refreshtokenet

Refreshtokenet is a conceptual framework and library for managing refresh tokens in authentication systems, especially those built on the .NET platform. It describes data models, service interfaces, and workflows for issuing, rotating, and revoking refresh tokens in a way that aligns with OAuth 2.0 and OpenID Connect principles.

Refresh tokens are long-lived credentials that clients can exchange for new access tokens after the short-lived access token expires, allowing persistent sessions without re-authenticating the user. A refreshtokenet-inspired design typically emphasizes strong binding to the client, one-time use or rotation on each refresh, and robust revocation mechanisms.

Operation typically starts when a user authenticates and the authorization server returns an access token along with a refresh token. When the access token expires, the client presents the refresh token to a token endpoint. If valid, the server issues a new access token and often a new refresh token, while invalidating the previous refresh token to prevent reuse.

Security considerations include securing refresh tokens at rest and in transit, using TLS, employing token rotation, implementing expiration and revocation policies, detecting anomalous usage, and minimizing the token lifetime. PKCE can be used for public clients; device binding and audience restrictions help limit exposure.

In practice within the .NET ecosystem, a refreshtokenet approach would integrate with existing frameworks such as ASP.NET Core identity, OAuth/OpenID Connect libraries, and token stores ranging from in-memory to database-backed persistent stores. It is compatible with standard endpoints for token issuance, revocation, and introspection.

Note: the term refreshtokenet may refer to a project name, a library, or a documentation concept rather than a formal, universally adopted standard; its specifics can vary between implementations.