Netlify + PostgreSQL Security
Netlify's serverless and edge functions can connect to PostgreSQL. Learn how to secure these connections properly.
Why Netlify + PostgreSQL?
Netlify developers add PostgreSQL for relational data needs beyond what's available in static sites. Serverless functions bridge the gap between frontend and database.
Common Vulnerabilities
These are the security issues we find most often in Netlify apps using PostgreSQL.
Connection String in Client Bundle
Database credentials may accidentally be exposed in client-side JavaScript.
Function Endpoint Without Auth
Serverless functions exposing database data may lack authentication checks.
Connection Pool Exhaustion
Serverless functions may overwhelm database with connections without proper pooling.
SQL Injection in Functions
User input passed to database queries may not be properly parameterized.
What We Check for Netlify + PostgreSQL
Credential Isolation
Verify DATABASE_URL is only in Netlify environment variables, not in code.
Function Authentication
Check that serverless functions validate user authentication.
Connection Management
Review connection pooling strategy for serverless context.
Query Parameterization
Verify all user input is parameterized in SQL queries.
Quick Security Wins
Apply these fixes right now to improve your security.
Store DATABASE_URL in Netlify environment variables onlyAdd authentication checks to all database-connected functionsUse a connection pooler like PgBouncer or Neon for serverlessAlways use parameterized queries: $1, $2 instead of string concatenationEnable RLS on PostgreSQL tables for defense in depthThe Bottom Line
Netlify + PostgreSQL is secure when credentials are in environment variables, functions check auth, and queries are parameterized. Use connection pooling for serverless.
Secure Your Netlify + PostgreSQL App
Find Row Level Security misconfigurations, exposed credentials, and other vulnerabilities before attackers do.
Start Security ScanFrequently Asked Questions
How do I keep PostgreSQL credentials secure on Netlify?
Store DATABASE_URL in Netlify's environment variables (Site Settings > Environment Variables). Access it only in serverless functions via process.env.DATABASE_URL. Never import it in client-side code or files that get bundled for the browser.
Why do I need connection pooling with Netlify functions?
Serverless functions spin up new instances frequently, each opening a database connection. Without pooling, you'll exhaust connection limits quickly. Use external poolers like PgBouncer, or managed pooling from Neon/Supabase. Some ORMs like Prisma also offer pooling solutions.
How do I authenticate users in Netlify functions that access PostgreSQL?
Use Netlify Identity or an external auth provider (Auth0, Supabase Auth). In your function, verify the JWT from the authorization header before querying the database. Extract the user ID from the token to filter queries appropriately.
Should I use RLS even with serverless functions?
Yes, RLS provides defense in depth. Even if your function has a bug that doesn't properly filter data, RLS ensures users can only access their own data. Pass the user's JWT to PostgreSQL or set a session variable for RLS policies to use.