Introduction: How Secure Is Frappe Framework v15?
Frappe Framework v15 is designed with security as a core principle, offering robust mechanisms for authentication, authorization, data protection, and auditability. The framework follows industry-standard practices to ensure that ERPNext and custom Frappe applications remain secure by default.
This guide answers the most common security-related questions based on official Frappe documentation.
How Does Authentication Work in Frappe?
Frappe uses session-based authentication with secure cookies and CSRF protection.
Key authentication features include:
- Secure login sessions
- Password hashing using strong algorithms
- CSRF token validation for all unsafe HTTP methods
- Optional two-factor authentication (2FA)
Authentication logic is enforced centrally across Desk, REST APIs, and web routes.
How Are Passwords Stored in Frappe?
Passwords are never stored in plain text.
In Frappe v15:
- Passwords are hashed and salted
- Hashing is handled by the framework automatically
- Password strength rules can be enforced via system settings
This ensures user credentials remain protected even if database access is compromised.
How Does Permission Management Work?
Frappe uses a role-based permission system at the DocType level.
Permissions define:
- Who can read, write, create, submit, or delete records
- Field-level visibility and edit control
- User-specific and role-based access
This granular permission model prevents unauthorized data access.
Can Users Access Data They Don’t Have Permission For?
No. Frappe strictly enforces permission checks at multiple layers.
Security enforcement happens:
- At the database query level
- At the API layer
- At the UI (Desk) level
Even direct API calls cannot bypass permission checks in Frappe v15.
How Does Frappe Protect Against CSRF Attacks?
Frappe includes built-in CSRF protection for all unsafe HTTP requests.
Key points:
- CSRF tokens are generated per session
- POST, PUT, DELETE requests require a valid token
- Tokens are validated automatically by the framework
This prevents malicious cross-site request forgery attacks.
How Secure Are REST APIs in Frappe?
All REST API endpoints in Frappe v15 respect authentication and permission rules.
Security measures include:
- API key and secret-based authentication
- Role-based access enforcement
- CSRF checks (where applicable)
- Rate-limiting support
APIs are safe for integration when configured correctly.
How Does Frappe Handle File Security?
Files in Frappe are protected using permission-aware access control.
Key mechanisms:
- Private files are not publicly accessible
- File access is validated against user permissions
- Signed URLs are used when required
This ensures sensitive documents remain secure.
Is Data Encrypted in Frappe?
Frappe supports encryption for sensitive configuration data and backups.
Examples:
- Encrypted passwords for email accounts
- Encrypted database credentials
- Optional encrypted backups
Encryption is handled using secure cryptographic standards.
How Are User Activities Tracked?
Frappe maintains audit logs for critical user actions.
Tracked activities include:
- Login attempts
- Document changes
- Permission updates
- System configuration changes
This enables traceability and compliance.
Best Practices for Securing Frappe Applications
- Use strong password policies
- Enable two-factor authentication
- Assign minimal required permissions
- Regularly review user roles
- Keep Frappe updated to the latest v15 patch
These practices significantly reduce security risks.
Common Security Misconfigurations to Avoid
- Assigning System Manager role unnecessarily
- Making sensitive files public
- Using weak passwords
- Exposing API keys in client-side code
Avoiding these mistakes improves overall system security.
Industry Relevance
Frappe’s security architecture is suitable for:
- Manufacturing ERP systems
- Financial and accounting platforms
- Healthcare and compliance-driven industries
- SaaS and cloud-native applications
Target Audience Tags
- ERPNext Administrators
- Frappe Developers
- IT Security Teams
- System Architects
Official References (Verified)
Security FAQs (Official Docs):
https://docs.frappe.io/framework/user/en/security-faqs
Frappe GitHub Repository (v15):
