This policy applies to all public projects under the robotcodedev/robotcode repository, including the Python packages on PyPI, the VS Code extension, and the JetBrains plugin.
Reporting a Vulnerability
Please do not open public issues for security problems.
Preferred Reporting Methods
Primary: Use GitHub's Private Vulnerability Reporting on this repository:
- Go to the repository's Security tab → Report a vulnerability
- Creates a private, secure thread with the maintainers
- Automatically tracks communication and resolution
Alternative: Email security@robotcode.io
- This address is actively monitored by the maintainer team
- PGP encryption available upon request (key ID: 99B8D6B0)
- If this address is unavailable, contact the maintainer via the email listed in the latest release notes
When reporting, please include:
- Component: Affected component (Language Server, Debug Adapter, CLI, VS Code extension, JetBrains plugin, specific PyPI package and version)
- Description: Clear description of the vulnerability and attack vector
- Impact: Potential impact and your severity assessment (CVSS score welcome)
- Reproduction: Steps to reproduce, proof of concept, or minimal repro project
- Environment: OS, Python/Robot Framework versions, editor/IDE version
- Mitigations: Any known workarounds or temporary fixes
We also accept supply-chain reports (malicious dependencies, typosquats, unsafe defaults) affecting RobotCode.
- Triage acknowledgement: within 3 business days
- Initial assessment: within 7 days we'll confirm scope, assign severity (CVSS score), and provide timeline for resolution
- Regular updates: every 14 days on progress for confirmed vulnerabilities
- Fix target: within 90 days for high/critical issues, next regular release for medium/low severity issues
Critical Vulnerability Fast-Track
For critical vulnerabilities (CVSS 9.0+, active exploitation, or RCE):
- Acknowledgement: within 24 hours
- Assessment: within 48 hours
- Emergency release: within 14 days when feasible
- Standard disclosure timeline: 90 days after fix release, or by mutual agreement
- We'll coordinate with you on public disclosure timing
- Please do not disclose details publicly until we publish an advisory/release with a fix
- We may request extended timeline for complex fixes requiring upstream coordination
We use CVSS v4.0 (v3.1 also accepted) with the following guidelines:
| Severity |
CVSS Score |
Examples |
| Critical |
9.0-10.0 |
Remote Code Execution, Privilege Escalation without user interaction |
| High |
7.0-8.9 |
RCE requiring user interaction, Authentication bypass, Sensitive data exposure |
| Medium |
4.0-6.9 |
Local privilege escalation, Limited information disclosure, DoS |
| Low |
0.1-3.9 |
Minor information leakage, UI spoofing |
- RobotCode Python packages and modules (language server, debug adapter, CLI)
- RobotCode VS Code extension
- RobotCode JetBrains plugin
- Documentation site content that could cause vulnerabilities in above components
- Supply chain issues (malicious dependencies, typosquatting)
- Configuration defaults that create security risks
- Robot Framework core and standard libraries (report to Robot Framework project)
- Third-party dependencies unless there's a vulnerable usage pattern within RobotCode
- Issues requiring unrealistic attack scenarios (e.g., running arbitrary untrusted Robot tests in production without sandboxing)
- Social engineering attacks against project maintainers
- Physical access scenarios
RobotCode Versions:
- Latest stable release of all RobotCode packages/extensions receives full security support
- Previous major version may receive critical security backports at maintainer discretion
- Older versions are out of security support
Dependencies & Requirements:
- Minimum requirements: Python 3.10+ and Robot Framework 5.0+
- Dependency security: Python and Robot Framework have their own security policies and support lifecycles
- Out of scope: Security issues in Python/Robot Framework should be reported to their respective projects
- Compatibility: We may drop support for end-of-life Python/Robot Framework versions without prior notice
Current releases: GitHub Releases
CVE Assignment & Advisories
- We assess severity using CVSS v4.0 (Base score + Threat/Environmental when applicable)
- CVEs will be requested for vulnerabilities with CVSS ≥ 7.0 or significant user impact
- GitHub Security Advisories will be published describing impact, affected versions, and remediation
- All advisories include the CVSS vector and detailed mitigation steps
Recognition & Responsible Disclosure
Unless you request otherwise, we will:
- Credit reporters by name or handle in security advisories
- Mention contributors in release notes
Responsible Disclosure Incentives
While we don't offer monetary rewards, we provide:
- Public recognition and attribution
- Direct communication channel with maintainers for future research
- Conference speaking opportunity referrals when appropriate
✅ Encouraged:
- Testing in isolated environments
- Responsible proof-of-concept development
- Coordinating with our team before public research
❌ Prohibited:
- Data destruction, exfiltration, or privacy violations
- Testing against production systems of other users
- Spam, DoS, or aggressive automated scanning
- Social engineering attempts against maintainers or users
Security Hardening for Users
- Workspace Trust: Only open trusted workspaces; Language Server features can execute project code
- Virtual Environments: Use isolated Python environments for Robot Framework projects
- Dependency Management: Pin dependency versions and regularly audit for known vulnerabilities
- Code Review: Treat Robot Framework test suites as code - review before execution
- Sandboxing: Run untrusted tests in containerized or sandboxed environments
- Access Control: Limit file system access for automated test execution
- Keep Python, Robot Framework, and RobotCode extensions up to date
- Subscribe to GitHub security advisories for notifications
- Monitor release notes for security-related changes
This security policy is subject to change. Current version available at: https://github.com/robotcodedev/robotcode/security/policy
By participating in our security research program, you agree to:
- Follow responsible disclosure practices
- Comply with applicable laws and regulations
- Respect user privacy and data protection requirements
Thank you for helping keep RobotCode and its users secure!
Last updated: 2025-08-20
Version: 1.0