Bubble Security Guide: Issues, Tools, and Tips

Bubble is one of the best no code platforms out there. But with the growing use of it, people are questioning its security vulnerabilities.

In this guide, we will cover common Bubble security issues, the best tools, and practical tips to improve your Bubble security measures.

Is the Bubble app safe?

Bubble’s security can be broken down into two parts:

Bubble’s own security infrastructure: Bubble itself utilizes industry-standard security measures like:

• Data encryption at rest using AES-256.
• Secure Sockets Layer (SSL) encryption for data transmission.
• Compliance with various security standards (SOC 2, ISO 27001).

Security of the individual app built on Bubble: This depends on how the developer implements security features within the app. Bubble offers functionalities to implement strong security practices, but it’s the developer’s responsibility to use them effectively.

Overview of Bubble.io’s built-in security features

Here are some features that the Bubble app offers to improve the security of the apps created:

Security Features:

• Privacy Controls & Reliable Hosting: Ensure user and data protection with robust privacy settings and reliable hosting. Secure and back up the app’s data to prevent loss and unauthorized access.
• Industry Compliance: Adheres to industry-recognized standards such as SOC 2 Type II and General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), emphasizing the importance of GDPR compliance.

User Safety:

• User Authentication: Includes password hashing, salting, encryption, email confirmation, 2FA, and SSO integration.
• Customizable Privacy Rules: Allows easy definition of data visibility and access using natural language.

Top-Tier Security Services:

• AWS & Cloudflare: Utilizes these reliable services for security and compliance.
• Penetration Testing & Compliance: Conducts annual penetration tests and meets GDPR standards.
• Continuous Improvement: Constantly enhances its security program.

Other security features:

• Logging & Recovery: Extensive logs and point-in-time data/version recovery.
• DDoS Protection: Combines in-house and Cloudflare systems to block attacks.
• Vulnerability Testing: Includes automated code testing and continuous monitoring.
• Encryption: Uses TLS for data in transit and RDS AES-256 for data at rest.
• AWS Infrastructure: Built on AWS, supporting numerous security standards and certifications.

Enterprise-Grade Protection:

• Data Location Selection: Choose hosting regions with the Enterprise plan.
• Single Sign-On (SSO): Manage team members with SSO.
• Cloudflare Integration: Enable custom Cloudflare configurations for enhanced protection.

Bubble Security vulnerabilities and issues

The report conducted by Flusk on the top 100 apps made on Bubble.io identifies several key security issues. Here are the main concerns highlighted:

Exposure of Sensitive Data:

• Data API Leaks: Sensitive data was exposed through improperly secured Data APIs.
• Misconfigured Privacy Rules: Inadequate privacy rules leading to unintended data exposure.
• Unauthorized Data Retrievals: Sensitive data accessible through improper search and retrieval configurations on various pages.
• Sensitive Information Remains Secure: It is crucial to implement robust encryption and data protection measures to ensure that sensitive information remains secure and confidential.

Unauthorized Access:

• Restricted Pages: Access to non-public pages like admin dashboards was not properly secured.
• Restricted Workflows: Ability to manipulate workflows, potentially allowing unauthorized actions like creating admin users.

Third-Party and API Vulnerabilities:

• Access to Third-Party Services: Unauthorized access to third-party services and APIs was identified, which could lead to further data breaches or control over sensitive functions.

Login and Authentication Issues:

• Clear Data in Login Workflows: Sensitive data was sometimes handled inappropriately during login processes.
• Temporary Password Vulnerability: Weaknesses in the management of temporary passwords.

Additional Findings

High Incidence of Vulnerabilities:

• 89% of the reviewed apps had at least one significant security vulnerability.
• Sensitive data leaks were found in 76% of the apps, revealing over 2.3 million pieces of sensitive information.

Development Origin Impact:

• Apps developed by independent entrepreneurs or businesses had a 92% vulnerability rate.
• Apps from Bubble agencies had a 65% vulnerability rate.
• Apps developed by freelancers or independent developers had an 82% vulnerability rate.

Tools to Improve Bubble Security

There are some tools that help you mitigate most of Bubble app security risks:

Flusk.eu

Flusk is a powerful security and monitoring tool designed specifically for Bubble.io applications. It provides several features to maintain the security and smooth operation of applications built on the Bubble platform.

Key Features:

• Comprehensive Checks: Flusk covers data leaks, API workflow protection, page access, and more.
• Automated Tests: New deployment? Flusk runs a security check and emails you the results.
• Detailed Documentation: Each issue includes expert-written documentation for easy fixes.

• Error Tracking: Flusk collects and displays errors in a simple dashboard.
• Smart Deployments: Schedule deployments when no users are online.
• Visual Logs: Flusk provides a modern way to explore and debug logs

Tips to improve Bubble app security

To improve Bubble app security, consider these tips:

Plan Your App:

• Identify the types of data your app will handle and classify it as private or public.
• Determine security requirements for different pages and user roles.

Secure Your Bubble Account:

• Use strong, random passwords and a password manager.
• Enable two-factor authentication.
• Apply the same security policies to team members and clients.

Manage Collaborator Access:

• Grant minimum necessary access to collaborators.
• Avoid giving admin access unless essential.
• Regularly review and remove unnecessary collaborator access.
• Restrict access to sensitive data to authorized users only to mitigate the risk of exposing unnecessary data to unauthorized users.

App Settings:

• Set editor access permissions to “Private App.”
• Enable SSL encryption for connected domains.
• Disable unused API features.

Privacy Rules:

• Implement privacy rules to control data access at the server level.

Server-Side Workflow Conditions:

• Rely on database-verified conditions to ensure security.

Deployment Checklist:

• Test all new features and check privacy rules.
• Remove unnecessary pages and collaborators before deployment.

Auto-Binding:

• Use auto-binding for database changes to reduce error risk and enhance security.

Server-Side Redirects:

• Implement server-side redirects to prevent unauthorized access to pages.

Security-Oriented Design:

• Minimize on-screen display of sensitive information.
• Require additional security checks for highly private data.
• Implement shorter session timeouts for sensitive data handling.

Use Flusk:

• If you are an agency you can use the tool completely for free and secure your Bubble apps indefinitely.

Final thoughts

It’s important to keep your Bubble apps secure. Bubble has good security features, but developers must also use them properly. Reviewing and updating your security practices helps protect your app and users from threats.

Tools like Flusk can improve your Bubble app’s security. Flusk offers security checks, automated tests, and detailed documentation for easy fixes.

Finally, follow best practices for securing your Bubble apps. This includes planning your app’s security needs, securing your Bubble account, managing collaborator access, and regularly reviewing privacy rules. With a proactive approach, you can make your applications safe and maintain user trust.