TL;DR
TL;DR
Lovable (formerly GPT Engineer) creates functional apps quickly, but security requires extra attention. The most common issues are exposed API keys in frontend code, Supabase tables without Row Level Security, and authentication that only checks on the client side. Use the checklist below to secure your app before launch.
Lovable is an AI app generator that turns natural language descriptions into working applications. It's become popular for quickly building MVPs and prototypes. The platform handles a lot of complexity for you, which is great for speed but means you need to understand what's happening under the hood for security.
This guide covers the specific security considerations for Lovable-generated apps and how to address them.
How Lovable Works (Security Perspective)
When you describe an app to Lovable, it generates a React application with Supabase as the backend. This is important to understand because:
- React runs in the browser. Any code or variables in your React app are visible to users.
- Supabase is accessed directly from the browser. Your database security depends entirely on Row Level Security (RLS) policies.
- Authentication happens on the client. You need server-side verification for sensitive operations.
Lovable generates working code, but it prioritizes getting your app functional. Security configurations often need manual adjustment.
Common Security Issues in Lovable Apps
Based on scans of Lovable-generated applications, these are the most frequent security problems:
| Issue | Risk Level | Why It Happens |
|---|---|---|
| Missing Supabase RLS | Critical | RLS is disabled by default on new tables |
| Exposed API keys | High | Keys placed in frontend code for quick setup |
| Client-only auth checks | High | Authentication verified only in React, not database |
| Overly permissive RLS | Medium | Policies that allow more access than intended |
| Missing input validation | Medium | User input not sanitized before database operations |
| Debug code in production | Low | Console logs and test endpoints left in code |
Critical: Supabase RLS
If you're using Supabase with Lovable and haven't explicitly enabled Row Level Security on your tables, anyone can read and modify your data. This is the #1 security issue we find in Lovable apps.
Lovable Security Checklist
Use this checklist before deploying your Lovable app to production:
Database Security
Enable RLS on all tables. Go to Supabase > Authentication > Policies and enable RLS for every table.
Write specific RLS policies. Don't just enable RLS. Create policies that restrict access based on user authentication.
Test your policies. Try accessing data as an unauthenticated user. Can you see data you shouldn't?
API Keys and Secrets
Search for hardcoded keys. Look for sk_, pk_, api_key, secret, and password in your codebase.
Move secrets to environment variables. Use Lovable's secrets management or your deployment platform's env vars.
Check browser network tab. Open DevTools and see what's being sent. Are any secrets visible?
Authentication
Verify auth in RLS policies. Use auth.uid() in your Supabase policies to restrict data to the logged-in user.
Test protected routes. Can you access /dashboard or /admin without logging in by typing the URL directly?
Check for user impersonation. Can one user access another user's data by changing IDs in requests?
Fixing Supabase RLS in Your Lovable App
Here's how to properly configure Row Level Security for a typical Lovable app:
Step 1: Enable RLS on Your Tables
In the Supabase dashboard, go to Table Editor, select your table, and enable RLS. Or run this SQL:
Step 2: Create Policies for Each Operation
Here's a common pattern for user-owned data:
Step 3: Test Your Policies
Use the Supabase SQL editor to test:
Pro Tip: Use Lovable's AI to Fix Security
You can ask Lovable directly to improve security. Try prompts like: "Add Row Level Security to my Supabase tables so users can only access their own data" or "Move all API keys to environment variables."
Handling Third-Party API Keys
If your Lovable app connects to services like OpenAI, Stripe, or other APIs, those keys need special handling:
What Keys Are Safe in Frontend Code
- Supabase anon key: Safe if RLS is properly configured
- Stripe publishable key: Designed to be public
- Google Maps API key: Safe if properly restricted
What Keys Must NEVER Be in Frontend Code
- OpenAI API keys: Anyone can use your quota
- Stripe secret key: Full access to your payments
- Supabase service role key: Bypasses all RLS
- Any key starting with sk_: Usually means "secret key"
For secret keys, you need a backend. Options include:
- Supabase Edge Functions
- Vercel Serverless Functions
- Netlify Functions
- A separate API server
Deployment Security
When deploying your Lovable app, configure these settings:
If Using Vercel
- Add environment variables in Vercel dashboard (not in code)
- Enable Vercel's security headers
- Use HTTPS (enabled by default)
If Using Netlify
- Add environment variables in Netlify dashboard
- Create a _headers file for security headers
- Enable branch protection for your main branch
Is Lovable safe to use for building apps?
Lovable is safe as a development platform. However, like all AI code generators, it can produce code with security vulnerabilities. The most common issues are exposed API keys in frontend code and missing database access controls. Review the generated code before deploying to production.
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What are the biggest security risks with Lovable apps?
The biggest risks are Supabase connections without Row Level Security, API keys visible in browser code, and authentication that only checks on the frontend. Lovable generates functional code quickly but security configurations often need manual setup.
How do I secure my Lovable app before launching?
Before launching, check that all API keys are in environment variables (not hardcoded), enable Row Level Security on your Supabase tables, verify authentication protects both frontend routes and API endpoints, and run a security scan to catch anything you missed.
Can I use Lovable for apps that handle payments?
Yes, but be extra careful with Stripe integration. Only the publishable key should be in frontend code. The secret key must be used from a backend (like Supabase Edge Functions). Always verify payments on the server side, never trust client-side payment confirmations.
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