Can Retool apps be hacked?
Get instant answers about your app's security.
Short Answer
Yes, Retool apps can be hacked if not properly secured. The most common vulnerabilities include exposed API keys, missing database security, and weak authentication.
Detailed Answer
Retool apps are built on modern technologies that are secure by design, but security requires proper configuration. Common attack vectors include:
- **Database Exposure**: If database security (RLS/Security Rules) isn't configured, attackers can access all data directly.
2. **API Key Theft**: Secrets hardcoded in frontend code can be extracted and abused.
3. **Authentication Bypass**: Weak password policies and missing rate limiting enable account takeover.
4. **XSS Attacks**: If user input isn't properly sanitized, attackers can inject malicious scripts.
The good news is that all these issues are preventable with proper security practices. VAS scans for these vulnerabilities automatically.
Security Research & Statistics
of Lovable applications (170 out of 1,645) had exposed user data in the CVE-2025-48757 incident
Source: CVE-2025-48757 security advisory
average cost of a data breach in 2023
Source: IBM Cost of a Data Breach Report 2023
developers using vibe coding platforms like Lovable, Bolt, and Replit
Source: Combined platform statistics 2024-2025
Expert Perspectives
“Vibe coding your way to a production codebase is clearly risky. Most of the work we do as software engineers involves evolving existing systems, where the quality and understandability of the underlying code is crucial.”
“The problem with AI-generated code isn't that it doesn't work - it's that it works just well enough to ship, but contains subtle security flaws that are hard to spot.”
Check Your Retool App's Security
VAS scans for all the security issues mentioned above. Get a comprehensive security report in minutes.
Get Starter ScanMore Questions About This Topic
How quickly can a Retool app be hacked?
Exposed databases and API keys can be discovered within minutes using automated scanners. Attackers actively scan for common vulnerability patterns. This is why security configuration should happen before deployment, not after.
What do hackers look for in Retool apps?
Attackers look for: 1) Exposed API keys in JavaScript bundles, 2) Databases without access controls, 3) Weak authentication that allows brute force, 4) Admin/service keys in frontend code. These are easily detected with automated tools.
Has any Retool app actually been hacked?
Yes, apps built with vibe coding tools have been compromised. CVE-2025-48757 exposed data from 170+ applications. However, these weren't platform vulnerabilities - they were configuration issues in user-built apps that proper security practices would have prevented.