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openclaw/docs/security/CONTRIBUTING-THREAT-MODEL.md
Peter Steinberger f7d7148cf0 docs: rewrite published docs grounded in current source (#100142)
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Closes #100141
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---
summary: "How to contribute to the OpenClaw threat model"
title: "Contributing to the threat model"
read_when:
- You want to contribute security findings or threat scenarios
- Reviewing or updating the threat model
---
The [threat model](/security/THREAT-MODEL-ATLAS) is a living document. Contributions are welcome from anyone; you do not need security or MITRE ATLAS background.
<Note>
This is for adding to the threat model, not reporting live vulnerabilities. If you found an exploitable vulnerability, follow the responsible-disclosure instructions on the [Trust page](https://trust.openclaw.ai) instead.
</Note>
## Ways to contribute
**Add a threat.** Open an issue on [openclaw/trust](https://github.com/openclaw/trust/issues) describing the attack scenario in your own words. Helpful but not required:
- The attack scenario and how it could be exploited.
- Which components are affected (CLI, gateway, channels, ClawHub, MCP servers, etc.).
- Your estimate of severity (low / medium / high / critical).
- Links to related research, CVEs, or real-world examples.
Maintainers assign the ATLAS mapping, threat ID, and risk level during review.
**Suggest a mitigation.** Open an issue or PR referencing the threat. Be specific and actionable: "per-sender rate limiting of 10 messages/minute at the gateway" is more useful than "implement rate limiting."
**Propose an attack chain.** Attack chains show how multiple threats combine into a realistic scenario. Describe the steps and how an attacker would chain them; a short narrative beats a formal template.
**Fix or improve existing content.** Typos, clarifications, outdated info, better examples: PRs welcome, no issue needed.
## Framework reference
Threats are mapped to [MITRE ATLAS](https://atlas.mitre.org/) (Adversarial Threat Landscape for AI Systems), a framework for AI/ML-specific threats like prompt injection, tool misuse, and agent exploitation. You do not need to know ATLAS to contribute; maintainers map submissions during review.
**Threat IDs.** Each threat gets an ID like `T-EXEC-003`, assigned by maintainers during review.
| Code | Category |
| ------- | ------------------------------------------ |
| RECON | Reconnaissance - information gathering |
| ACCESS | Initial access - gaining entry |
| EXEC | Execution - running malicious actions |
| PERSIST | Persistence - maintaining access |
| EVADE | Defense evasion - avoiding detection |
| DISC | Discovery - learning about the environment |
| EXFIL | Exfiltration - stealing data |
| IMPACT | Impact - damage or disruption |
**Risk levels.** If you are unsure about the level, just describe the impact; maintainers assess it.
| Level | Meaning |
| ------------ | ----------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Critical** | Full system compromise, or high likelihood + critical impact |
| **High** | Significant damage likely, or medium likelihood + critical impact |
| **Medium** | Moderate risk, or low likelihood + high impact |
| **Low** | Unlikely and limited impact |
## Review process
1. **Triage** - new submissions are reviewed within 48 hours.
2. **Assessment** - maintainers verify feasibility, assign ATLAS mapping and threat ID, validate risk level.
3. **Documentation** - formatting and completeness pass.
4. **Merge** - added to the threat model and visualization.
## Resources
- [ATLAS website](https://atlas.mitre.org/)
- [ATLAS techniques](https://atlas.mitre.org/techniques/)
- [ATLAS case studies](https://atlas.mitre.org/studies/)
## Contact
- **Security vulnerabilities:** [Trust page](https://trust.openclaw.ai) for reporting instructions, or `security@openclaw.ai`.
- **Threat model questions:** open an issue on [openclaw/trust](https://github.com/openclaw/trust/issues).
- **General chat:** Discord `#security` channel.
## Recognition
Contributors to the threat model are recognized in the threat model acknowledgments, release notes, and the OpenClaw security hall of fame for significant contributions.
## Related
- [Threat model](/security/THREAT-MODEL-ATLAS)
- [Incident response](/security/incident-response)
- [Formal verification](/security/formal-verification)