soundwave/docs/LOGOUT_SECURITY.md

Logout Security Implementation

Overview

Implemented secure logout functionality with proper token deletion on both backend and frontend. This addresses a critical security vulnerability where users could not log out properly.

Security Improvements

Backend Changes (backend/user/views.py)

Enhanced LogoutView:

• Deletes authentication token from database on logout
• Prevents token reuse after logout
• Clears Django session
• Returns success message

Security Features:

• Token is permanently deleted from database
• Even if token is intercepted, it cannot be reused after logout
• Both session-based and token-based authentication are cleared
• Works for all users (admin and managed users)

Frontend Changes

TopBar Component (frontend/src/components/TopBar.tsx)

Removed:

• Notification icon (placeholder, not implemented)
• User management icon (placeholder, not implemented)

Added:

• Logout button with LogoutIcon
• Tooltip showing "Logout"
• Red hover effect for clear visual feedback
• Touch-friendly sizing (44px mobile, 48px desktop)
• Smooth transition animations

PWA Optimizations:

• Responsive sizing for mobile and desktop
• Touch-target sized for mobile use (44x44px minimum)
• High contrast hover state for visibility
• Smooth animations for better UX

App Component (frontend/src/App.tsx)

Enhanced handleLogout:

• Calls /api/user/logout/ endpoint with authentication
• Deletes token on server before clearing local storage
• Clears audio player state (current audio, queue)
• Handles errors gracefully
• Always redirects to login even if API call fails

Route Security Analysis

No Route Conflicts

✅ Logout endpoint: /api/user/logout/ - POST only ✅ Login endpoint: /api/user/login/ - POST only ✅ Account endpoint: /api/user/account/ - GET only ✅ Avatar endpoints: /api/user/avatar/* - Various methods

All routes are properly namespaced under /api/user/ with no conflicts.

Authentication Flow

1. Login: Token created and stored in localStorage
2. Authenticated Requests: Token sent in Authorization header
3. Logout:
   • Frontend calls POST /api/user/logout/ with token
   • Backend deletes token from database
   • Frontend clears localStorage and state
   • User redirected to login page

Security Measures

• ✅ Token-based authentication (DRF Token)
• ✅ Token deleted on logout (prevents reuse)
• ✅ Logout requires authentication
• ✅ CSRF protection via DRF
• ✅ Secure token storage (localStorage, not cookies)
• ✅ Authorization header (not query params)
• ✅ HTTPS recommended for production

User Experience

Desktop

• Logout button in top-right corner
• 48x48px touch target
• Hover tooltip shows "Logout"
• Red hover effect indicates destructive action
• Smooth transition animations

Mobile

• Logout button remains visible
• 44x44px minimum touch target (WCAG 2.1 compliant)
• Same hover/active states
• No gestures required

All Users

• Works for admin users
• Works for managed users
• No permission checks (all authenticated users can logout)
• Graceful error handling
• Always clears local state

Testing Checklist

• Backend token deletion works
• Frontend calls logout endpoint
• LocalStorage cleared on logout
• User redirected to login page
• Token cannot be reused after logout
• Audio player state cleared
• Works on mobile
• Works on desktop
• Tooltip shows on hover
• Red hover effect visible
• Touch target sized correctly
• Error handling works
• Network error doesn't break logout
• Admin users can logout
• Managed users can logout

API Endpoints

Logout

POST /api/user/logout/
Headers: Authorization: Token <token>
Response: {"message": "Logged out successfully"}
Status: 200 OK

Security: Deletes token from database

Files Modified

• backend/user/views.py - Enhanced LogoutView with token deletion
• frontend/src/components/TopBar.tsx - Added logout button, removed placeholders
• frontend/src/App.tsx - Enhanced handleLogout with API call

Migration Notes

No database migrations required. Uses existing Token model from django.contrib.auth.

Production Recommendations

1. Use HTTPS to protect tokens in transit
2. Consider token expiration (currently tokens don't expire)
3. Add rate limiting to logout endpoint (optional)
4. Log logout events for audit trail (optional)
5. Consider refresh tokens for better security (future enhancement)

PWA Considerations

• Logout clears all local state
• Service worker cache not cleared (static assets remain)
• IndexedDB not cleared (local files remain unless explicitly cleared)
• User must login again after logout
• Offline mode not available until login

Security Vulnerability Fixed

Before: Users could not logout. Token remained valid indefinitely. Security risk if device lost/stolen.

After: Proper logout with token deletion. Token invalidated immediately. Secure even if device compromised after logout.