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Overview

The TempToken model manages temporary authentication tokens used for secure app authentication flows. Tokens auto-expire after 60 seconds for security.

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Schema Structure

{
  token: string,          // Unique token value
  userId: string,         // User who owns token
  packageName: string,    // App this token is for
  createdAt: Date,        // Creation time (TTL)
  used: boolean          // Usage tracking
}

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Field Purposes

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token (string)

Cryptographically secure random token:
  • Generated using crypto.randomBytes
  • Unique across all tokens
  • Used as temporary credential

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userId (string)

Links token to specific user:
  • Ensures tokens can’t be used by other users
  • Enables user session lookup
  • Audit trail for token usage

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packageName (string)

Specifies which app can use this token:
  • Prevents token reuse across apps
  • Security isolation between apps
  • Usage analytics per app

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createdAt (Date)

Token creation timestamp with TTL:
  • MongoDB TTL index auto-deletes after 60 seconds
  • Prevents token accumulation
  • Security through short lifespan

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used (boolean)

Tracks if token has been consumed:
  • Prevents replay attacks
  • One-time use enforcement
  • Debugging token issues

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Usage Flow

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Token Generation

// When app needs authentication
const token = crypto.randomBytes(32).toString('hex');
await TempToken.create({
  token,
  userId: 'user@example.com',
  packageName: 'com.translator.app'
});

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Token Validation

// App presents token
const tempToken = await TempToken.findOne({ 
  token, 
  used: false 
});

if (tempToken && tempToken.packageName === appPackageName) {
  // Mark as used
  tempToken.used = true;
  await tempToken.save();
  
  // Generate real session token
  return generateAppToken(tempToken.userId, packageName);
}

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Security Features

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Auto-expiration

  • 60-second TTL prevents long-lived tokens
  • MongoDB automatically cleans up expired tokens
  • No manual cleanup needed

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Single Use

  • used flag prevents replay attacks
  • Token invalid after first use
  • Clear audit trail

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Scoped Access

  • Token only valid for specific app
  • Can’t be used to authenticate other apps
  • User-specific validation

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Common Use Cases

  1. App Authentication: Secure handoff from mobile to app
  2. Deep Linking: Temporary auth for URL-based flows
  3. OAuth-style Flows: Short-lived authorization codes
  4. Password Reset: Time-limited reset tokens

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Indexes

  • token: Unique lookup
  • userId: User’s tokens
  • packageName: App-specific queries
  • createdAt: TTL index for auto-deletion