JWT

APIs frequently validate only that a token is present rather than performing full server-side validation of signature, issuer, audience, expiry, and required scopes, leaving the system vulnerable to forged or expired tokens.

Every project requires implementing the same authentication patterns (OAuth, JWT, sessions, MFA, password resets, social login, RBAC), but implementations differ. Auth libraries break between framework versions, self-hosted auth creates security liability, and third-party auth introduces vendor lock-in with per-MAU pricing.

Developers often attempt to store self-encoded OAuth 2.0 tokens (JWTs) in cookies, but token size can exceed browser cookie limits. Alternative storage methods (memory, splitting) add implementation complexity.

Nginx provides no native authentication or authorization for managing access to microservices, forcing integration with external systems like OAuth 2.0 and JWT. This adds operational complexity and requires additional proxy configuration layers.