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Framework Security

Is Nuxt.js Secure? Security Features, Risks, and Hardening

Yes, Nuxt.js is generally secure when configured correctly. Here is what you need to know about its built-in protections, common vulnerabilities, and how to harden it for production.

Built-in Security Features

Inherits Vue.js automatic template escaping
Server-side rendering keeps sensitive data off the client by default
Built-in auto-imports reduce dependency on third-party modules
Nitro server engine provides secure API route handling

Common Vulnerabilities

SSRF through server routes and useFetch on the server
Data leakage through useState hydration payload
Exposed runtime config via publicly accessible /__nuxt_config
XSS through v-html in Nuxt components
Insecure middleware ordering leading to auth bypasses

Hardening Checklist

1Use runtimeConfig private keys for secrets, never publicRuntimeConfig
2Validate and sanitize all server route inputs
3Implement server middleware for authentication checks
4Configure security headers using nuxt-security module
5Avoid exposing sensitive data in useState or useAsyncData
6Set up rate limiting on Nitro API routes
7Use routeRules to enforce auth on protected paths
8Audit Nuxt modules for known vulnerabilities before use
Official Nuxt.js security documentation

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Nuxt.js secure?

Yes, Nuxt.js is generally secure when configured correctly. It includes built-in protections like inherits vue.js automatic template escaping. However, common misconfigurations and development patterns can introduce vulnerabilities.

What are the main security risks with Nuxt.js?

The most common Nuxt.js security risks include ssrf through server routes and usefetch on the server, data leakage through usestate hydration payload, exposed runtime config via publicly accessible /__nuxt_config.

How do I harden Nuxt.js for production?

Key hardening steps: Use runtimeConfig private keys for secrets, never publicRuntimeConfig. Validate and sanitize all server route inputs. Implement server middleware for authentication checks. Run a security check on your domain to identify specific issues.

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