#820: Web Authentication: Large Blob extension

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Opened Feb 21, 2023

Salutations TAG!

I'm requesting a TAG review of the Web Authentication Large Blob extension.

The Web Authentication Large Blob extension allows relying parties to store small amounts of opaque data associated with a credential on an authenticator. This is useful for authentication schemes involving storing certificates on authenticators.

Further details:

  • I have reviewed the TAG's Web Platform Design Principles
  • Relevant time constraints or deadlines: N/A
  • The group where the work on this specification is currently being done: WebAuthn WG
  • The group where standardization of this work is intended to be done: WebAuthn WG
  • Major unresolved issues with or opposition to this specification: None.
  • This work is being funded by: Google, Microsoft (insofar as they have implemented the relevant APIs on Windows).

You should also know that...

This feature requires OS-level support for platforms where the OS handles WebAuthn requests (this is the case for Windows). Support on Windows has already shipped.

We'd prefer the TAG provide feedback as (please delete all but the desired option):

💬 leave review feedback as a comment in this issue and @-notify @nsatragno

Discussions

2023-04-tokyo

Minutes

We have questions:

  1. The explainer talks about a 'small amount of data', why is this called 'largeBlob'?
  2. Why is it called a blob if it's reading and writing array buffers? The property name should be relevant to the data type, either make the API accept a Blob or use a name that doesn't imply Blobs.
  3. What's the size limit of the data? If there any way for the RP to know what's available?
  4. Is there expected to be a mechanism for the user to clear this data? (Independent of clearing the entire auth for the RP) Either via UA UI or a future API call?

Posted questions to the issue.

2023-07-mos-eisley

Minutes

Dan: good multi-stakeholder signals - it's shipped - although Chromestatus doesn't reflect the multistakeholder support. We left feedback in Tokyo - no response.

Amy: they may need a nudge? [leaves comment]

2023-08-14

Minutes

Peter: naming is unfortunate. It's not large and it's not a blob. Other than that okay. Has shipped. Apple are using it.

2023-08-21

Minutes

Peter: I'm happy to close.

peter to close and leave closing comment

2023-08-21

Minutes

Dan: they replied to Peter's comments. We should ask Peter.

bumped to plenary