Fix guide · critical · replicate_token

Replicate API key in your client bundle

What this rule means

A string matching r8_* was found in your deployed JavaScript.

Why it matters

Anyone can run inferences on your account. Replicate billing is per-prediction; abuse gets expensive fast. Automated scrapers harvest these keys from public bundles within hours; assume the key is compromised the moment it shipped.

How to fix it

  1. Revoke the key immediately at https://replicate.com/account/api-tokens.
  2. Move the new key to server-only env vars. Never use a name with the NEXT_PUBLIC_, VITE_, or PUBLIC_ prefix.
  3. Pattern your calls as client → your API → Replicate. Never client → Replicate directly.
  4. Set a spend or rate limit in the Replicate console as a safety net.
  5. Add a CI gate to fail any future deploy that includes the key pattern: vibecheck https://your-deploy.com --exit-on critical.

Did vibecheck flag this on your app?

If you reached this page from a vibecheck inspection report, the redacted match in your scan output is the exact string we found in your bundle. After applying the fix above, run the inspection again — the finding should clear.

Run another inspection