This project demonstrates two different approaches to implementing JWT authentication in a MERN stack application. Let's analyze both implementations and their trade-offs.

Version 1: HTTP-Only Cookies + Refresh Token

Key Features:

1.Secure Cookie Storage

  • Access token stored in HTTP-Only cookies
  • Refresh token also stored in HTTP-Only cookies
  • Cookies are protected from JavaScript access
  • SameSite and secure flags implemented

2.Backend Implementation

// Cookie settings
res.cookie("accessToken", accessToken, {
  httpOnly: true,
  secure: false,
  sameSite: "lax",
  maxAge: 15 * 60 * 1000, // 15 minutes
});

3.Frontend Configuration

  • Axios configured with withCredentials: true
  • No manual token management needed
  • Automatic cookie handling

Security Benefits:

  • Protection against XSS attacks
  • Tokens not accessible via JavaScript
  • Automatic CSRF protection with SameSite attribute
  • Secure token transmission

Version 2: LocalStorage + Refresh Token

Key Features:

1.Client-Side Storage

  • Access token stored in localStorage
  • Refresh token stored in localStorage
  • Manual token management required

2.Backend Implementation

// Token verification from Authorization header
const authHeader = req.headers["authorization"];
const token = authHeader && authHeader.split(" ")[1];

3.Frontend Implementation

  • Manual token storage and retrieval
  • Axios interceptors for token management
  • Automatic token refresh mechanism

Implementation Details:

// Token storage
localStorage.setItem("accessToken", accessToken);
localStorage.setItem("refreshToken", refreshToken);
// Axios interceptor for token refresh
instance.interceptors.response.use(
  (res) => res,
  async (error) => {
    if (error.response?.status === 401) {
      // Refresh token logic
    }
  }
);

Comparison

HTTP-Only Cookies (Version 1)

Pros:

  • Better security against XSS attacks
  • Automatic token handling
  • No client-side token management needed
  • Built-in CSRF protection

Cons:

  • Requires proper CORS configuration
  • Slightly more complex server setup
  • Limited to same-origin requests by default

LocalStorage (Version 2)

Pros:

  • Simpler implementation
  • Works across different domains easily
  • More flexible token management
  • Better for third-party integrations

Cons:

  • Vulnerable to XSS attacks
  • Manual token management required
  • No built-in security features
  • Tokens accessible via JavaScript

Best Practices Implemented in Both Versions

1.Token Expiration

  • Access token: 15 minutes
  • Refresh token: 7 days

2.Refresh Token Rotation

  • Both versions implement refresh token mechanism
  • Automatic token refresh on expiration

3.Secure Token Generation

const ACCESS_SECRET = "YOUR_ACCESS_SECRET";
const REFRESH_SECRET = "YOUR_REFRESH_SECRET";

4.Token Verification

  • Proper JWT verification on protected routes
  • Error handling for invalid tokens

Recommendation

For most modern web applications, the HTTP-Only cookie approach (Version 1) is recommended due to its superior security features. However, the LocalStorage approach (Version 2) might be more suitable for:

  • Cross-origin applications
  • Third-party integrations
  • Mobile applications
  • Applications requiring more control over token management

Security Considerations

  1. Always use HTTPS in production
  2. Implement proper CORS policies
  3. Use strong, unique secrets for token signing
  4. Implement rate limiting for authentication endpoints
  5. Consider implementing token blacklisting for logout

This project provides a great foundation for understanding both approaches and can be used as a reference for implementing secure JWT authentication in your applications.

GitHub Repo: https://github.com/Developer-Nijat/JWT-Authentication-Strategies

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