Security Policy & Ethics
Relevant source files
The following files were used as context for generating this wiki page:
OWASP Nettacker is designed as a modular framework for automated penetration testing and information gathering. Given its capabilities for network scanning, vulnerability detection, and credential testing, the project emphasizes a rigorous security policy and a clear ethical framework for its usage. This documentation outlines the protocols for vulnerability reporting, the expected behavior for contributors, and the legal disclaimers regarding the software's application.
Sources: README.md:28-36, README.md:42-47
Ethical Usage and Legal Disclaimer
The project leaders explicitly state that the software must be used in a responsible and ethical manner. Users are mandated to obtain explicit permission or consent from system owners or administrators before targeting any assets. The contributors and project maintainers disclaim responsibility for any illegal usage of the tool.
Usage Guidelines
- Authorized Testing Only: Only scan assets you are authorized to test.
- Prohibited Commits: Sensitive data such as API keys, databases, or scan results must never be committed to the repository.
- Credential Handling: The tool includes modules for credential brute-forcing, which must only be utilized within authorized scopes.
Sources: README.md:28-34, AGENTS.md:58-61
Vulnerability Disclosure Policy
The project maintains a structured process for handling security vulnerabilities discovered within the Nettacker framework itself. The policy applies to the latest stable release and the current master branch.
Reporting Process
Vulnerabilities are reported through two primary channels:
- GitHub Security Advisory: Creation of a private security advisory on the official repository.
- Maintainer Contact: Direct communication via the project team at
nettacker-project@owasp.orgor through the OWASP Slack workspace in the#project-nettackerchannel.
Vulnerability Handling Lifecycle
The following flowchart illustrates the internal process for addressing a reported security issue:
The triage is performed by Project Leaders to assess severity, followed by a collaborative timeline for addressing the issue.
Sources: SECURITY.md:1-41
Data Security and Sensitive Information
OWASP Nettacker incorporates specific mechanisms to prevent the accidental exposure of sensitive information during logging and runtime.
Sensitive Header Filtering
The framework maintains a list of sensitive HTTP header fields that are scrubbed or handled with care to prevent them from appearing in plaintext logs.
| Header Name | Context |
|---|---|
authorization | Credential/Token based access |
proxy-authorization | Proxy authentication data |
cookie | Session identifiers |
set-cookie | Session establishment |
x-api-key | API authentication |
x-csrf-token | Cross-Site Request Forgery protection |
Sources: nettacker/config.py:46-60
Database and Filesystem Security
Runtime data is strictly isolated to prevent exposure:
- Path Isolation: Data is stored in
.nettacker/data/(e.g.,nettacker.dband scan results), which is designated as runtime-only and excluded from version control. - API Security: The REST API generates a random 32-character
api_access_keyby default and supports IP whitelisting for restricted access.
Sources: nettacker/config.py:65-75, AGENTS.md:12-14
Contributor Code of Conduct
To maintain an open and welcoming environment, all contributors must adhere to the Contributor Covenant. This policy governs behavior within project spaces and public spaces when representing the project.
Standards of Behavior
| Positive Behavior | Unacceptable Behavior |
|---|---|
| Inclusive and welcoming language | Trolling and derogatory comments |
| Respecting differing viewpoints | Public or private harassment |
| Gracefully accepting criticism | Publishing private information (Doxing) |
| Focusing on community best interests | Sexualized language or imagery |
Enforcement and Responsibility
Project maintainers are responsible for clarifying standards and taking corrective action, which may include removing comments, rejecting code, or banning contributors who do not align with these standards.
Sources: CODE_OF_CONDUCT.md:1-46
Security Configuration Summary
The following table summarizes key security-related configurations found in the system:
| Configuration | Description | Default/Source |
|---|---|---|
api_client_whitelisted_ips | Restricts API access to specific IPs/CIDRs | Empty (Disabled) |
api_access_key | Token required for API authentication | Random 32-char token |
sensitive_headers | Set of headers excluded from detailed logging | Defined in config.py |
commit_signing | Requirement for all repository commits | Mandated in AGENTS.md |
Sources: nettacker/config.py:65-75, AGENTS.md:52-52
The security and ethics policy of OWASP Nettacker ensures that while the tool provides powerful scanning capabilities, its development and deployment occur within a framework of responsible disclosure, contributor safety, and legal compliance.