I've discovered a bug in how Zoho's API Console handles the OAuth 2.0 authorization flow when the state parameter contains pipe characters (|), and I'm hoping the Zoho team can address this in a future update.
The Issue
Zoho's OAuth 2.0 implementation for server-based client applications uses the standard authorization endpoint:
https://accounts.zoho.com/oauth/v2/auth?response_type=code
&client_id=<client_id>
&scope=<scope>
&redirect_uri=<redirect_uri>
&access_type=offline
&state=<state_value>
While Zoho's
documentation does not explicitly list the
state parameter, it is a standard part of the OAuth 2.0 specification (
RFC 6749 Section 4.1.1) and is widely used for CSRF protection and maintaining application state through the authorization flow.
However, when the state parameter contains pipe characters (|), Zoho's authorization server fails to process the request correctly, preventing users from authorizing the connection. This occurs whether the pipe characters are URL-encoded (%7C) or left unencoded.
The Problem
The pipe character is a standard delimiter in multi-part state values, particularly when passing a combination of a CSRF token and a return URL. This behavior—failing on both encoded and unencoded pipe characters—is often indicative of overly restrictive input validation or a "leaky" WAF/Proxy layer that decodes parameters before the application logic can handle them.
| State Value |
As Sent in URL |
Result |
abc123xyz |
state=abc123xyz |
✓ Works correctly |
session_12345 |
state=session_12345 |
✓ Works correctly |
user|action|timestamp |
state=user|action|timestamp (unencoded pipes) |
✗ Authorization fails |
user|action|timestamp |
state=user%7Caction%7Ctimestamp (URL-encoded pipes) |
✗ Authorization fails |
user:action:timestamp |
state=user%3Aaction%3Atimestamp |
? Not tested |
Note: Pipe characters cause failures whether URL-encoded or not. Other special characters/delimiters have not been tested and may or may not exhibit similar issues.
RFC 6749 Compliance Issue
Section 4.1.1 - Authorization Request:
"state: RECOMMENDED. An opaque value used by the client to maintain state between the request and callback."
Section 4.1.2 - Authorization Response:
"state: REQUIRED if the 'state' parameter was present in the client authorization request. The exact value received from the client."
The RFC explicitly defines the state parameter as an opaque value. This means:
- The Authorization Server should not be looking "inside" or parsing the string at all
- The state value must pass through the authorization process unchanged
- Any URL-encoded characters should be handled transparently
- The exact value received must be returned to the client in the redirect
Key Point: By definition, an "opaque" parameter means the authorization server must treat it as a data blob—accepting it, storing it, and returning it without any interpretation or transformation.
Current Behavior vs Expected Behavior
| Current Behavior |
Expected Behavior (Per RFC 6749) |
1. Client sends: state=user|action|123
(or state=user%7Caction%7C123)
2. Zoho fails to parse the state parameter
3. Authorization server returns HTTP 400 Bad Request
4. User cannot authorize the connection
|
1. Client sends: state=user|action|123
2. Zoho treats state as opaque data blob
3. User authorizes the connection
4. Redirect includes the exact value received:
state=user|action|123
(or consistently encoded as sent)
|
The Current Workaround (Suboptimal)
Important: The workarounds below only apply if you have control over the client application generating the OAuth request. If you're integrating with a third-party application that sets the state parameter (e.g., integration platforms, SaaS tools, enterprise software), you have no ability to modify the state value and therefore no workaround is available. You are completely blocked from completing the OAuth flow.
For developers who do control the client application, you must avoid pipe characters entirely:
// Instead of using pipes as delimiters:
state = csrf_token + "|" + user_id + "|" + redirect_path;
// ❌ This breaks Zoho's authorization flow
// Developers must use alternative approaches:
state = csrf_token + "_SEP_" + user_id + "_SEP_" + redirect_path;
// or
state = base64_encode(json_encode({"csrf": token, "user": id, "path": path}));
// or
state = csrf_token; // Store other data server-side keyed by CSRF token
Problems with these workarounds:
- Requires refactoring existing codebases that use pipe delimiters
- Base64 encoding increases state parameter length significantly, risking URL length limits (particularly in older browsers and some enterprise proxies which enforce ~2000 character limits)
- Server-side storage approach adds complexity, database overhead, and potential race conditions
- Inconsistent with how the same code works with other OAuth providers (Google, Microsoft, etc.)
- Developers may not discover this issue until production deployment
- Custom delimiters (like
_SEP_) are non-standard and may conflict with actual data values
What Should Happen Instead
Proposed Solution:
Zoho's authorization server should properly handle URL-encoded pipe characters (%7C) in the state parameter, as required by RFC 6749. The state value must be treated as an opaque data blob.
Technical Requirement: Treat state as a Data Blob
| 1. Input |
Accept %7C (and other encoded characters) as valid parts of the query string without triggering validation errors or WAF rules |
| 2. Persistence |
Store the string exactly as received during the user's login/consent session—do not decode, parse, or transform |
| 3. Output |
Append the exact string back to the redirect_uri without additional transformations that might strip or corrupt the delimiters |
This approach:
- Complies with RFC 6749's requirement to return "the exact value received"
- Follows the same behavior as other major OAuth providers
- Requires no changes from client applications
- Unblocks third-party integrations that cannot modify their state format
Real-World Impact
This limitation affects any integration where:
- Third-party applications set the state parameter and cannot be modified (integration platforms, SaaS connectors, enterprise software)
- Multi-tenant applications need to encode tenant ID and return URL in state
- CSRF protection implementations combine security tokens with application state
- Single Sign-On flows need to preserve original request context
- Migration projects from other OAuth providers that used pipe delimiters
Critical Blocker: When the state parameter originates from a third-party system outside your control, there is no workaround available. The integration is completely impossible until this is fixed.
Security Note: The state parameter is critical for CSRF protection in OAuth flows. Forcing developers to change their state encoding approach may inadvertently introduce security vulnerabilities if not handled carefully.
Request to Zoho Team
Can this be addressed in a future update?
This is a standards compliance issue that impacts developers integrating with Zoho's API. For those who control their client application, the current implementation forces unnecessary workarounds. For those integrating third-party applications, the situation is worse:
1. Custom development
Refactor code to avoid pipe characters, creating Zoho-specific OAuth handling
|
2. Third-party integrations
No workaround possible - integration is completely blocked
|
Users should not be blocked from integrating with Zoho due to non-standard OAuth implementation.
Community Input Requested: Has anyone else encountered this issue? Are there other special characters that cause similar problems with Zoho's OAuth implementation?
📚 Documentation References:
Recent Topics
Initiate approval workflow after "on edit --> on success"
Dear Community, currently I am working on a initiative tracker which should handle approval workflows based on different initiative status. As far as I understand, an approval workflow can be triggered (only?) when data is entered for the input form to the database. Example: A new initiative is created and submitted. --> Approval Workflow triggered Here comes my question: Is it also possible to trigger an approval workflow if the form was "simply" updated? (on edit --> on success) Imagine the initiative
Tax Deductible Donations to a Charity Organisation
For Australia, what's the best/proper method for entering an expense that is a tax deductible donation to a charitable organisation. And thus is appears correctly in Accounts and BAS as a GST payable deduction?
Simultaneous use of WhatsApp Account in SalesIQ and ZohoDesk
Hi, We have only one number registered in Meta, it's possible use same account for two apps? All times here we try is stopping in SalesIQ. Regards,
External lookup fields to synchronise with Analytics
Hello. I suggest adding external lookup custom fields to the Zoho Analytics integration settings. Currently, these types of fields are not available for synchronisation, so they cannot be used to generate reports with related tables in Analytics. Thank
We should have an option to Toggle Off KB Article Links in AI Answer Bot Replies
Hi everyone, I'm creating this topic to share a feature idea that I think would improve the customer experience when using the AI Answer Bot for self-service. The Current Behavior (The Problem) Currently, when the AI Answer Bot generates a summary or
Boot Loop After Removing Service from Client via Admin
We have multiple laptops experiencing a boot loop / unable to login after the Zoho Remote service was removed from their machine remotely via the desktop client. The Windows sign-in screen is not available, and users are unable to login. This seems like
Request Backend Correction — Domains Mapped to Same Help Center (Multi-Brand Setup Failure)
Hello Zoho Desk Support Team, I need assistance correcting a domain-to-brand mapping issue in our Zoho Desk instance (The Blue Ribbon Project). Both of our verified domains currently point to the same Help Center instead of separate brand portals. Current
is there any option to enable the participants interact - can write on the screen, while the screen is shared by the host?
this is most expected features - for teaching children. is there any option to enable the participants interact - can write on the screen, while the screen is shared by the host?
How to disable the Login button in Desk Helpcenter
Hey there, I'm testing out whether the help center within Zoho Desk could replace our existing Customer FAQ. I tried to customize the themes for the public help center frontend, but stumbled across the login button in the navigation bar. Is there any
Full Text Customization & Translation in SalesIQ Chat Widget Settings
Dear Zoho SalesIQ Team, Greetings, We would like to request an important enhancement to the chat widget customization options in Zoho SalesIQ. Current Limitation: At the moment, only some of the text shown in the chat widget is editable or translatable
Best way to display complex Bookings Consultation Descriptions on Zoho Site?
I am a new user so apologies if this has been asked before. I couldn't find any answers in the forum. We offer 18 complex Consultations to our subscribers. Our current platform lets me put detail on these Consultations thoroughly (200-300 words) during
Gmail is ramping up its email sender policy as of November 2025
Hello marketers, As you may be aware, Gmail introduced a guideline for bulk senders starting February 2024. If not, here's a quick refresher straight from Google: After this policy was announced first in 2023 and soft-implemented in February 2024, we
Modifying iframe data of Zoho booking iframe
Hello, I have integrated a Zoho Bookings embedded iframe into my website. Currently, I am pre-filling the booking form with default values as part of our process flow. However, I want to ensure that if an input field is already populated with a default
Zoho CRM Workflow and Function Backup Options
Hi everyone! I have been able to make several backups of my CRM data and noticed that the Workflows and Functions are not included in these backups. To my knowledge, there is no backup feature for workflows and functions, which is problematic in of itself.
Is or will be possible to associate meeting transcription and summary, made by Zia, to meeting/contact/account record in CRM?
Would be useful to keep context and track jobs, better if it will be auto
Desk Field Not Showing in Analytics
Hi there, I recently added a field to our Zoho Desk Ticket Information. I went and added the data retrospectively to the tickets. It is also marked as required, so all new tickets cannot be closed off without it being filled in. When I try to run a report
Export data using advanced export options and customizable settings
Hello everyone, The user interface for exporting data has been revamped with updates to make data exports more flexible and efficient for users. These updates not only enhance usability but also bring advanced capabilities to help users extract precise
Moving data from one pipeline to another
Hey all, I've got some complex pipelines to build and I'd like to seperate them into seperate pipelines rather than have one mammoth one. If I create 2 pipelines, is there any easy way to use the output of Pipeline1 to be the input into Pipeline2? Or
How to export/find all deluge code.
Hi, I have a large app wich contains several forms, reports, html views, I need to find thow my application if any contains specific word, I could find it manually by editing app and see on every section(field code, on succes, on load, etc) but I would like to do it faster. Is there a way to at least export it to a file the whole deluge code on my application?
Have Some Bugs in Zoho CRM Ask Zia Assistant
Hi Support Team, I have found some bugs in Zoho CRM Ask Zia Feature Please Check below screenshot, insight option is showing twice i think its in early access that's why its have some bugs .
COD with Partial payment
Two reasons why we need COD with partial payment option. 1) Since we deal heavy weight products our shipping costs are too high. If shipment is rejected by customer we incur huge loss. 2) Some competitors place fake orders with different names and return
Slicers are now available in Zoho Sheet—filter your data interactively
At Zoho Sheet, we diligently track user requests and feedback. In line with this, based on extensive user requests, we've integrated Slicers to pivot tables and are delighted to announce its release. Slicers are interactive visual filters that have add,
Resizing a Record Template Background Inage
Hi everyone, I have an issue which I can't seem to resolve: Basically, I'm designing a record template in certificate form. I've specified A5 landscape. I've set my background image the same dimensions with total pixels at 443,520. Whatever I try, when
Introducing Data Bars: Graphically represent changes in data within the cells
Conditional formatting has helped millions of spreadsheet users analyze and highlight their data more efficiently. In addition to the classic rules, color scales, and icon sets available in Zoho Sheet, you can now apply Data Bars, a convenient method
Default Font Size in Desk
How do I set my default font size in Desk? It takes me about 45 minutes to find the place to set it, then, when I sign out of Zoho and log back in, it's back to font 10 again. Seems like this would be simple, but like everything with Zoho, it's buried
Tip #19 - Create checkbox tracker in your spreadsheet
Hello Sheet users! We are here with yet another tip to help you get the most out of Zoho Sheet. Spreadsheets can be used to handle a variety of tasks, but ever tried using checkboxes to track the progress of your action items dynamically? Here's a sample
Tip #20 - Three things you probably didn't know you can do with picklists
Hello Zoho Sheet users! We’re back with another quick tip to help you make your spreadsheets smarter. Picklists are a great tool to maintain consistency in your spreadsheet. Manually entering data is time-consuming and often leaves typos and irregular
Per Level Approval for admins
We need Process admins like Zoho CRM in Zoho Books for per stage approval Currently in books, admins only have the option for Final Approval But for example, in cases like when an employee is on leave, we can't just approval one level we only have option
Feature enhancement: Highlight rows based on a cell value
Hello Sheet users, We're excited to announce a new feature enhacement, shaped directly by your valuable feedback! As you might know, conditional formatting is a great tool for anyone dealing with large data sets. Previously, if you’ve ever wanted to draw
Updating custom fields in Zoho Projects
Hi I am wondering if anyone has experience with custom fields in Zoho Projects. I am struggling to update the field using either deluge or the api endpoint. My code is: //custom_Map = map(); custom_Map = {"UDF_DOUBLE_1":"0.27"}; update_Map = map(); update_Map.put("custom_fields",custom_Map.toList());
Markdown for Desk?
Hi, my company wants to use markdown for formatting text in Desk (in all modules there, especially Tickets and Helpcenter). Zoho already offers use of markdown in several products (see https://help.zoho.com/portal/en/kb/backstage/microsite-guide/formatting-with-markdown/articles/formatting-with-markdo)
Change Currency symbol
I would like to change the way our currency displays when printed on quotes, invoices and purchase orders. Currently, we have Australian Dollars AUD as our Home Currency. The only two symbol choices available for this currency are "AU $" or "AUD". I would
Calendar not working
Are we the only ones. On any browser we cannot click on any of our calendar appointments and get them to open. They just make the browser loop. WE have reached out and have been told they are working on it. The office staff are really stuck. The point
WhatsApp Message Template Quick Reply Buttons
Hello, I created my first Message Template to overcome the 24-hr messaging window and it was approved by WhatsApp/Meta. When I go to Meta, I also see that template brought from Zoho Desk, and used it via Zoho Desk IM. However, I notice that when in Meta's
Account in Quick View Filter
I have a report that I often run against a specific Account. Every time, I have to go into the edit menu and change the Advanced Filter. I would prefer to use the Quick View Filter, but it does not allow me to use the one and only field that makes any
Set Display for Numbers/Currency/etc with Client Script/Customization in Canvas List Page
Is it possible to set a display mask for a number/currency field using Client Script or customization? I have custom fields that I would like to keep the decimal places for calculation purposes, but do not need them displayed to the user. So 101.3568
136.143.188.51 blocked by spamcop
Zoho mailserver seems to be blocked by spamcop. Cant send mail to my customer. Not sure what to do.
🚀 WorkDrive 5.0: Evolving from a file sharing app to an intelligent content management platform: Phase 2
Hello everyone, WorkDrive's primary focus has always been to provide an intelligent and secure content management platform, simplify collaboration, and be the central repository of files for all Zoho apps. In our previous announcement, we unveiled the
i keep see there is a connetion issue connecting 3rd party api on zoho when using zia
hi there , i have set up open ai api to zoho zia (copied and pasted to zoho zia) but I keep getting notificaiton "there is a connetion issue connecting 3rd party api on zoho" when using zia on top when click zia and try to type in word there
Deleting Fields in CRM Deletes Views in Analytics
Hey friends! I'm having some issues when we modify some fields within ZohoCRM. There are times where we need to sunset a field and eventually completely remove it. In these instances, it seems like a lot of views are removed in Analytics. This ranges
Next Page