Registry / auth-security / next-lite-auth

next-lite-auth

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library0.2.6jsnpmunverified

next-lite-auth is a lightweight, JWT-based authentication solution for Next.js applications, designed specifically for scenarios where a full database or third-party auth service is overkill. It uses static JSON for user management, loaded via environment variables, eliminating the need for database setup. The current stable version is 0.2.6. Release cadence appears to be iterative and feature-driven within the 0.x range, indicating active development. Its primary differentiators are its zero-database approach, ease of setup, and a built-in login UI, making it suitable for MVPs, internal tools, demos, and educational projects. It explicitly states it is not recommended for production environments requiring robust security or scalability, instead catering to rapid development and OSS projects where authentication can be easily toggled via environment variables.

npm install next-lite-auth
INSTALL
IMPORT
SIG · NEXT-LITE-AUTH
N
next-lite-auth
auth-securityjavascriptv0.2.6
Install
Import
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Pass rate
0/ 6
Env Coverage0 / 6
glibc
1822
musl
1822
Install & Compatibility
Where this runs
tested against v? · npm install
Install × environment matrix
Each cell = how many times install + import succeeded across repeated harness runs. Partial = flaky.
glibc = Debian/Ubuntu slim · musl = Alpine Linux
musl
node 18226 runs
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glibc
node 18226 runs
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Code
Verified usage

Verified import paths — ran on the pinned version, not inferred.

createLiteAuth
import { createLiteAuth } from 'next-lite-auth';
const { createLiteAuth } = require('next-lite-auth');
Primary factory function for core auth setup. Used in a server-side file like `auth.ts`.
usersFromEnv
import { usersFromEnv } from 'next-lite-auth';
const { usersFromEnv } = require('next-lite-auth');
Helper function to parse user data from the LITE_AUTH_USERS environment variable, typically used with `createLiteAuth`.
LiteAuthProvider
import { LiteAuthProvider } from 'next-lite-auth/client';
import { LiteAuthProvider } from 'next-lite-auth';
Client component context provider. Must be imported from 'next-lite-auth/client' and used in a client component due to 'use client' directive.
useLiteAuth
import { useLiteAuth } from 'next-lite-auth/client';
import { useLiteAuth } from 'next-lite-auth';
React hook for accessing authentication state and actions (e.g., user data, logout) within client components. Also imported from 'next-lite-auth/client'.
handlers
import { handlers } from '@/auth';
import { handlers } from 'next-lite-auth';
Refers to the handlers object (GET, POST) exported from your `auth.ts` file, not directly from the library. Handles API routes for authentication.
middleware
import { middleware } from '@/auth';
import { middleware } from 'next-lite-auth';
Refers to the middleware function exported from your `auth.ts` file, not directly from the library. Used in `middleware.ts` for route protection.

This quickstart demonstrates the core 3-step setup: initializing auth utilities with environment variables, exposing API handlers, wrapping the application with the client-side provider, and an example of server-side user retrieval.

import { createLiteAuth, usersFromEnv } from "next-lite-auth"; import { LiteAuthProvider } from "next-lite-auth/client"; import { cookies } from 'next/headers'; // --- 1. Create auth.ts at your project root --- // auth.ts (server-side) export const { handlers, middleware, getUserFromCookies } = createLiteAuth({ users: usersFromEnv(), jwtSecret: process.env.LITE_AUTH_SECRET ?? 'fallback-secret-for-dev', enabled: process.env.LITE_AUTH_ENABLED !== "false", }); // .env.local example // LITE_AUTH_SECRET=your-random-secret-here // LITE_AUTH_ENABLED=true // LITE_AUTH_USERS=[{"email":"admin@example.com","password":"secret","role":"admin","name":"Admin"}] // --- 2. Add one route file --- // app/api/auth/[...liteauth]/route.ts (API Route) // import { handlers } from "@/auth"; // Assuming '@/auth' resolves to the auth.ts file // export const { GET, POST } = handlers; // --- 3. Wrap root layout --- // components/auth-provider-wrapper.tsx (Client Component) "use client"; export function AuthProvider({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) { return ( <LiteAuthProvider protect={["/dashboard", "/settings"]} appName="My Next App"> {children} </LiteAuthProvider> ); } // app/layout.tsx (Server Component) // import { AuthProvider } from "@/components/auth-provider-wrapper"; // export default function RootLayout({ children }: { children: React.ReactNode }) { // return ( // <html> // <body> // <AuthProvider>{children}</AuthProvider> // </body> // </html> // ); // } // Example of server-side usage outside middleware/API routes async function getServerSideUser() { const user = await getUserFromCookies(cookies()); console.log('Server-side user:', user?.email); } // Call the function (e.g., in a Server Component or route handler) getServerSideUser();
Debug
Known issues
gotchanext-lite-auth is explicitly stated as 'Not for production'. It is designed for demos, OSS projects, internal tools, and quick Vercel deployments. It may lack the robust security, scalability, and feature set required for public-facing production applications.
fix
For production applications, consider more established authentication solutions with database integration, multi-factor authentication, and comprehensive security audits.
affects: >=0.1.0
breakingThe `LiteAuthProvider` component and `useLiteAuth` hook must be imported from `next-lite-auth/client`. Importing directly from `next-lite-auth` will cause errors in client components due to missing 'use client' directive.
fix
Ensure client-side imports correctly reference `next-lite-auth/client`: `import { LiteAuthProvider } from 'next-lite-auth/client';`
affects: >=0.1.0
gotchaUser data is stored directly in environment variables (LITE_AUTH_USERS) as a JSON string. This approach is not suitable for large numbers of users or dynamic user management and could pose security risks if `.env.local` files are not properly secured.
fix
For applications with many users or needing dynamic user management, switch to a solution that integrates with a database. Ensure `.env.local` files containing `LITE_AUTH_USERS` are never committed to version control and are only accessible by authorized personnel.
affects: >=0.1.0
gotchaThe `jwtSecret` is a critical security component. Using a hardcoded or easily guessable secret, or allowing a fallback like `fallback-secret-for-dev` in a non-development environment, significantly compromises the security of the JWTs.
fix
Always use a strong, randomly generated secret for `process.env.LITE_AUTH_SECRET` and ensure it is managed securely (e.g., via environment variables in deployment platforms) without exposing it in code.
affects: >=0.1.0
Errors
Common errors & fixes
Error: `createLiteAuth` must be called with a `jwtSecret`.
The `jwtSecret` property was missing or undefined when calling `createLiteAuth`.
fix
Ensure `process.env.LITE_AUTH_SECRET` is set in your `.env.local` file and accessible in the environment where `createLiteAuth` is called. For development, a fallback might be acceptable, but avoid in production.
Error: `LiteAuthProvider` is a client component and cannot be rendered directly in a Server Component without 'use client'.
Attempting to import `LiteAuthProvider` directly from `next-lite-auth` into a Server Component or not wrapping it in a client component.
fix
Import `LiteAuthProvider` from `next-lite-auth/client` and ensure it is used within a component marked with `'use client'`, as shown in the quickstart example of `components/auth-provider.tsx`.
TypeError: Cannot read properties of undefined (reading 'email') when accessing user data.
The `user` object returned by `useLiteAuth` or `getUserFromCookies` is `null` or `undefined`, indicating no user is logged in.
fix
Always check if `user` is truthy before attempting to access its properties (e.g., `if (user) { console.log(user.email); }`). Handle the case where no user is logged in gracefully.
Error: Invalid JSON in LITE_AUTH_USERS environment variable.
The `LITE_AUTH_USERS` environment variable contains malformed JSON, preventing `usersFromEnv()` from parsing it correctly.
fix
Verify that the `LITE_AUTH_USERS` environment variable is a valid JSON string representing an array of user objects, for example: `[{"email":"test@example.com","password":"pass"}]`.
Upgrade
Version history
0.2.6latest on npm
Audit
Dependencies
nextrequiredPeer dependency for Next.js framework integration.
reactrequiredPeer dependency for React components and hooks.
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