I prefer simplicity and using the first example but I’d be happy to hear other options. Here’s a few examples:

HTTP/1.1 403 POST /endpoint
{ "message": "Unauthorized access" }

HTTP/1.1 403 POST /endpoint
Unauthorized access (no json)

HTTP/1.1 403 POST /endpoint
{ "error": "Unauthorized access" }

HTTP/1.1 403 POST /endpoint
{
  "code": "UNAUTHORIZED",
  "message": "Unauthorized access",
}

HTTP/1.1 200 (🤡) POST /endpoint
{
  "error": true,
  "message": "Unauthorized access",
}

HTTP/1.1 403 POST /endpoint
{
  "status": 403,
  "code": "UNAUTHORIZED",
  "message": "Unauthorized access",
}

Or your own example.

  • b_n@sh.itjust.works
    1·
    4 months ago

    I know of some people that never use 403, but instead opt for 404 for security reasons. 403 implies that there is something they could have access to, but don’t.

    I think in some situations that this can be valid, but it shouldn’t be a crux.

    • SorteKaninA
      2·
      4 months ago

      404 is definitely also used sometimes for hiding stuff that shouldn’t be seen, but 403 may still be appropriate for various stuff where there is nothing to hide. With 404 you probably also never want to give any explanation or error message.