In the dynamic and rapidly evolving landscape of software development, ensuring the security of libraries and frameworks is paramount. The BEAM ecosystem, which includes Erlang, Elixir, Gleam and LFE among others, is renowned for its robustness, scalability, and fault-tolerance. However, like any other technology stack, it is not immune to security vulnerabilities. As library authors play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity and security of the BEAM ecosystem, it becomes imperative to establish clear guidelines for disclosing and addressing security vulnerabilities.

This document serves as a comprehensive guide for library authors within the BEAM community, outlining the processes and best practices for handling security vulnerabilities effectively. By following these guidelines, library authors can contribute to enhancing the overall security posture of the BEAM ecosystem while fostering transparency and collaboration among developers, security researchers, and end-users.

The objectives of this document are threefold:

  • Clarifying Responsibilities: Library authors need to understand their responsibilities concerning the discovery, disclosure, and mitigation of security vulnerabilities in their codebases. Clear delineation of roles and expectations ensures a coordinated and timely response to security incidents.
  • Establishing Reporting Mechanisms: Effective communication channels are vital for reporting security vulnerabilities. This document outlines the preferred methods and contacts for reporting security issues, facilitating prompt assessment and remediation.
  • Implementing Remediation Procedures: Upon receiving reports of security vulnerabilities, library authors must follow structured procedures for triaging, validating, and addressing the reported issues. Timely patches or updates should be developed and communicated to users to mitigate potential risks.

By adhering to these guidelines, library authors can demonstrate their commitment to maintaining a secure and resilient BEAM ecosystem, earning the trust and confidence of their users and stakeholders. Together, we can create a safer environment for building and deploying applications, safeguarding critical systems and sensitive data against emerging threats.

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The Erlang Ecosystem Foundation operates a CVE Numbering Authority (CNA) for the BEAM ecosystem. The EEF CNA can assist in coordinating and disclosing vulnerabilities, including assigning CVE identifiers for most Hex.pm packages. Before requesting a CVE, check the CNA scope to verify coverage. For reporting channels and assistance, see the CNA contact page.

To report mistakes or suggest additional content, please open an issue or create a pull request in the GitHub repository.

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