🔐 AppML – AppML Security Guidelines: Best Practices for Safe Low-Code Apps

🧲 Introduction – Why Security Matters in AppML?

AppML empowers developers to build dynamic, data-driven apps using only HTML and JSON. But like any web technology, security is critical—especially when handling sensitive data, database operations, and API communication. Since AppML uses client-side templates and server-side scripts, it’s important to apply both frontend and backend security best practices.

🎯 In this tutorial, you’ll learn:

• Common security vulnerabilities in AppML apps
• How to secure models, data files, and controllers
• Best practices for input validation and SQL protection
• Role-based access control and secure hosting tips

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🔓 Common Security Vulnerabilities in AppML

Vulnerability	Description
❌ SQL Injection	Unsanitized input reaching the database
❌ Exposed Model Files	Model files containing DB schema are publicly accessible
❌ Lack of Input Validation	No field checking leads to invalid/malicious data
❌ Unrestricted Form Access	Anyone can insert, update, or delete data
❌ Weak Server-Side Scripts	Poorly written PHP/ASP handlers can be exploited

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🛡️ Best Practices – Server-Side Security in AppML

AppML apps often rely on server scripts (e.g., appml.php or appml.asp) to load, insert, update, or delete data. Here’s how to secure them:

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✅ 1. Sanitize and Validate Input

AppML uses models to define fields, but you must still validate input server-side.

if (!filter_var($appml->data["email"], FILTER_VALIDATE_EMAIL)) {
  die("Invalid email.");
}

🔍 Why?
This ensures that malicious input (like SQL commands or scripts) doesn’t reach your database.

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✅ 2. Protect Your Model Files

Never expose sensitive model files like DB passwords publicly.

Bad:

<div appml-model="dbmodel.json"></div>

Good:
Store models outside the public web root or dynamically generate them via PHP.

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✅ 3. Restrict Access to Admin Actions

Use session validation in your server scripts:

session_start();
if ($_SESSION['role'] !== 'admin') {
  die("Unauthorized access.");
}

🔍 Why?
Prevents unauthorized users from accessing or modifying protected data.

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✅ 4. Limit AppML Permissions in Models

You can limit model permissions like insert/update/delete:

{
  "table": "users",
  "allow": {
    "insert": false,
    "update": false,
    "delete": false
  }
}

🔍 Why?
Prevents accidental or unauthorized operations via exposed HTML.

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✅ 5. Use Parameterized Queries (AppML Default)

AppML automatically prepares parameterized queries in appml.php, reducing the risk of SQL injection. But you must never override AppML’s SQL execution manually without escaping input.

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🧰 Best Practices – Client-Side Security in AppML

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✅ 1. Use onvalidate() for Input Checks

myAppML.onvalidate = function() {
  if (myAppML.data.password.length < 8) {
    myAppML.message = "Password too short.";
    return false;
  }
  return true;
};

🔍 Why?
Prevents invalid or weak data before it reaches the server.

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✅ 2. Prevent Data Tampering

Use read-only views for sensitive information and never trust client-side changes without verifying server-side.

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✅ 3. Disable Developer Tools Access (Advanced)

Although not foolproof, minify your AppML controllers and HTML to prevent tampering.

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🔐 Security Configuration Tips

Item	Recommendation
🔒 HTTPS	Always host over HTTPS to protect data in transit
🔐 CORS Policy	Restrict origins to prevent API misuse
🔑 Authentication	Use sessions or tokens for access control
🔁 Rate Limiting	Prevent abuse by limiting form submissions
📁 Folder Permissions	Disallow write access to models/, controllers/, etc.
📜 Logs and Monitoring	Track activity for debugging and breach detection

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📌 Summary – Recap & Key Takeaways

AppML simplifies development—but you must secure your app on both client and server sides. Follow the best practices for models, controllers, data, and server scripts to protect your users and data.

🔍 Key Takeaways:

• Always validate and sanitize inputs on the server
• Restrict model operations like insert/update/delete
• Protect model files and avoid exposing sensitive config
• Use session-based access control
• Secure forms with both onvalidate and backend checks

⚙️ With these practices, AppML apps can be just as secure as traditional full-stack applications.

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❓ FAQs – AppML Security Explained

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❓ Can users manipulate AppML model files?
❌ Not if you store them securely or serve them dynamically via PHP.

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❓ Is AppML safe for public-facing forms?
✅ Yes, if you validate inputs and restrict operations in the model and backend.

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❓ Can I use AppML for login systems?
⚠️ Basic login systems are possible, but better secured with PHP sessions or tokens.

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❓ Does AppML support encrypted data fields?
❌ Not natively. You must encrypt/decrypt on the server before/after save.

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❓ How do I prevent SQL injection in AppML?
✅ AppML uses parameterized queries by default. Avoid raw SQL and always validate user input.

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