# Security Policy

Updated November 2024

This security policy outlines the procedures for handling security vulnerabilities and maintaining the security of the software following OWASP security principles.

### 1. SUPPORTED VERSIONS <a href="#id-1-supported-versions" id="id-1-supported-versions"></a>

Below are the versions of the software currently receiving security updates:

| Version | Support Status | End of Support |
| ------- | -------------- | -------------- |
| 2025.1  | Full Support   | Current        |

Future versions will be announced with their respective support periods. Legacy versions will be listed here when available.

### 2. SECURITY COVERAGE <a href="#id-2-security-coverage" id="id-2-security-coverage"></a>

Security support is provided for:

* All unmodified components within the Packages Directory
* Core APIs and interfaces as documented
* Authentication and authorization systems
* Data handling routines in unmodified code

Limited or no security coverage is available for:

* Modified components in the Packages Directory
* Custom code outside the Packages Directory
* Third-party integrations
* Custom deployment configurations

### 3. REPORTING A VULNERABILITY <a href="#id-3-reporting-a-vulnerability" id="id-3-reporting-a-vulnerability"></a>

We take all security vulnerabilities seriously. Please follow these steps to report a security issue:

* DO NOT report security vulnerabilities through public GitHub issues
* Email <security@novel.dev> with detailed information
* Include the following information in your report:
  * Type of vulnerability
  * Full path to source file(s)
  * Step-by-step reproduction instructions
  * Impact of the vulnerability
  * Suggested fix (if available)

### 4. DISCLOSURE POLICY <a href="#id-4-disclosure-policy" id="id-4-disclosure-policy"></a>

Our disclosure process follows these principles:

* Reporter receives confirmation within 48 hours
* Issue is verified and assessed within 7 days
* Fix development begins for verified issues
* Security advisory is published once patch is ready
* Public disclosure after customers have update window

### 5. SECURITY UPDATE PROCESS <a href="#id-5-security-update-process" id="id-5-security-update-process"></a>

Security updates follow OWASP risk assessment methodology:

* Critical vulnerabilities: 24-48 hour response
* High severity: 1 week response
* Medium severity: 2 week response
* Low severity: Next scheduled release

### 6. OWASP SECURITY PRINCIPLES <a href="#id-6-owasp-security-principles" id="id-6-owasp-security-principles"></a>

Our security implementation follows OWASP principles:

* Defense in Depth
* Principle of Least Privilege
* Secure by Default
* Fail Securely
* Security Through Design
* Input Validation and Output Encoding
* Keep Security Simple (KISS)

### 7. SECURITY FEATURES <a href="#id-7-security-features" id="id-7-security-features"></a>

The software implements OWASP recommended security controls:

* Strong Authentication System
* Role-based Access Control (RBAC)
* API Rate Limiting
* Comprehensive Input Validation
* XSS Protection
* CSRF Protection
* SQL Injection Prevention
* Security Headers
* Audit Logging
* Secure Session Management

### 8. SECURITY BEST PRACTICES <a href="#id-8-security-best-practices" id="id-8-security-best-practices"></a>

We recommend following these OWASP-aligned practices:

* Regular dependency updates
* Security feature enablement as documented
* Environment variable usage for sensitive data
* Rate limiting implementation
* Audit logging enablement
* Security scanning integration
* Access control implementation
* Secure communication protocols

### 9. INCIDENT RESPONSE <a href="#id-9-incident-response" id="id-9-incident-response"></a>

In case of a security incident:

* Isolate affected systems
* Report to <security@novel.dev>
* Preserve logs and evidence
* Wait for response team instructions
* Document all actions taken

### 10. SECURITY MONITORING <a href="#id-10-security-monitoring" id="id-10-security-monitoring"></a>

We recommend implementing:

* System activity monitoring
* Error and access log monitoring
* Failed authentication monitoring
* API usage monitoring
* Database access monitoring

### 11. SECURITY ASSESSMENTS <a href="#id-11-security-assessments" id="id-11-security-assessments"></a>

We conduct annual security assessments including:

* Third-party penetration testing
* Professional security code audit
* Automated security scanning
* Dependency vulnerability monitoring
* Architecture security reviews

Results of these assessments inform our security roadmap and improvements. Details about our latest security audit can be requested by verified customers.

### 12. MODIFICATION OF POLICY <a href="#id-12-modification-of-policy" id="id-12-modification-of-policy"></a>

This security policy may be updated from time to time. Check the version number and modification date to ensure you have the latest version.

For any questions regarding this security policy, please contact: <security@novel.dev>


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