Next.js is a React-based web framework for building server-rendered, static, and hybrid web applications. It adds routing, data loading, server-side rendering, and build tooling on top of React, which makes it popular for production sites that need speed and flexibility.
In cyber security, Next.js matters because it often sits directly on the internet and can expose application logic, APIs, authentication flows, and server components. A flaw in a Next.js app, plugin, or dependency can become a full web application compromise, not just a front-end bug. Attackers may use it for credential theft, session hijacking, data extraction, or to install proxies and other persistence mechanisms. Defenders should treat Next.js deployments like other exposed application servers: patch promptly, review logs for unusual requests and authentication activity, monitor outbound connections, and harden build and deployment pipelines. Because many Next.js sites share similar patterns, automated scanning and exploitation can scale very quickly.