Introduction
Preconfigured authentication schemes in Oracle APEX provide a fast and reliable way to secure your applications using proven methods. These built-in options allow developers to implement common authentication strategies such as Oracle APEX Accounts, Social Sign-In, LDAP, and more without having to write custom code. By leveraging these predefined schemes, you can quickly enable user authentication while maintaining flexibility and control over login behavior and user session management.
In Oracle APEX, preconfigured authentication schemes are built-in methods that control how users log in to your application. These schemes are designed to simplify authentication setup while offering flexibility for various use cases. When you create an application in APEX, it automatically includes a default authentication scheme, usually "Application Express Accounts," but you can choose from several other preconfigured options depending on your requirements.
To manage authentication schemes, go to Shared Components > Authentication Schemes. Here, you can view, create, edit, and set the current authentication scheme. Each scheme type comes with predefined logic that handles the login process, session validation, and logout behavior.
The most commonly used preconfigured authentication schemes are:
Application Express Accounts
This uses APEX’s internal user repository. You can manage users via App Builder > Manage Users and Groups. This option is useful for development or internal applications where you want to manually control access.
Database Accounts
This authenticates users against Oracle database usernames and passwords. It is less commonly used in web-based apps because database credentials are required. This scheme is mainly for administrative or utility applications.
LDAP Directory
This scheme integrates with enterprise directories like Microsoft Active Directory. You configure the LDAP server settings such as host, port, and base DN. Users are authenticated against the LDAP server. It's ideal for organizations with centralized user management.
Social Sign-In
This allows authentication via OAuth2 and OpenID Connect providers like Google, Microsoft, or Facebook. You must register your APEX app with the provider and configure the client ID, client secret, and redirect URI. This scheme is suited for modern, public-facing apps where convenience is important.
Oracle APEX Users
This uses the same logic as "Application Express Accounts" but is specifically linked to users defined within a specific APEX workspace. It is suitable for environments where user management is handled within APEX itself.
No Authentication (Public Application)
This allows users to access the application without logging in. It is useful for public websites or help pages. Be cautious with this option and ensure sensitive data is not exposed.
To switch between schemes, click on the scheme and choose “Set as Current.” Each scheme has attributes like session timeout, post-login procedure, and logout URL that can be customized. You can also configure how login failures are handled and whether to redirect to a custom login page.
Preconfigured schemes also allow fallback settings. You can define one scheme as the primary and others as fallback, which helps when migrating between authentication methods or when implementing conditional login logic.
Using these preconfigured authentication schemes in Oracle APEX allows developers to set up secure access control without building complex authentication logic from scratch. Each scheme is designed to work seamlessly with the APEX framework while offering room for customization through PL/SQL or dynamic actions. This approach enables you to match authentication strategy with the security policies of your application and organization.
Oracle APEX provides several preconfigured authentication schemes that simplify user authentication and session management. These authentication schemes allow developers to quickly implement secure user authentication without writing complex authentication logic.
What Are Preconfigured Authentication Schemes?
Preconfigured authentication schemes are built-in authentication methods that Oracle APEX provides by default. They follow standard authentication and session management practices, making it easier to enforce security and control user access.
When creating an authentication scheme from the Authentication Scheme Gallery, you can choose from a list of predefined authentication schemes that handle different authentication methods, including database accounts, LDAP, social sign-in, and more.
Types of Preconfigured Authentication Schemes
1. Builder Extension Sign-in
Allows users to log into an Extension App without signing in again if they have an active APEX session.
Checks for an existing APEX session and grants access accordingly.
2. Custom Authentication
Enables developers to create a fully customized authentication process.
Typically implemented using PL/SQL functions to verify user credentials against a custom user repository.
3. Database Accounts
Uses Oracle database user accounts for authentication.
Users log in with their database schema credentials.
4. HTTP Header Variable
Authenticates users externally using an HTTP header variable.
The web server must be configured to set the username in an HTTP header.
5. LDAP Directory
Authenticates users against an LDAP server.
Requires LDAP configuration details such as server address, port, and search filters.
6. No Authentication (Using DAD)
Uses the current database user as the authenticated user.
Works with mod_plsql Database Access Descriptor (DAD) for authentication.
7. Open Door Credentials
Allows anyone to access the application.
Provides a basic login page where users can enter any username.
8. Oracle APEX Accounts
Uses APEX workspace user accounts for authentication.
Users must be registered in APEX’s internal user repository.
9. Oracle Application Server Single Sign-On (SSO)
Delegates authentication to Oracle Application Server SSO.
Requires registering the application with the SSO server.
10. SAML Sign-In
Uses Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) for authentication.
Commonly used in enterprise applications for federated authentication.
11. Social Sign-In
Allows users to log in using Google, Facebook, Microsoft, or other social providers.
Supports authentication via OpenID Connect or OAuth2.
Choosing the Right Authentication Scheme
For internal applications using APEX accounts → Use Oracle APEX Accounts.
For database security where users have individual accounts → Use Database Accounts.
For enterprise authentication with an existing user directory → Use LDAP or SAML Sign-In.
For public applications without user restrictions → Use Open Door Credentials or No Authentication.
For single sign-on (SSO) in Oracle environments → Use Oracle Application Server SSO.
For external authentication via social providers → Use Social Sign-In.
For applications behind a proxy or load balancer → Use HTTP Header Variable authentication.
Implementing a Preconfigured Authentication Scheme
1. Navigate to Authentication Schemes
Open App Builder and select your application.
Click Shared Components > Authentication Schemes.
2. Create a New Authentication Scheme
Click Create.
Select Based on a preconfigured scheme from the gallery.
Choose the authentication scheme that fits your requirements.
3. Configure Authentication Settings
Provide necessary credentials, server details, or API configurations.
Define post-authentication and post-logout procedures, if needed.
4. Activate the Authentication Scheme
Click Make Current to set the new authentication scheme as active.
Preconfigured authentication schemes in Oracle APEX provide a quick and secure way to implement authentication. They cover a variety of use cases, from database authentication to enterprise SSO and social login. By selecting the appropriate authentication method, developers can ensure their applications meet security and usability requirements.
Conclusion
Understanding and using preconfigured authentication schemes in Oracle APEX can save significant development time while ensuring your applications follow standard security practices. These schemes offer powerful configuration options and can be extended or combined with custom logic when needed. Whether you're building an internal enterprise tool or a public-facing app, selecting the right authentication scheme is a critical step toward delivering a secure and user-friendly experience.
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