Glossary
What is Refresh Token Rotation?
A security pattern where each time a refresh token is used to get a new access token, the old refresh token is invalidated and a new one is issued. This prevents stolen refresh tokens from being reused indefinitely. If someone intercepts a refresh token, they can only use it once before it's rotated.
Last updated: May 2026
Why it matters
Without refresh token rotation, a stolen refresh token gives an attacker permanent access to a user's account. AI tools generate auth flows that use refresh tokens but almost never implement rotation. Your auth works — until someone's token is compromised and they can't be logged out.
Where AI gets this wrong
How AI tools get this wrong, and why it matters for your app.
AI-generated auth code typically implements basic JWT refresh without rotation. It looks complete. It passes all your local tests. It's a security vulnerability waiting to be exploited in production.
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