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DPoP

Demonstrating Proof of Possession (RFC 9449). Binds an access token to a specific key held by the client, so a stolen bearer token cannot be replayed. Important for high-assurance APIs that cannot rely on mTLS.

DPoP exists because bearer tokens are the last big replay hole in OAuth: steal one and you are the client. It binds the token to a key the client proves possession of on every request, so a token lifted from a browser or a log is useless elsewhere. mTLS-bound tokens do the same job with better performance where you control the transport; DPoP is the option for public clients and browser apps that cannot present a client certificate.

See also: access token, token theft, mTLS, OAuth 2.1

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