The Model Context Protocol (MCP) Security Best Practices specification requires proxy architectures and OAuth validation, but current implementations have critical gaps including confused deputy attacks and token passthrough vulnerabilities. Identity-aware proxies (IAPs) provide the missing enforcement layer by implementing zero trust principles with per-request context evaluation, token separation patterns, and dynamic authorization policies. The article outlines a three-phase implementation roadmap from basic MCP compliance to operational integration with existing IAM systems.
Table of contents
What the MCP Spec Requires — and What It Leaves OutWhy VPNs Break Modern Agentic ArchitecturesZero Trust: The Enforcement Layer MCP NeedsIdentity-Aware Proxies: Enforcing MCP Security in the Real WorldReference Implementation: Identity-Aware Proxy PatternsFrom Compliance to Confidence: A Secure MCP RoadmapSort: