients from configuration
idsvrBuilder.AddInMemoryClients(
    configuration.GetSection("IdentityServer:Clients"));
```

---

## Pattern 3: Identity Resources

Identity resources define groups of claims about users, requested via the `scope` parameter. They map to claims in the **identity token** and the **userinfo endpoint**.

### Standard Identity Resources

```csharp
public static IEnumerable<IdentityResource> IdentityResources =>
    new IdentityResource[]
    {
        new IdentityResources.OpenId(),   // Required — maps to "sub" claim
        new IdentityResources.Profile(),  // name, family_name, given_name, etc.
        new IdentityResources.Email(),    // email, email_verified
        new IdentityResources.Phone(),    // phone_number, phone_number_verified
        new IdentityResources.Address(),  // address (JSON object)
    };
```

### Custom Identity Resources

Define custom identity resources for application-specific user claims:

```csharp
// ✅ Custom identity resource for tenant membership
new IdentityResource(
    name: "tenant",
    displayName: "Your organization info",
    userClaims: new[] { "tenant_id", "tenant_name", "tenant_role" })
{
    Required = true // Do not show on consent screen as optional
}
```

> **Key concept:** The `openid` scope is mandatory for any OpenID Connect request. It tells IdentityServer to return the `sub` (subject ID) claim.

---

## Pattern 4: API Scopes and API Resources

API scopes and API resources work together to model your API surface area. Understanding the distinction is critical.

### API Scopes — Permission Model

An `ApiScope` represents a permission or capability a client can request:

```csharp
public static IEnumerable<ApiScope> ApiScopes =>
    new ApiScope[]
    {
        // Simple scope — just a name
        new ApiScope("api1", "Main API"),

        // Granular scopes for fine-grained access
        new ApiScope("catalog.read", "Read product catalog"),
        new ApiScope("catalog.write", "Modify product catalog"),
        new ApiScope("orders.manage", "Manage orders"),

        // Scope that includes specific user claims in the access token
        new ApiScope("invoicing", "Invoicing API")
        {
            UserClaims = { "department", "cost_center" }
        }
    };
```

### API Resources — Logical API Boundaries

An `ApiResource` represents a logical API (typically a deployed service). It groups scopes and controls the `aud` (audience) claim in access tokens:

```csharp
public static IEnumerable<ApiResource> ApiResources =>
    new ApiResource[]
    {
        new ApiResource("catalog-api", "Product Catalog API")
        {
            Scopes = { "catalog.read", "catalog.write" },

            // These claims are included when any scope in this resource is requested
            UserClaims = { "role" }
        },
        new ApiResource("orders-api", "Order Management API")
        {
            Scopes = { "orders.manage" },

            // API-specific secret for reference token introspection
            ApiSecrets = { new Secret("orders-secret".Sha256()) }
        }
    };
```

### When to Use ApiResource vs ApiScope

| Scenario | Use ApiScope alone? | Add ApiResource? |
|----------|-------------------|------------------|
| Single API, simple permissions | ✅ Sufficient | Optional |
| Multiple APIs sharing a scope | ❌ | ✅ Required for audience isolation |
| Reference token introspection | ❌ | ✅ Required for API secrets |
| Per-API signing algorithms | ❌ | ✅ Use `AllowedTokenSigningAlgorithms` |
| Resource isolation (RFC 8707) | ❌ | ✅ Required |

### Resource Isolation

When multiple APIs share scope names, resource isolation prevents a token issued for one API from being used at another:

```csharp
// Two separate APIs that both have a "read" scope
new ApiResource("inventory-api") { Scopes = { "read", "write" } },
new ApiResource("reporting-api") { Scopes = { "read" } }
```

With resource isolation, the client specifies the target resource in the token request using the `resource` parameter (RFC 8707), and IdentityServer issues a token with a single audience.

---

## Pattern 5: Automatic Key Management

Duende IdentityServer's automatic key management handles signing key creation, rotation, and retirement. This is the recommended approach for production.

```csharp
var idsvrBuilder = builder.Services.AddIdentityServer(options =>
{
    // Automatic key management is enabled by default
    // Customize rotation policy:
    options.KeyManagement.RotationInterval = TimeSpan.FromDays(90);    // New key every 90 days
    options.KeyManagement.PropagationTime = TimeSpan.FromDays(14);     // Announce 14 days early
    options.KeyManagement.RetentionDuration = TimeSpan.FromDays(14);   // Keep old keys 14 days
    options.KeyManagement.DeleteRetiredKeys = true;                    // Clean up old keys

    // Keys are encrypted at rest via ASP.NET Data Protection (default: true)
    options.KeyManagement.DataProtectKeys = true;
});
```

### Key Lifecycle

Keys move through these phases:
1. **Announced** — Added to discovery but not used for signing (`PropagationTime` duration)
2. **Active** — Used for signing tokens (until `RotationInterval` is reached)
3. **Retired** — No longer signs tokens, but remains in discovery for validation (`RetentionDuration`)
4. **Deleted** — Removed from discovery (if `DeleteRetiredKeys` is true)

### Multiple Signing Algorithms

Support multiple algorithms for different clients or APIs:

```csharp
options.KeyManagement.SigningAlgorithms = new[]
{
    // RS256 for maximum compatibility (first = default)
    new SigningAlgorithmOptions(SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256)
    {
        UseX509Certificate = true // Wrap in X.509 certificate
    },
    // PS256 for enhanced security
    new SigningAlgorithmOptions(SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSsaPssSha256),
    // ES256 for compact tokens
    new SigningAlgorithmOptions(SecurityAlgorithms.EcdsaSha256)
};
```

> The first algorithm in the list becomes the default. Clients and API resources can override via `AllowedTokenSigningAlgorithms`.

### Load-Balanced Deployments

For file-system key storage in load-balanced environments, all instances need access to the same key path:

```csharp
options.KeyManagement.KeyPath = "/home/shared/keys";
```

Alternatively, use the EF Core operational store for database-backed key storage (see `identityserver-stores`).

---

## Pattern 6: Static Key Configuration

When automatic key management is not available or you need explicit control:

```csharp
var idsvrBuilder = builder.Services.AddIdentityServer(options =>
{
    options.KeyManagement.Enabled = false;
});

// Load key from secure storage
var signingKey = LoadKeyFromVault(); // Your key loading logic
idsvrBuilder.AddSigningCredential(signingKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
```

### Manual Key Rotation (Three-Phase Process)

Rotating static keys requires careful sequencing to avoid breaking token validation:

```csharp
// Phase 1: Announce new key (keep signing with old key)
idsvrBuilder.AddSigningCredential(oldKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
idsvrBuilder.AddValidationKey(newKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
// Wait for all clients/APIs to refresh their JWKS cache (default: 24h)

// Phase 2: Start signing with new key (keep old key for validation)
idsvrBuilder.AddSigningCredential(newKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
idsvrBuilder.AddValidationKey(oldKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
// Wait for all tokens signed with old key to expire

// Phase 3: Remove old key
idsvrBuilder.AddSigningCredential(newKey, SecurityAlgorithms.RsaSha256);
```

---

## Pattern 7: Server-Side Sessions

Server-side sessions store authentication session data in a server-side store instead of the cookie alone. This enables centralized session management, queries, and back-channel logout.

```csharp
var idsvrBuilder = builder.Services.AddIdentityServer(options =>
{
    // Remove expired sessions automatically
    options.ServerSideSessions.RemoveExpiredSessionsFrequency = TimeSpan.FromMinutes(10);
    options.ServerSideSessions.ExpiredSessionsTriggerBackchannelLogout = true;

    // Coordinate client token lifetimes with user sessions
    options.Authentication.CoordinateClientLifetimesWithUserSession = true;
})
    // Server-side sessions are enabled by calling AddServerSideSessions()
    .AddServerSideSessions();
```

> **Important:** Server-side sessions are enabled by calling `.AddServerSideSessions()` on the IdentityServer builder — there is no `options.ServerSideSessions.Enabled` property. Add this to the builder chain, not to options.

### Session Expiration Options

| Option | Default | Purpose |
|--------|---------|---------|
| `ServerSideSessions.RemoveExpiredSessionsFrequency` | 10 min | Cleanup interval |
| `ServerSideSessions.RemoveExpiredSessions` | `true` | Enable automatic cleanup |
| `ServerSideSessions.ExpiredSessionsTriggerBackchannelLogout` | `true` | Notify clients on session expiry |

> **Tip:** Combine server-side sessions with `CoordinateClientLifetimesWithUserSession = true` to ensure refresh tokens are revoked when a user's session ends.

---

## Pattern 8: Important IdentityServerOptions

### Events — Enable for Production Monitoring

```csharp
options.Events.RaiseErrorEvents = true;
options.Events.RaiseInformationEvents = true;
options.Events.RaiseFailureEvents = true;
options.Events.RaiseSuccessEvents = true;
```

### Authentication Cookie Settings

```csharp
options.Authentication.CookieLifetime = TimeSpan.FromHours(10);
options.Authentication.CookieSlidingExpiration = false;
```

### Caching (with Store Caching Enabled)

```csharp
options.Caching.ClientStoreExpiration = TimeSpan.FromMinutes(15);
options.Caching.ResourceStoreExpiration = TimeSpan.FromMinutes(15);
```

### Pushed Authorization Requests (PAR)

```csharp
options.PushedAuthorization.Required = true; // Require all clients to use PAR
```

### DPoP (Demonstrating Proof-of-Possession)

```csharp
options.DPoP.ValidationMode = DPoPTokenExpirationValidationMode.Nonce;
options.DPoP.ServerClockSkew = TimeSpan.FromMinutes(5);
```

---

## Common Pitfalls

### 1. Missing openid Scope

```csharp
// ❌ WRONG — OpenID Connect requires the openid scope
new Client
{
    AllowedScopes = { "profile", "api1" }
}

// ✅ CORRECT — Always include openid for interactive clients
new Client
{
    AllowedScopes =
    {
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.OpenId,
        IdentityServerConstants.StandardScopes.Profile,
        "api1"
    }
}
```

### 2. Mismatched Redirect URIs

```csharp
// ❌ WRONG — Trailing slash mismatch causes "invalid_redirect_uri" error
RedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signin-oidc/" }
// Client sends:   https://app.example.com/signin-oidc (no trailing slash)

// ✅ CORRECT — Exact match required
RedirectUris = { "https://app.example.com/signin-oidc" }
```

### 3. Using ApiScope When ApiResource Is Needed

```csharp
// ❌ WRONG — No audience claim, tokens work at any API
public static IEnumerable<ApiScope> ApiScopes =>
    new[] { new ApiScope("read"), new ApiScope("write") };

// ✅ CORRECT — API resource sets audience for token isolation
public static IEnumerable<ApiResource> ApiResources =>
    new[]
    {
        new ApiResource("my-api")
        {
            Scopes = { "read", "write" }
        }
    };
```

### 4. Plaintext Client Secrets in Source Control

```csharp
// ❌ WRONG — Secret in source code
ClientSecrets = { new Secret("my-production-secret".Sha256()) }

// ✅ CORRECT — Load from configuration or vault
ClientSecrets = { new Secret(configuration["Clients:Web:Secret"].Sha256()) }

// ✅ ALSO CORRECT — Use asymmetric credentials (no shared secret)
// Client authenticates with a signed JWT assertion
```

### 5. Forgetting AllowOfflineAccess for Refresh Tokens

```csharp
// ❌ Client requests "offline_access" scope but server doesn't allow it
var client = new Client
{
    AllowedGrantTypes = GrantTypes.Code,
    AllowOfflineAccess = false, // Default
    AllowedScopes = { "openid", "api1" }
};
// Client silently won't receive a refresh token

// ✅ Enable offline access explicitly
var client = new Client
{
    AllowedGrantTypes = GrantTypes.Code,
    AllowOfflineAccess = true,
    AllowedScopes = { "openid", "api1" }
};
```

### 6. Not Setting IssuerUri Behind a Reverse Proxy

```csharp
// ❌ IdentityServer behind Nginx but IssuerUri defaults to internal hostname
// Tokens contain iss: "http://internal-host:5000" — clients reject them

// ✅ Set IssuerUri to the external URL
options.IssuerUri = "https://identity.example.com";
```

---

## Production Configuration Checklist

| Setting | Dev | Production |
|---------|-----|------------|
| `KeyManagement.Enabled` | `true` | `true` |
| `KeyManagement.DataProtectKeys` | `true` | `true` + configure Data Protection |
| `Events.Raise*Events` | Optional | All `true` |
| `ServerSideSessions` (`AddServerSideSessions()`) | Optional | Recommended |
| Secrets | In-memory / config | Key vault / certificates |
| Store | In-memory | EF Core or custom |
| HTTPS | Optional | **Required** |

---

## Resources

- [Clients — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/fundamentals/clients/)
- [Resources — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/fundamentals/resources/)
- [Key Management — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/fundamentals/key-management/)
- [IdentityServerOptions Reference — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/reference/options/)
- [Server-Side Sessions — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/ui/server-side-sessions/)
- [Client Model Reference — Duende Docs](https://docs.duendesoftware.com/identityserver/reference/models/client/)