Can passkeys be used on other domains without an iframe?

Can passkeys bound to one domain be used on another domain without an iframe, and what’s the current browser stance?#

Currently, passkeys created for one domain (bound to a specific Relying Party ID) cannot be directly used on another domain without an iframe. This restriction is central to passkeys' strong phishing-resistant security model, as passkeys are strictly associated with their original creation domain.

Why Domain Binding Exists:#

• Domain binding ensures that passkeys cannot be misused on malicious or unrelated sites, significantly reducing phishing attacks.
• The Relying Party ID (domain) is a fundamental security measure within the WebAuthn standard.

Current Browser Stance:#

• All major browsers - Chrome, Firefox and Safari - currently enforce strict domain-binding rules.
• Passkeys must be used within their original domain context or explicitly allowed via secure, embedded iframe integrations.

Proposed Changes ("Related Origins"):#

• A new concept called "Related Origins" is emerging, allowing closely related domains (like subdomains or trusted partner domains) to access passkeys without needing an iframe.
• However, as of now, no browsers officially support "Related Origins." There is also no specific timeline set by browser vendors for this capability.

Practical Implication:#

To use passkeys across domains today, developers must embed an iframe originating from the passkey's domain into other domains. This setup maintains security integrity while enabling cross-domain authentication flows.

In summary, passkeys remain strictly bound to their creation domain unless explicitly shared via cross-origin iframe implementations. New concepts like "Related Origins" may ease restrictions, but browser support is currently limited.

Read the full article#

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