Top 7 Web App Vulnerabilities You Should Know?

Introduction

In today's hyper-connected digital world, web applications have become the backbone of modern businesses. Whether you're launching a startup MVP or scaling an internal tool, web apps allow organizations to move fast, innovate faster, and stay competitive. The rise of no-code platforms like Bubble.io has only accelerated this shift, enabling entrepreneurs and product teams to build fully functional apps without writing traditional code.

But with convenience comes responsibility.

While no-code platforms like Bubble simplify the development process, they don't eliminate the need for web application security. Many developers mistakenly believe that using a no-code tool shields them from cyber security threats and vulnerabilities. In reality, every web application-whether coded from scratch or built using a visual interface-is vulnerable to exploitation if not properly secured.

This guide will walk you through the top 7 common web application vulnerabilities, with a special focus on how they impact no-code tools like Bubble, and how to secure your apps against them. Whether you're a solo founder using the Bubble no-code platform or a team looking to build production-grade apps, this post will help you protect your users and your business.

Why Web Application Security Matters in the No-Code Era

The rise of no-code app builders has lowered the barrier to entry for building web applications. Platforms like Bubble.io allow anyone with an idea to build dynamic, database-driven applications in days or weeks instead of months. However, this rapid development can often lead to security shortcuts.

Many no-code creators overlook crucial aspects of website application security such as input validation, access control, and encryption. This oversight can leave applications exposed to hackers, data breaches, and business disruption.

No-code does not mean no security risk. In fact, it places the responsibility squarely on the app creator to understand and configure web security settings properly. For Bubble developers, the visual nature of workflows and privacy rules can make this even more complex.

Understanding the most common vulnerabilities is the first step toward building safer applications.

What Are Web Application Vulnerabilities?

A web application vulnerability is a weakness or flaw in the design, implementation, or configuration of a web app that can be exploited by attackers to compromise data, functionality, or user privacy.

These vulnerabilities can exist in both traditional code and no-code environments. However, in no-code tools like Bubble, the risk often arises from misconfigured workflows, insecure data access settings, or improper use of third-party plugins.

The key takeaway: security isn't about how the app is built, it's about how thoughtfully it's secured.

The Top 7 Web Application Vulnerabilities

1. Injection Attacks (SQL, Command, etc.)

Injection attacks occur when untrusted data is sent to an interpreter (like SQL or system commands) as part of a query or command. This allows attackers to manipulate backend operations and extract sensitive data.

While Bubble apps don't use traditional SQL queries, injection-like behavior can still occur if user input is directly used in search constraints or dynamic expressions without validation.

Example: A Bubble developer allows users to input search filters in a dashboard, and those inputs are used without constraints or sanitization. This can expose private data unintentionally.

Mitigation:

• Never directly use user input in search constraints without sanitization
• Use Bubble's built-in filtering and privacy rules to validate and control queries
• Avoid exposing sensitive data in front-end searches

2. Broken Authentication

Authentication vulnerabilities allow attackers to impersonate users or access accounts without valid credentials. This can occur through poor password policies, insecure reset flows, or incorrect session management.

In Bubble, login workflows are often custom-built. Mistakes in these workflows-like skipping password checks, improperly using tokens, or storing data in insecure states-can open serious security holes.

Mitigation:

• Always use Bubble's native authentication features when possible
• Enforce strong password policies
• Never store passwords or tokens in plain text
• Implement timeouts and secure password reset flows

3. Sensitive Data Exposure

This vulnerability involves exposing sensitive information (e.g., emails, payment data, personal details) due to inadequate protection measures like missing encryption or insecure APIs.

In Bubble apps, data exposure often results from poorly configured privacy rules or workflows that make sensitive fields visible to users who shouldn't access them.

Example: A user profile page shows full email addresses or payment details to anyone with a link, because privacy rules were not correctly set.

Mitigation:

• Use Bubble's Privacy tab to define data access by roles or conditions
• Only expose fields necessary for the current user session
• Store sensitive information in encrypted fields
• Ensure all pages are served over HTTPS

4. Cross-Site Scripting (XSS)

XSS attacks occur when malicious scripts are injected into web pages viewed by others. They often exploit input fields that render user-generated content (e.g., chat boxes, comments).

In Bubble, using rich text inputs or dynamic content blocks without sanitization can open the door to XSS attacks.

Mitigation:

• Avoid rendering raw user input directly in HTML or rich text elements
• Sanitize user input before displaying it
• Use Bubble plugins that safely handle user content rendering

5. Broken Access Control

This vulnerability occurs when applications fail to enforce proper restrictions on what authenticated users are allowed to do.

In Bubble, access control mistakes often involve:

• Data searches that reveal more data than needed
• Workflows triggered by users who shouldn't have access
• Improper use of conditions in buttons or API endpoints

Example: A non-admin user is able to access an admin dashboard simply by entering the URL.

Mitigation:

• Use Bubble's role-based privacy rules to restrict access at the data layer
• Add conditional checks on all admin-level buttons, workflows, and pages
• Validate user roles before executing sensitive backend workflows

6. Security Misconfigurations

From exposed APIs to misconfigured plugins, security misconfiguration is one of the most overlooked yet dangerous vulnerabilities.

Bubble apps can be at risk if developers:

• Leave unnecessary APIs exposed
• Fail to restrict access to backend workflows
• Use third-party plugins with known vulnerabilities

Mitigation:

• Review all API endpoints and restrict access to necessary roles only
• Use version-controlled plugins and only those with high credibility
• Regularly audit your app's settings, headers, domains, and API configurations

7. Insecure Deserialization & Logic Flaws

This refers to vulnerabilities in how an app processes serialized data or handles complex logic. In Bubble, this typically manifests as flawed workflow logic where users bypass payment, approvals, or verifications.

Example: A user manually triggers a backend workflow to give themselves premium access without paying.

Mitigation:

• Do not rely solely on front-end checks; move key logic to backend workflows
• Use database fields and flags to verify payment or access before performing actions
• Audit all workflows for edge cases and abuse potential

Bonus Risks in No-Code Tools Like Bubble

Beyond the standard vulnerabilities, no-code platforms present unique risks:

• Overreliance on Plugins: Some plugins can introduce security flaws or unvalidated data sources.
• Template Inheritance: Buying a template with built-in logic can carry over bad security practices.
• Lack of Code Visibility: Not having access to source code limits fine-grained control.

These issues can be mitigated by working with experienced Bubble app developers who understand both the platform's capabilities and its risks.

Best Practices for Securing Your Bubble No-Code App

• Use Privacy Rules Rigorously: Bubble's privacy rules should be treated as your first line of defense.
• Validate Inputs: Never trust user input. Always validate and sanitize.
• Secure Workflows: Use backend workflows for sensitive actions like payment processing or data modifications.
• Encrypt Sensitive Data: Use Bubble's encryption tools for fields like SSNs, passwords, or payment info.
• Audit Regularly: Perform frequent app audits and simulate web attacks to find weaknesses.
• Train Your Team: Ensure everyone involved understands basic cyber security threats and vulnerabilities.

How Bubble No-Code Development Helps (and Hurts) Security

Bubble provides many built-in tools to secure your app-like HTTPS enforcement, secure hosting, and privacy rules. But these tools must be used correctly. The flexibility that makes Bubble powerful can also be its weakness if not handled responsibly.

By choosing professional Bubble no code development, especially from experienced teams, you gain access to secure architecture planning, workflow hardening, and data protection best practices.

Conclusion

Web application vulnerabilities are not just theoretical-they're real, evolving web threats that can damage your business and your user trust. Whether you're building your app using traditional code or the Bubble no-code platform, security should never be an afterthought.

These seven vulnerabilities-along with the added risks specific to no-code platforms-highlight the need for ongoing diligence in app development. Fortunately, with a good understanding of common web application vulnerabilities, and the right implementation of Bubble's built-in tools, you can build robust, secure, and scalable applications.

If you're building with Bubble and want to make sure your app is not only functional but secure, we can help. Our team specializes in secure, scalable Bubble no-code app development-tailored to your business goals.