Secure API Vault - Architecture Documentation

Live: https://vault.bugmenepal.xyz/ Email: underside001@gmail.com

1. System Overview

A PHP-based web application for securely managing API credentials with:

• User authentication and session management
• Encrypted credential storage (AES-256)
• Expiry tracking and notifications
• Modern responsive UI with futuristic theme
• Comprehensive security logging

2. Core Components

2.1 Authentication System

• Login/Registration: Email/password based with session tokens
• Password Reset: Token-based with expiry validation
• Session Management: Server-side session storage
• Admin Mode: Special privileges for administrators

2.2 Credential Management

• Encryption: AES-256 CBC mode with unique IV per encryption
• CRUD Operations:
  • Create: Add new API credentials
  • Read: View credentials (decrypted on-demand)
  • Update: Modify existing entries
  • Delete: Remove credentials
• Expiry Tracking: Visual indicators for soon-to-expire credentials
• Tagging System: Organize credentials with multiple tags

2.3 Database Layer

• MySQL Database: Relational structure with foreign keys
• Tables:
  • users: User accounts and authentication
  • api_credentials: Encrypted API keys and metadata
  • password_resets: Temporary reset tokens
  • security_log: Audit trail of security events

2.4 UI/UX Components

• Dashboard: Overview of all credentials with status indicators
• Responsive Design: Works on mobile and desktop
• Modern Styling: Glassmorphism effects with Tailwind CSS
• Interactive Elements: Alpine.js for dynamic functionality

3. Security Architecture

3.1 Data Protection

• Encryption-at-rest: All sensitive data encrypted before storage
• Input Sanitization: Protection against XSS and injection
• Session Security: Regenerated on privilege changes

3.2 Access Control

• Authentication Required: For all sensitive operations
• Password Requirements: Enforced during registration
• Admin Privileges: Separate access level

3.3 Monitoring

• Security Logging: All sensitive operations logged
• Failed Login Tracking: For brute force protection
• Maintenance Mode: Graceful degradation

4. Technical Stack

4.1 Backend

• PHP: 7.4+ (with PDO for database access)
• Database: MySQL 5.7+
• Encryption: OpenSSL (AES-256-CBC)

4.2 Frontend

• Tailwind CSS: Utility-first styling
• Alpine.js: Lightweight interactivity
• Font Awesome: Icon set
• Google Fonts: Custom typography

5. Deployment Considerations

• Web Server: Apache/Nginx with PHP-FPM
• Environment Variables: For sensitive configuration
• Database Backups: Regular encrypted backups
• Security Updates: Regular patching schedule

6. Future Enhancements

• Two-factor authentication
• API access for automation
• Browser extension integration
• Team/sharing functionality