I’m implementing authentication in a React/Node project with KeyCloak. How do I correctly relay access tokens—using http-only cookies—from the client side to the protected backend APIs?
Based on my experience when working on a project with similar requirements, a reliable approach is to store the access token in an http-only cookie and let the backend extract it from the incoming request. However, it is crucial to configure the token scope and cookie attributes correctly to mitigate risks like XSS and CSRF. I have observed that limiting token expiry and rotating tokens periodically also enhances security. Consistent configuration between KeyCloak, the frontend, and the backend remains key to balancing usability with a robust security posture.
i’d try passing the token in the authorization header via https instead of a cookie. validate it on the server via keycloak’s token introspection endpoint. this approach avoids some cookie issues and still keeps things secure
hey peeps, im wonderin if mixin both http-only cookies and auth headers can add extra layers of security. what has been your experimnt with token handlin in keycloak? any neat tradeoffs you’ve seen?
In my projects, I have implemented secure token transfers by focusing on using HTTPS exclusively, in combination with session management strategies. A secure method is to handle token transmission within an http-only cookie; however, careful configuration of CORS policies and cookie parameters is essential. Ensuring that the backend validates token integrity and expiration through KeyCloak’s facilities can further strengthen security. Additionally, thoroughly testing the entire flow in a staging environment has proven effective in uncovering potential misconfigurations, allowing refinement of both the frontend and backend interactions.