How to Authenticate WebSocket Connections with HTTP Middleware?

Authentication in WebSockets with HTTP Middleware

WebSocket connections require separate authentication mechanisms due to their lack of built-in authorization handling. Implementing authentication via HTTP middleware can address this security concern.

Response to Community Suggestions

Suggestion 1: Authenticate Upgrade Handshake

This suggestion requires modifying the code to send the initial authentication GET request via HTTP, but ensuring that subsequent upgrade requests via the WebSocket protocol are accepted. The code below corrects the flaw in the original implementation:

<code class="go">// server middleware
func wsHandler(rw http.ResponseWriter, req *http.Request) {
    if req.Header.Get("Upgrade") != "websocket" {
        return
    }
    if !websocket.IsWebSocketUpgrade(req) {
        return
    }
    conn, err := upgrader.Upgrade(rw, req, nil)
    if err != nil {
        http.Error(rw, "upgrade failed", http.StatusBadRequest)
        return
    }
    // rest of authentication logic
}</code>

Suggestion 2: Check Credentials After Connection

This suggestion requires checking the username and password sent by the client after the WebSocket connection is established. The implementation involves:

1. Adding a Reader Filter to the Upgrade Handler: Intercept upgrade requests and add the reader filter to check credentials.
2. Creating a Reader Filter: Implement a custom function to read the username and password from the WebSocket connection and verify their validity.
3. Upgrading the Connection: If credentials are valid, upgrade the connection. Otherwise, close it.

Conclusion

Authenticating WebSocket connections via HTTP middleware requires both server- and client-side modifications. Correctly implementing these changes ensures both authentication and protocol adherence.

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