7.2

Table Of Contents
REST API Authentication 2
In the REST API, vRealize Automation requires HTTP bearer tokens in request headers for authentication of
consumer requests. A consumer request applies to tasks that you can perform in the vRealize Automation
console, such as requesting a machine.
To acquire an HTTP bearer token, you authenticate with an identity service that manages the
communication with the SSO server. The identity service returns an HTTP bearer token that you include in
all request headers until the token expires, or you delete it. An HTTP bearer token expires in 24 hours by
default, but you can congure the token with a dierent duration.
Using HTTP Bearer Tokens
You use HTTP bearer tokens for tasks that you can also perform in the vRealize Automation console. You
create a request header with the curl command or with some other utility.
You use HTTP bearer tokens for tasks that you can also perform in the vRealize Automation console. You
create a request header with the curl command or with some other utility.
You use POST, HEAD, and DELETE methods to manage HTTP bearer tokens.
Method URL Description
POST /tokens Authenticate the user with the identity service /tokens and
generate a new token.
HEAD /tokens/tokenID Validate the token tokenID.
DELETE /tokens/tokenID Delete the token tokenID.
Use the following root URL for HTTP bearer calls:
https://$vra_server/identity/api/tokens
Configure the Duration of an HTTP Bearer Token
You set the duration of HTTP bearer tokens in the /etc/vcac/security.properties le on the
vRealize Automation appliance.
The eective duration or lifetime of an HTTP bearer token depends on the duration of its corresponding
SAML token, which the SSO server creates at request time. An HTTP bearer token expires when it reaches
the end of its congured duration, or at the end of the congured duration of the SAML token, whichever
comes rst. For example, if the congured duration is three days for the HTTP bearer token and two days
for the SAML token, the HTTP bearer token expires in two days. A conguration seing on the SSO server
determines the duration of SAML tokens.
VMware, Inc.
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