Implementing OAuth-like access for Alfresco repository

I’m trying to set up a system where external web apps can access my Alfresco repository, similar to how Google Drive allows third-party apps to create and edit files. Does anyone know if there’s an existing Alfresco plugin that does this?

I’m specifically looking to integrate a diagramming tool with my Alfresco setup. I want users to be able to grant permission to the diagramming app to access their Alfresco files.

If there isn’t an off-the-shelf solution, how challenging would it be to develop a custom authorization dialog for Alfresco? I’m thinking of something that asks users “Do you allow [App Name] to access your files?” when they try to connect an external app.

Has anyone tackled a similar project or have insights on implementing this kind of OAuth-style authorization for Alfresco? Any tips or resources would be greatly appreciated!

I’ve tackled a similar challenge with Alfresco before. While there’s no plug-and-play solution, you can definitely create a custom implementation. Here’s what worked for me:

First, I leveraged Alfresco’s REST API as the foundation. Then, I built a custom authorization server using Spring Boot to handle the OAuth flow. The trickiest part was creating a user-friendly consent page within Alfresco, but it’s doable with some front-end work.

For token management, I used JWT for secure communication. It took some trial and error, but once set up, it worked smoothly. The whole process took about 3-4 weeks, including testing and refinement.

One tip: pay extra attention to scope management and token expiration. It’ll save you headaches down the line. Also, thorough documentation of your custom system is crucial for future maintenance.

It’s a rewarding project that’ll give you fine-grained control over external access. Good luck with your implementation!

Hey SpinningGalaxy, ive implemented smthing similar before. There’s no ready-made plugin for this afaik, but u can build a custom solution using Alfresco’s REST API and a bit of coding. it’s not too hard if ur familiar with OAuth flows. u’ll need to create an auth endpoint and handle token generation/validation. good luck!

While there’s no out-of-the-box solution for OAuth-like access in Alfresco, you can certainly implement this functionality. I’ve worked on a similar project, and here’s what I found effective:

  1. Leverage Alfresco’s REST API for authentication and file access.
  2. Implement a custom authorization server to handle OAuth flows.
  3. Create a user consent page within Alfresco to manage permissions.
  4. Use JWT tokens for secure communication between your app and Alfresco.

The development process is moderately complex but manageable with a solid understanding of OAuth 2.0 and Alfresco’s architecture. You’ll need to carefully consider security implications, especially token handling and scope limitations.

I’d recommend starting with Alfresco’s developer documentation and perhaps looking into frameworks like Spring Security OAuth to streamline the implementation process.