MCP authorization specification

Validate token audience and issuer at the MCP server, then decide tool call and arguments separately

01 / Source and scope

Who acts, and what changes?

Principal and authority origin

MCP client accessing a protected server. Authorization server and resource-owner consent.

Consequential action

Obtain and present an access token.

02 / Action-time control

Make the requested effect testable.

The protocol defines protected-resource authorization; it does not grant every tool or downstream effect. Validate token audience and issuer at the MCP server, then decide tool call and arguments separately.

OriginAuthorization server and resource-owner consent
RequestObtain and present an access token
DecisionEvaluate and enforce before effect

03 / Evidence and responsibility

Permission, execution, and outcome are separate.

Token validation result, tool request, action decision and downstream response.

ProofGrid can complement protocol authorization at the action boundary; the implementer owns OAuth conformance.

Primary source

Check the governing material.

Architecture discussion

Map one consequential action from origin to observed outcome.

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