JWTLens

The Most Advanced JWT Security Analysis Platform

🔍 Start Analyzing JWTs Now

Why Choose JWTLens?

JWTLens isn't just another JWT decoder. It's a comprehensive security analysis platform that helps developers, security researchers, and penetration testers identify critical vulnerabilities in JWT implementations.

🔍
Advanced Security Analysis

Unlike basic decoders, JWTLens performs 20+ security checks including algorithm confusion, injection attacks, and privilege escalation vulnerabilities.

🛡️
Real-time Vulnerability Detection

Instantly identify XSS, SQL injection, weak signatures, and other critical security flaws in your JWT tokens with detailed severity ratings.

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Privacy-First Design

All analysis happens in your browser. Your JWT tokens never leave your device, ensuring complete privacy and security of sensitive data.

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Professional Reporting

Get detailed security reports with severity levels, vulnerability descriptions, and actionable remediation steps for your development team.

Lightning Fast

Powered by advanced client-side algorithms, JWTLens provides instant analysis without server delays or API limits.

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Completely Free

No registration, no limits, no hidden costs. Access enterprise-grade JWT security analysis tools completely free forever.

Complete JWT Security Guide

🎯 What are JWT Tokens?

JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) are a compact, URL-safe way to represent claims between two parties. Think of them as digital ID cards that contain information about a user and are used to authenticate and authorize access to web applications.

JWT Token Structure

Header
Algorithm & Type
.
Payload
Claims & Data
.
Signature
Verification

A JWT consists of three Base64-encoded parts separated by dots (.)

🔧 How JWT Tokens Work

1. Header

{ "alg": "HS256", // Algorithm used for signing "typ": "JWT" // Token type }

The header specifies how the token should be verified. It contains the algorithm (like HS256, RS256) and the token type.

2. Payload (Claims)

{ "sub": "1234567890", // Subject (user ID) "name": "John Doe", // User name "iat": 1516239022, // Issued at time "exp": 1516242622, // Expiration time "role": "admin" // User role }

The payload contains claims - statements about the user and additional metadata. There are three types of claims:

3. Signature

HMACSHA256( base64UrlEncode(header) + "." + base64UrlEncode(payload), secret )

The signature ensures the token hasn't been tampered with. It's created by encoding the header and payload, then signing with a secret key.

⚠️ Common JWT Vulnerabilities

Understanding these vulnerabilities is crucial for building secure applications:

Critical

Algorithm Confusion Attack

Attackers change the algorithm from RS256 to HS256, using the public key as the HMAC secret to forge tokens.

Change alg to HS256
Use public key as secret
Forge valid tokens
"None" Algorithm

No Signature Verification

Setting algorithm to "none" removes signature verification entirely, allowing anyone to create valid tokens.

// Vulnerable header { "alg": "none", "typ": "JWT" }
High

Weak Secret Keys

Using predictable or short secret keys makes tokens vulnerable to brute force attacks.

  • Use keys with at least 256 bits of entropy
  • Avoid dictionary words or common phrases
  • Generate cryptographically random keys
High

Missing Token Expiration

Tokens without expiration (exp claim) remain valid forever, increasing security risk if compromised.

Medium

Sensitive Data Exposure

Storing sensitive information in JWT payload exposes it since JWTs are only base64 encoded, not encrypted.

High

XSS via JWT Payload

Malicious scripts in JWT claims can lead to Cross-Site Scripting attacks when displayed in applications.

🛡️ JWT Security Best Practices

Algorithm Security

  • Use strong algorithms like RS256 or ES256 for production
  • Never use "none" algorithm in production
  • Explicitly validate the algorithm in your code
  • Use different keys for different environments

Token Lifecycle Management

  • Always set expiration time (exp claim)
  • Use short-lived tokens (15-30 minutes)
  • Implement refresh token rotation
  • Include issued at (iat) and not before (nbf) claims

Storage and Transmission

  • Store JWTs in httpOnly, secure cookies
  • Never store in localStorage (XSS vulnerable)
  • Always transmit over HTTPS
  • Avoid putting JWTs in URL parameters

Data Protection

  • Never store passwords or sensitive data in JWT payload
  • Minimize data in tokens - use claims as references
  • Validate and sanitize all JWT claims
  • Implement proper audience (aud) validation

🔍 How to Test JWT Security

Regular security testing is essential for maintaining secure JWT implementations:

JWT Security Testing Process

1️⃣
Token Collection

Gather JWT tokens from your application

2️⃣
Structure Analysis

Validate token format and encoding

3️⃣
Security Scanning

Test for vulnerabilities and weaknesses

4️⃣
Remediation

Fix identified issues and retest

Frequently Asked Questions

Is JWTLens safe to use with sensitive tokens?

Absolutely! JWTLens processes everything locally in your browser. Your JWT tokens never leave your device or get sent to any server. All analysis happens client-side using JavaScript, ensuring complete privacy and security of your sensitive data.

What makes JWTLens different from other JWT tools?

While most tools only decode JWTs, JWTLens provides comprehensive security analysis. It checks for 20+ vulnerabilities including algorithm confusion, XSS attacks, weak signatures, and injection vulnerabilities. It's like having a security expert review every token.

Can I use JWTLens for penetration testing?

Yes! JWTLens is designed for security professionals. It identifies vulnerabilities like algorithm confusion attacks, signature bypass attempts, and privilege escalation issues. Perfect for security assessments and penetration testing scenarios.

How accurate are the security findings?

JWTLens uses industry-standard security checks based on OWASP guidelines and real-world attack patterns. Each finding includes severity levels and detailed explanations to help you understand and fix issues properly.

Do I need to install anything to use JWTLens?

No installation required! JWTLens runs entirely in your web browser. Simply visit the website, paste your JWT token, and get instant security analysis. It works on any device with a modern web browser.

Can JWTLens help me learn about JWT security?

Definitely! Each vulnerability finding includes detailed explanations, examples, and remediation steps. JWTLens serves as both a practical tool and an educational resource for understanding JWT security best practices.