Methods and apparatuses for using secrets and a secrets framework are described. In some embodiments, the method comprises executing, by a computing system, application code that includes a reference to a secret value inaccessible to the application code, the reference being in the form of a handle that contains the secret value, including passing the handle to injector code; and executing the injector code, including accepting the handle; obtaining the secret value from the handle; and using the secret value in an operation on behalf of the application code.