auth-middleware

Implement JWT-based authenticate and authorize middleware for Express routes.

3|Updated May 28, 2026

Search Tags:#authorization #security #authentication #jwt #middleware #rbac #express

Ready to run

npx skills add https://github.com/mahg-es/araya --skill auth-middleware-mahg-es

💬 Prompt for ChatGPT / Claude Chat▼

Please help me install this Agent Skill.
Skill: auth-middleware
Source: https://github.com/mahg-es/araya/tree/main/skills/auth-middleware
Command: npx skills add https://github.com/mahg-es/araya --skill auth-middleware-mahg-es

SYSTEM DOCUMENTATION & REQUIREMENTS

What problem does it solve?

Inconsistent and insecure authentication/authorization logic across Express routes leads to security gaps and maintenance headaches. This skill provides a centralized, reusable JWT/API-key/session-based authentication and role-based authorization middleware to enforce consistent security across the API surface.

Core Features & Use Cases

Authenticate & Authorize: verify tokens (JWT or API keys), attach user data to requests, and enforce access control.
RBAC Enforcement: restrict routes to specific roles, with clear 401/403 handling and secure defaults.
Safe Defaults & Extensibility: designed for easy extension to additional auth strategies and configurable error messages; suitable for admin dashboards and user-facing APIs.

Quick Start

Integrate the middleware into the Express app by applying authenticate and authorize to protected routes.

Frequently Asked Questions about auth-middleware

High-intent search queries and answers about installing and using this skill.

FAQPage Schema

How do I add JWT authentication and role-based access control to Express routes?▼

JWT authentication and role-based access control in Express routes are added by applying reusable middleware that verifies tokens, attaches user data, and enforces configurable role checks. This provides centralized endpoint protection with clear 401/403 error handling.

What is the best way to secure an API backend with role-based middleware?▼

Securing an API backend with role-based middleware involves integrating authentication and authorization layers that validate credentials and restrict route access by user role. This approach enforces consistent security across the API surface, preventing inconsistent logic and maintenance headaches.

Can I use API keys instead of JWT for authentication middleware in Express?▼

Yes, API keys can be used instead of JWT for authentication middleware in Express. The middleware supports JWT, API-key, and session-based authentication strategies, allowing you to verify tokens and attach user data to requests across different security implementations.

How does Express middleware handle 401 and 403 errors during authorization?▼

Express middleware handles 401 and 403 errors during authorization by providing safe defaults and clear error responses. When token verification fails or role checks restrict access, the middleware returns appropriate status codes to enforce secure endpoint protection.

Why do I need centralized authorization logic across my Express API routes?▼

Centralized authorization logic is needed across Express API routes to eliminate inconsistent and insecure authentication implementations that create security gaps. Reusable middleware enforces uniform access control, reducing maintenance overhead and ensuring secure defaults across the API surface.

Does this authentication middleware support custom error messages for API endpoints?▼

Yes, the authentication middleware supports configurable error messages for API endpoints. It is designed for extensibility, allowing customization of error handling alongside additional authentication strategies to suit admin dashboards and user-facing APIs.