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Authentication

Overview​

The Exam Portal uses Firebase Authentication for secure, scalable user management across all roles.

Authentication Methods​

Email & Password​

Standard email/password authentication

curl -X POST https://identitytoolkit.googleapis.com/v1/accounts:signInWithPassword \
  -H "Content-Type: application/json" \
  -d '{
    "email": "user@example.com",
    "password": "password123",
    "returnSecureToken": true
  }'

Anonymous Authentication​

For guest exam access

firebase.auth().signInAnonymously()
  .then(result => {
    // Use result.user.uid for guest tracking
  });

JWT Token Format​

Firebase ID tokens are JWTs containing:

  • iss: Issuer (Firebase project)
  • aud: Audience (Firebase project ID)
  • auth_time: Authentication time
  • user_id: Firebase UID
  • sub: Subject (same as user_id)
  • iat: Issued at
  • exp: Expiration (1 hour)

Token Refresh​

Tokens automatically refresh when near expiry:

firebase.auth().onIdTokenChanged(user => {
  if (user) {
    user.getIdToken().then(token => {
      // Use fresh token
    });
  }
});

Authorization​

Role-Based Access Control (RBAC)​

Super Admin

  • All endpoints
  • Full system access
  • Tenant management

Client Admin

  • Organization-specific endpoints
  • Cannot access other organizations
  • Can manage users within organization

Student

  • Can view own profile
  • Can take exams
  • Can view own results

Guest

  • Limited to exam access via share code
  • Anonymous identification

Permission Matrix​

EndpointSuper AdminClient AdminStudentGuest
GET /clients✅❌❌❌
POST /clients✅❌❌❌
GET /tests✅✅*✅*❌
POST /tests✅✅*❌❌
POST /attempts✅✅*✅✅
GET /attempts✅✅*✅*✅*

*Restricted to organization's own data

Security Best Practices​

Token Handling​

  • Never store tokens in localStorage for sensitive operations
  • Use httpOnly cookies when possible
  • Always validate token expiry
  • Refresh tokens proactively

BOLA/IDOR Prevention​

// ✅ Correct: Verify user access
const userId = req.auth.uid;
const resource = await getResource(id, userId);

// ❌ Wrong: Direct access without verification
const resource = await getResource(id);

Cross-Tenant Isolation​

// ✅ Correct: Always include client_id check
const tests = await db
  .select('*')
  .from('tests')
  .where('id', testId)
  .andWhere('client_id', userClientId);

// ❌ Wrong: Missing client_id validation
const tests = await db.select('*').from('tests').where('id', testId);

Audit Logging​

All authentication events are logged:

{
  "event_type": "login",
  "user_id": "user-uuid",
  "ip_address": "192.168.1.1",
  "success": true,
  "timestamp": "2024-01-15T10:00:00Z"
}

Troubleshooting​

Token Expired​

Error: ID token has expired
Solution: Refresh token with firebase.auth().currentUser.getIdToken(true)

Permission Denied​

Error: 403 Forbidden
Solution: Check user role and permissions for the resource

Invalid Token​

Error: 401 Unauthorized
Solution: Verify token is valid and not tampered with

Next Steps​