AWS access key (AKIA) exposed in front-end code: how to fix it
Critical
AWS access key IDs (AKIA…/ASIA…) are normally paired with a secret access key nearby in the same code. Together they give whatever permissions that IAM user has.
Why it matters
Common in apps that upload files to S3 straight from the browser. Leaked AWS keys are a classic cause of surprise bills and data exposure.
Quick fix
- Deactivate and delete the key in IAM → Users → Security credentials.
- Check CloudTrail and Billing for activity you didn't start.
- Use S3 presigned URLs generated by a server function for uploads.
- Give server credentials least-privilege IAM policies.
Step by step
1. Deactivate the key
AWS Console → IAM → Users → (user) → Security credentials → Access keys → Deactivate, then Delete after creating a replacement for your server.
2. Investigate
Review CloudTrail event history and Billing for unexpected regions or services.
3. Presign on the server
Generate short-lived presigned upload URLs in a server function; the browser uploads with that URL and never sees credentials.
Prompt for your AI builder
Paste this into Lovable, Bolt, v0, Cursor or Replit, then review the changes before deploying.
AWS credentials are exposed in my front-end code. Remove them entirely from the client. Create a server-side endpoint that authenticates the user and returns a short-lived S3 presigned PUT URL (using credentials from server-only env vars), and update the upload code to use that URL.FAQ
I deleted the key from my code. Am I safe now?
No. Once a key has shipped to browsers it should be treated as public. It is in old deployments, caches and anyone's saved copy of your JavaScript. Revoke it at the provider and create a new one; removing it from code only stops future leaks.