Vibe coding security checklist for AI-built apps

This checklist is for solo founders, vibe coders, and non-expert builders who shipped an app with tools like Lovable, Bolt, Cursor, Replit, v0, Vercel, Supabase, Firebase, or Next.js. These tools optimize for a working demo, not a safe launch, so the same gaps appear again and again. You do not need a security background to use it.

Go through each item in order. For most, you are confirming a setting is correct — not writing new code.

1. Authentication and admin access

Confirm that pages showing private data or admin controls actually require a logged-in user, and that admin-only routes are restricted to admins. AI builders often render a dashboard that looks protected but is reachable by anyone with the URL.

• Open your dashboard or admin URL in a private window while logged out — it should redirect or block, not load.

• Check that one user cannot view another user's data by changing an ID in the URL.

• Confirm admin actions (delete, edit, export) are not callable by regular users.

2. Exposed environment and config files

Secret keys belong on the server, never in files the public can download. Check that files like .env, .git, and config files are not reachable on your live domain. For the full explanation and how exposure happens, see public .env files and what to do if secrets leak.

• Visit yourdomain.com/.env — it should return a 404, not file contents.

• Make sure only keys meant for the browser are in your frontend bundle.

• If a real secret was ever public, rotate it — treat exposed secrets as compromised.

3. Database permissions (Supabase / Firebase)

A public API key is fine; open table rules are not. Confirm your database does not allow anyone to read or write sensitive tables. For Supabase specifics, see the Supabase RLS checklist.

• Supabase: confirm Row Level Security is enabled on every table holding real data.

• Firebase: confirm your security rules are not left in open test mode.

• Verify a logged-out request cannot read or modify private records.

4. Public API routes

API endpoints your app calls can also be called directly by anyone. Confirm endpoints that read or change data check who is making the request.

• List the API routes your app uses and confirm each one checks authentication where needed.

• Make sure write or delete endpoints are not open to anonymous requests.

• Remove or protect any test, debug, or seed endpoints before launch.

5. Security headers

Headers tell browsers how to handle your site safely. AI builders often skip them because the demo works without them.

• Confirm your site is served over HTTPS with a valid certificate.

• Check for HSTS, X-Content-Type-Options, and X-Frame-Options (or a frame-ancestors policy).

• Consider a Content-Security-Policy once the basics are in place.

6. CORS and cookies

Overly permissive cross-origin rules and loosely scoped cookies can let other sites act on behalf of your users.

• Confirm CORS is not set to allow all origins (“*”) on endpoints that use credentials.

• Check that session cookies use Secure, HttpOnly, and a sensible SameSite setting.

7. Error messages and information leaks

Detailed error pages help attackers map your app. Production should show generic errors, not stack traces or internal paths.

• Trigger an error (e.g. a bad URL) and confirm it does not reveal stack traces, file paths, or library versions.

• Turn off debug mode in production.

8. Privacy, terms, and contact basics

These are launch-readiness items rather than security holes, but real users and app stores expect them.

• Publish a privacy policy and terms of service.

• Provide a working way to contact you.

9. Re-scan after fixes

A fix is not done until you have confirmed it. After changing settings, re-check the specific item — and re-run a full scan to catch anything a change moved or reopened.

• Re-test each item you changed, logged out, in a private window.

• Run a fresh scan and confirm the finding is gone.

The damaging incidents for small apps are rarely sophisticated. They are usually an open database table, a secret key shipped in the frontend, or an admin page anyone can open. These are easy to introduce when an AI tool generates code you did not review, and easy to miss because the app still works perfectly in a demo. Checking them before launch is far cheaper than discovering them after a leak.

• Assuming a login screen protects everything

  The page may render for anyone with the link, even when a form is shown.

• Treating a public API key as a secret

  Some keys are meant to be public; the protection comes from your database rules, not from hiding the key.

• Leaving test or debug modes on in production

  These expose internal details and sometimes unguarded endpoints.

• Fixing an issue without re-checking

  A config change can silently fail or be overwritten on the next deploy.

GuardMint scans the public surface of your live app and reports launch risks. It can detect many of the items above automatically. Our methodology explains how the public scan works.

• Exposed files like .env, .git, and source maps reachable on your domain.

• Secret-looking keys and tokens in your frontend bundle.

• Missing or misconfigured security headers and HTTPS issues.

• Overly permissive CORS and weak cookie flags.

• Error responses that leak internal details.

What is a vibe coding security checklist?

It is a short list of the security and configuration items to verify before launching an app you built with AI tools or no-code builders. It focuses on the gaps those tools commonly leave behind: exposed secrets, open database tables, unprotected routes, and missing security headers.

Do I need to be a developer to use this checklist?

No. Each item describes what to check and why it matters in plain language. Some fixes are settings in your hosting or database dashboard. For anything you are unsure about, ask a developer to review it before launch.

Does passing this checklist mean my app is secure?

No. The checklist covers the most common launch-blocking mistakes, not every possible risk. It cannot verify your application logic, payment flows, or access rules are correct. Treat it as a strong baseline, not a guarantee.

How is this different from a penetration test?

A penetration test is a manual, in-depth security assessment by a professional. This checklist and the GuardMint scan are an automated launch-risk check of your public surface. They are faster and cheaper, but they do not replace a penetration test for high-risk apps.

How often should I re-check?

Re-check after any change that touches auth, your database, environment variables, or deployment configuration, and any time you ship a major feature. Re-scan after fixes to confirm the issue is closed.