LogoutInitiator
Advanced Configuration
Note, this is an advanced configuration feature. Most deployments can rely on the <Logout> shorthand element.
The <LogoutInitiator> element is used to configure handlers that are responsible for initiating a logout operation, the termination of a user's session. The handler is responsible for performing protocol-specific tasks related to the logout, as well as terminating the session.
Logout can be "local" or "global". Local logout means that the SP's session is removed, but no communication with the IdP or other SPs is involved (with the caveat that the local logout might redirect to an IdP using some proprietary approach that is outside the scope of our documentation). Global logout implies that the IdP is also informed of the logout operation. The SP software includes user interface support for presenting a different template depending on which kind of logout takes place.
Initiation of logout via this mechanism can only be done by the user that owns the session (by contacting the handler while his/her session is active).
The ability to configure multiple LogoutInitiator handlers, and to combine them in chains, allows the deployer to control the selection of particular global/single logout protocols when more than one can be used, and to ensure that at least a local logout takes place.
Logout initiators are also required to invoke application notification loops during the logout operation. These are configured with the <Notify> element. Note that the actual <Notify> element(s) are configured at the application level, not inside the logout initiator.
Finally, you can supply a parameter named "return" as a query string parameter containing a URL. If logout completes successfully, the SP will redirect the browser to that location.
For some additional guidance, see the at SLOWebappAdaptation topic in the Shibboleth2 wiki.
Types of LogoutInitiators
Specific Initiators are defined by the type= attribute, each type specifies its own attributute as well as the common ones. Some initiators allow child elements. The following types are available by default. More may be added as plugins