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KoalaSync/SECURITY.md
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Koala 47ead27344 docs: improve CONTRIBUTING.md and SECURITY.md readability
- CONTRIBUTING: add ways to contribute table, project structure, setup guide
- CONTRIBUTING: add website testing, translation guide, bug report template
- SECURITY: add scope/out-of-scope, architecture overview, threat model
- SECURITY: structured reporting timeline, responsible disclosure policy
2026-06-01 03:21:59 +02:00

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Security Policy

KoalaSync is built on a zero-persistence, privacy-first architecture. We take security seriously and appreciate responsible disclosure of vulnerabilities.


Supported Versions

Only the latest stable release receives security patches.

Version Supported
Latest release Active
Older versions Unsupported

Users on older versions are encouraged to update. The server enforces a minimum client version via MIN_VERSION.


Scope

The following components are within scope for security reports:

Component Examples
Relay Server (server/) Authentication bypass, rate-limit evasion, room hijacking, DoS vectors
Browser Extension (extension/) XSS via content scripts, privilege escalation, data exfiltration, tab snooping
WebSocket Protocol Message injection, replay attacks, man-in-the-middle (WSS bypass)
Website (website/) XSS, CSP bypass, invitation-hash leaks

Out of Scope

  • Theoretical attacks requiring physical device access
  • Social engineering or phishing
  • Denial of service via resource exhaustion on self-hosted instances
  • Vulnerabilities in third-party browser extensions or websites

Reporting a Vulnerability

Caution

Do NOT open a public GitHub issue for security vulnerabilities. Public disclosure before a patch is available puts users at risk.

Instead, email the project maintainer privately:

koalasync_admin@koalamail.rocks

Encrypt sensitive findings with our PGP key (available on request).

What to Include

  • Affected component: Server / Extension / Website / Protocol
  • Steps to reproduce: Clear, minimal steps to trigger the vulnerability
  • Impact: What an attacker could achieve (data access, privilege escalation, etc.)
  • Environment: Browser version, extension version, server configuration
  • Suggested fix (optional): If you have ideas for a patch

What to Expect

Timeline Action
Within 48 hours Acknowledgment of your report
Within 7 days Initial assessment and severity confirmation
As needed Collaborative discussion for clarification
After patch Notification that the fix is deployed
After rollout Public acknowledgment in release notes (or anonymity if preferred)

Architecture & Threat Model

KoalaSync's security is grounded in its architecture:

  • RAM-only relay: No database, no persistent logs. All session data evaporates on disconnect.
  • bcrypt room passwords: Plaintext passwords never stored. Brute-force protection: 5 attempts → 15-minute IP lockout.
  • Rate limiting: Connection rate (IP-based, 60s window) and event rate (per-socket, 10s window).
  • URL-hash credential isolation: Invitation credentials live in the URL fragment (#join:...) — never sent to the web server.
  • Strict CSP: default-src 'self'; script-src 'self'; object-src 'none'; base-uri 'none'.
  • No third-party requests: Zero CDNs, fonts, analytics, or external scripts.

If you find a way to bypass any of these protections, we want to know about it.


Responsible Disclosure

We follow the principle of coordinated vulnerability disclosure:

  1. You report privately.
  2. We investigate and develop a patch.
  3. We deploy to the Chrome Web Store, Firefox Add-ons, and Docker registry.
  4. We credit you publicly (unless you prefer to remain anonymous).

We do not pursue legal action against researchers who act in good faith and follow this disclosure process.