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How to add Permissions-Policy on Express / Node

Last updated · Reviewed by a CISSP-certified security practitioner

To add Permissions-Policy on Express / Node, set the header in app.js (helmet) with the value camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb…. Turns off browser features (camera, mic, geolocation) you don't use. Restart the Node process and curl -I your app. Then confirm it with curl -I or a free FixSecurityHeaders scan.

What does Permissions-Policy do?

Permissions-Policy disables powerful browser APIs for your page and any embedded iframes unless you explicitly allow them.

Risk if missing: Injected or third‑party scripts could request camera, microphone, geolocation or payment APIs.

What is the Express / Node configuration?

Add this to app.js (helmet):

app.js (helmet)
// npm i helmet
const helmet = require("helmet");

app.disable("x-powered-by");
app.use(helmet()); // sensible defaults

// Exact values recommended by FixSecurityHeaders:
app.use((req, res, next) => {
    res.setHeader("Permissions-Policy", "camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()");
  next();
});

How do I add it step by step?

  1. Open app.js (helmet).
  2. Paste the Permissions-Policy configuration shown below.
  3. Restart the Node process and curl -I your app.
  4. Run curl -I https://yourdomain.com and look for the permissions-policy line.
  5. Scan your site on FixSecurityHeaders to confirm the grade improved.

How do I verify it worked?

terminal
curl -sI https://yourdomain.com | grep -i "permissions-policy"
# expected:
# permissions-policy: camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()

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What are the common mistakes?

  • Allow features you actually use, e.g. payment=(self) for Payment Request checkouts.
  • Install with npm i helmet.
  • Call app.use(helmet(...)) before your routes.

Quick reference

HeaderPermissions-Policy
Recommended valuecamera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=()
StackExpress / Node
Whereapp.js (helmet)
ComplianceOWASP ASVS V14.4, SOC 2 CC6.8

FAQ

What value should I use for Permissions-Policy?

A safe default is camera=(), microphone=(), geolocation=(), payment=(), usb=(), interest-cohort=(). Allow features you actually use, e.g. payment=(self) for Payment Request checkouts.

Why isn't Permissions-Policy showing up on Express / Node?

Install with npm i helmet. Also clear any CDN or page cache, and check you edited the config that actually serves your domain.

Does Permissions-Policy affect SEO or performance?

No measurable performance cost — it's a few bytes per response. It doesn't affect rankings directly, but a misconfigured policy can break page resources, so test before enforcing.

Which compliance frameworks reference Permissions-Policy?

OWASP ASVS V14.4, SOC 2 CC6.8.

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