secure-error-handling

Secure error handling prevents information leakage by returning generic messages to clients in production while logging full details server-side. Implement environment-aware handlers that expose stack traces and system details only in development, blocking attackers from learning your architecture, database structure, or technology stack.

Use specialized validation error handlers that sanitize responses based on environment. In production, return safe, user-friendly validation messages; in development, include schema context and debugging details. This approach prevents database structure exposure while maintaining developer productivity.

Separate handlers for authentication (401) and authorization (403) errors allow granular control over what information clients receive. Implement handleUnauthorizedError and handleForbiddenError to return appropriate HTTP status codes and generic messages in production while preserving full context for server-side investigation.

Yes. Secure error handling supports multiple HTTP status codes through specialized handlers: handleApiError for general failures, handleValidationError for input issues, handleUnauthorizedError for 401, handleForbiddenError for 403, and handleNotFoundError for 404. Each returns environment-appropriate responses.

Server-side logging captures complete stack traces, environment variables, and request context for debugging without exposing this sensitive data to potential attackers. This approach balances security with operational visibility, enabling your team to investigate production issues while preventing information disclosure.