Authentication Module for Automated Web Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated testing of web applications is hindered by the need to handle varying authentication dialogues across different web browsers and versions, which complicates the process and introduces security risks through the use of back doors when authenticating users for testing purposes.
Innovation Solution
A web server authentication module that obtains authentication tokens based on user credentials without generating interactive authentication dialogues, allowing for automated authentication during testing while eliminating the need for authentication-related back doors by formatting requests in a specific manner to trigger the authentication module.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If automated testing tools are programmed to automatically supply user credentials in authentication dialogues, then authentication automation is achieved, but the complexity increases due to variations in different web browsers and versions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process by introducing a dedicated authentication module that handles credential submission separately from the main testing tool logic. This module intercepts authentication requests and processes them independently, reducing the complexity burden on the overall testing tool while maintaining full automation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication module that acts as a mediator between the automated testing tool and the web application's authentication system. This intermediary handles the browser-specific variations in authentication dialogues, shielding the main testing tool from complexity while enabling automated credential submission across different browsers and versions.
2Ease of operation
If a back door is included in the web application for automated testing, then authentication during testing is simplified, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication functionality from the main web application codebase into a separate, dedicated authentication module. This extracted module can be selectively activated during testing without being part of the production code, thereby simplifying testing authentication while eliminating the need for permanent back doors in the live application that would compromise security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by detecting specific request characteristics (such as test mode indicators or particular authentication challenge parameters) that trigger the authentication module to operate in testing mode. This allows the system to switch between secure production mode and testing mode based on request parameters, enabling easy testing authentication without compromising live security.
3Productivity
If multiple versions of the web application are maintained (testing version and live version), then automated testing can be performed, but maintenance complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal authentication module that functions across both testing and production environments. The module detects whether it is operating in test or production mode through request parameters and adjusts its behavior accordingly, eliminating the need for separate testing and live versions of the web application while maintaining full testing capability and production security.
Data Source
AI summary
Authenticating a user for testing purposes. A web server receives a request from a client that includes an authentication credential and that is formatted to be handled by a particular authentication module. The authentication module is configured to obtain authentication tokens based on authentication credentials included in requests, while refraining from generating any interactive authentication dialog. Based on the request, the web server passes at least a portion of the request, including the authentication credential, to the authentication module. The authentication module determines that the request is formatted in a manner that triggers the authentication module. The authentication module obtains an authentication token from an identity provider based on the authentication credential, while refraining from generating any interactive authentication dialog. The authentication module returns the authentication token to the web server. The web server returns the authentication token to the client.