Bubble Security

Bubble Security Guide

Complete guide to securing your Bubble.io application. Privacy rules, API security, and common vulnerabilities.

Critical Security Settings

Privacy Rules

Data > Privacy

Critical

Define who can view, find, and modify each data type. Without rules, all data may be publicly accessible.

Add rules to every data type. Start with 'deny all' and explicitly grant access.

API Workflow Authentication

Backend Workflows

Critical

API workflows can be called by anyone unless you require authentication.

Check 'This workflow requires authentication' for sensitive endpoints.

API Data Exposure

Settings > API

High

The Data API exposes your database. Incorrect settings leak all your data.

Disable Data API if not needed. If enabled, configure privacy rules strictly.

Page Access Rules

Each page settings

High

Pages may be accessible to unauthenticated users by default.

Set 'Only when' conditions on admin and authenticated pages.

Common Bubble Vulnerabilities

Privacy Rules Not Configured

Critical

Data types without privacy rules expose all records to anyone with access to your API.

How to Check

Go to Data > Privacy. Every type should have rules defined.

Fix

Add privacy rules to all data types. The 'Everyone else' rule should deny access by default.

API Workflows Without Auth

Critical

API endpoints without authentication can be called by anyone.

How to Check

Check each Backend Workflow for the 'authentication required' setting.

Fix

Enable authentication requirement. Use API tokens for service-to-service calls.

Sensitive Data in Option Sets

High

Option set attributes are accessible to all users and can leak internal data.

How to Check

Review option sets for sensitive information (pricing, internal IDs, etc.).

Fix

Move sensitive data to database types with proper privacy rules.

Client-Side Role Checks

High

Hiding elements based on role without server-side enforcement.

How to Check

Check if admin features have data-level privacy rules, not just UI hiding.

Fix

Add privacy rules that check user roles. Don't rely on conditional visibility.

Search Exposing All Data

Medium

Search functionality returning records the user shouldn't see.

How to Check

Test search as different user types. Check what data appears in results.

Fix

Add ':filtered' constraints and ensure privacy rules apply to search results.

Bubble Security Checklist

data Privacy

  • Every data type has privacy rules defined
  • Default 'Everyone else' rule denies access
  • Sensitive fields have field-level privacy
  • Search/find operations respect privacy rules
  • Option sets don't contain sensitive data

authentication

  • Signup requires email verification
  • Password requirements are configured
  • Session timeout is appropriate
  • Failed login attempts are limited
  • Password reset flow is secure

api Security

  • Data API is disabled (if not needed)
  • API workflows require authentication
  • API tokens are not hardcoded in workflows
  • Rate limiting is configured
  • CORS settings are restrictive

page Access

  • Admin pages have access rules
  • Authenticated pages redirect unauthenticated users
  • URL parameters can't bypass security
  • Direct URL access is controlled

Verify Your Bubble App's Security

VAS scans your deployed Bubble application for exposed data, authentication issues, and security misconfigurations.

Get Starter Scan

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Bubble apps secure by default?

No. Bubble provides security features, but many are not enabled by default. Privacy rules are empty, API workflows don't require auth, and the Data API may be enabled. You must actively configure security for every data type and endpoint.

How do I check if my Bubble app has security issues?

1) Check Data > Privacy for all data types, 2) Review Backend Workflows for auth requirements, 3) Test your app's API by examining network requests, 4) Try accessing admin pages as a regular user, 5) Use VAS to scan your deployed app for vulnerabilities.

What's the biggest security mistake in Bubble?

Not configuring privacy rules. By default, all data is accessible. Many developers don't realize their user data, pricing, or business logic is exposed until someone exploits it. Always configure privacy rules before adding any real data.

Should I use Bubble for apps with sensitive data?

Bubble can handle sensitive data if properly configured. The key is understanding and correctly implementing privacy rules, authentication, and API security. For highly regulated data (healthcare, finance), ensure you understand compliance requirements and whether Bubble meets them.

How do privacy rules work in Bubble?

Privacy rules define who can view, find, and modify records of each data type. Rules are evaluated for every data operation. If no rule matches, the 'Everyone else' rule applies. Best practice: set 'Everyone else' to deny all access, then create specific rules for allowed cases.

Last updated: January 16, 2026