What Is Bolt.new?
An AI-powered web development tool by StackBlitz that generates full-stack applications in the browser from natural language prompts. Bolt.new creates React, Next.js, and other framework applications with real-time preview and one-click deployment.
Security Risks
Bolt.new’s browser-based generation and rapid deployment create security gaps:
- No security review step: Code goes from generation to deployment without review
- Client-side logic: Business logic often runs entirely in the browser
- Missing backend security: Generated backends lack input validation and auth middleware
- Exposed API keys: Keys hardcoded in frontend JavaScript bundles
- No rate limiting: APIs vulnerable to abuse
- CORS misconfiguration: Overly permissive cross-origin settings
- Dependency risks: Auto-installed packages not audited for vulnerabilities
Security Checklist
- Export code and review before deploying to production
- Move all API keys and secrets to server-side environment variables
- Add authentication middleware to all protected routes
- Implement server-side input validation for every endpoint
- Set restrictive CORS policies (specific origins, not wildcard)
- Add rate limiting to prevent API abuse
- Remove generated test/demo data and default accounts
- Run dependency vulnerability scans (npm audit)
- Add security headers in server or hosting configuration
- Test authentication and authorization flows manually
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Bolt.new safe for building production apps?
Bolt.new excels at rapid prototyping but generated code needs significant security review before production deployment. Export the code, review all security-critical paths (auth, data access, API handling), and run security scans before deploying to production infrastructure.
How does Bolt.new compare to Lovable for security?
Both generate code with similar security issues. Bolt.new tends to produce more frontend-heavy applications with thinner backends, while Lovable generates fuller Supabase-backed applications. Both require security hardening before production use.
Can I add security to a Bolt.new app after generation?
Yes. Export the generated code, add authentication middleware (NextAuth, Clerk), implement server-side validation, add security headers, and configure proper CORS. The generated code provides a working foundation that needs security layers added on top.