docs: define security support across stable and main

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -172,13 +172,14 @@ PicPeak runs on two long-lived branches:
 | Branch | Role | What targets it |
 |---|---|---|
 | **`main`** | Active development. The next release is being assembled here. | Feature PRs. Most bugfix PRs. |
-| **`stable`** | Curated release channel. Production-recommended. | Urgent bugfix backports only — small, surgical PRs that land cleanly without dragging in unrelated changes. |
+| **`stable`** | Curated release channel. Production-recommended. | Security fixes and regular bugfix backports, kept small and free of unrelated features. |
 
 ### Which branch should my PR target?
 
 - **New feature** → target `main`.
 - **Bugfix that ONLY affects active dev** → target `main`.
-- **Bugfix that current stable users need** → open a small PR against `main`, AND a separate small PR against `stable` with the same change. Keep both surgical so each lands cleanly.
+- **Bugfix that current stable users need** → target `main`; regular bug fixes are generally backported automatically to `stable`. Maintainers handle conflicts or create a separate focused backport PR when needed.
+- **Security vulnerability** → report privately using [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md). Security fixes are always released on both `stable` and `main`; coordinate any fix with the maintainers before opening a public PR.
 
 **Hard rule on PR scope**: bugfix PRs against `stable` must be small enough to backport without conflict. Omnibus PRs (e.g. five unrelated sub-features) are fine for `main`, but never for `stable` — they make the next `main → stable` merge painful and break the "stable is always shippable" invariant.
 
@@ -196,6 +197,6 @@ See [RELEASING.md](RELEASING.md) for the full operational doc (promotion criteri
 
 - Create an [issue](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/issues) for bugs or features
 - Join [discussions](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/discussions) for questions
-- Security issues: Open a [security issue](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/issues/new?labels=security) on GitHub
+- Security vulnerabilities: Follow the [security policy](SECURITY.md) and use [private vulnerability reporting](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/security/advisories/new)
 
-Thank you for contributing! 🎉
+Thank you for contributing! 🎉

RELEASING.md

@@ -68,13 +68,18 @@ The actual mechanics, in order:
 
 ## Hotfix path (backport to current stable)
 
-If a critical bug or security issue affects the current stable and `main` has moved too far for a full promotion to be appropriate, backport just the fix:
+Regular bug fixes are generally backported automatically from `main` to `stable`. Keep backports focused on the fix, without unrelated features, and resolve conflicts manually when needed.
+
+**Security fixes are always released on both `stable` and `main`.** Do not wait for a full promotion to deliver a security update. A fix first applied to `stable` must also be forward-ported to `main`; a fix first applied to `main` must also reach `stable`. See [SECURITY.md](SECURITY.md) for the support policy.
+
+When a backport needs manual handling:
 
 1. Create a `security/cve-backport-X.Y.Z` or `fix/critical-X.Y.Z` branch off `stable`.
 2. Cherry-pick or hand-write the minimal fix.
 3. Open a PR to `stable` with the smallest possible diff.
 4. After merge, release-please will propose a patch-level stable release (e.g. `v3.55.1`).
 5. **Forward-port the fix to `main`** if it isn't already there. Otherwise the next full promotion will reintroduce the bug.
+6. For security fixes, verify that the fix has been published through **both** release channels; merging the code is only part of delivery.
 
 PR #412 ("backport 18 dependency CVE patches from beta") is a worked example of this path (predates the rename; the mechanics are unchanged).
 

SECURITY.md

@@ -1,88 +1,81 @@
 # Security Policy
 
+## Scope
+
+This policy covers the PicPeak backend, frontend, all-in-one (AIO) image, optional
+ML component, and the Docker images published by the PicPeak project. Other
+PicPeak repositories define their own supported versions and release channels.
+
 ## Supported Versions
 
-We release patches for security vulnerabilities. Currently supported versions:
+Security support follows the current release channels:
 
-| Version | Supported          |
-| ------- | ------------------ |
-| 2.x.x   | :white_check_mark: |
-| < 2.0   | :x:                |
+| Version or channel | Security support |
+| --- | --- |
+| Latest stable release from `stable` | Supported; security fixes are published through this channel |
+| Latest beta release from `main` | Supported; security fixes are published through this channel |
+| Superseded stable or beta releases | Upgrade to the latest release in the same channel; older releases are not maintained separately |
+| 2.x and earlier | No longer supported |
+
+See the [latest stable release](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/releases/latest)
+and [all releases, including betas](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/releases).
+Version numbers differ between channels; each channel receives its own updates.
+
+### Security fixes and bug backports
+
+**Security fixes are always released on both `stable` and `main`.** A fix that
+lands on one branch must also reach the other branch and be published through
+both release channels. Security updates do not wait for the next full
+`main`-to-`stable` promotion.
+
+Regular bug fixes are also generally backported automatically to `stable`.
+Backports remain focused on the fix, without pulling in unrelated features.
+Maintainers resolve conflicts or handle a backport manually when necessary.
+
+The [release process](RELEASING.md) describes backports, forward-ports and
+publication. Operators must apply the published updates to their installations.
 
 ## Reporting a Vulnerability
 
-We take the security of PicPeak seriously. If you have discovered a security vulnerability, please follow these steps:
+**Do not report vulnerabilities in public issues, discussions or pull requests.**
 
-### 1. **Do NOT create a public GitHub issue**
+Report privately through:
 
-### 2. Report the vulnerability privately by:
-- **Preferred:** Use [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/security/advisories/new)
-- **Alternative:** Email us at **info@picpeak.app** with the details
-- Include:
-  - Description of the vulnerability
-  - Steps to reproduce
-  - Potential impact
-  - Suggested fix (if any)
+- [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/security/advisories/new) (preferred).
+- Email **info@picpeak.app** if you cannot use GitHub's private reporting form.
 
-### 3. You can expect:
-- Acknowledgment within 48 hours
-- Regular updates on our progress
-- Credit in the fix announcement (unless you prefer to remain anonymous)
+Include the affected component, version or image tag, deployment method,
+reproduction steps, expected impact and any suggested fix. Share only the
+information needed to reproduce the problem; remove credentials and personal
+data from logs or examples.
 
-## Security Measures
+We aim to acknowledge reports within 48 hours. This is a response target, not a
+guaranteed service level or a promised resolution time. We will provide progress
+updates and coordinate disclosure with the reporter. Reporter credit is optional;
+tell us if you prefer to remain anonymous.
 
-PicPeak implements several security measures:
+## Deployment Security
 
-### Authentication & Authorization
-- JWT-based authentication with secure token storage
-- bcrypt password hashing with configurable rounds
-- Role-based access control for admin functions
-- Session timeout management
+Security depends on both the software and its configuration. Operators should:
 
-### Input Validation
-- All user inputs are validated and sanitized
-- SQL injection prevention through parameterized queries
-- XSS protection via Content Security Policy
-- File upload restrictions and validation
+- Use HTTPS and configure the reverse proxy and trusted proxy settings correctly.
+- Use strong credentials and keep deployment secrets private.
+- Apply updates for the chosen release channel and restrict unnecessary network access.
+- Keep backups and verify that they can be restored.
 
-### Rate Limiting
-- API rate limiting to prevent abuse
-- Brute force protection on authentication endpoints
-- Configurable limits per endpoint
-
-### Data Protection
-- HTTPS enforcement in production
-- Secure cookie settings
-- CORS configuration
-- Sensitive data encryption
-
-### Infrastructure
-- Regular dependency updates
-- Security headers (HSTS, X-Frame-Options, etc.)
-- Activity logging for audit trails
-- Automated backups
-
-## Best Practices for Deployment
-
-1. **Always use HTTPS** in production
-2. **Change default passwords** immediately
-3. **Keep dependencies updated** regularly
-4. **Configure firewall rules** appropriately
-5. **Monitor logs** for suspicious activity
-6. **Backup regularly** and test restoration
+See the deployment guides for [HTTPS](https://docs.picpeak.app/deployment/ssl-certificates),
+[reverse proxies](https://docs.picpeak.app/deployment/reverse-proxy),
+[security settings](https://docs.picpeak.app/guides/admin-settings/security)
+and [backup and restore](https://docs.picpeak.app/guides/backup-restore).
 
 ## Vulnerability Disclosure
 
-We believe in responsible disclosure. Once a vulnerability is fixed:
+We coordinate disclosure with the reporter while preparing fixes. Security fixes
+are published through both supported channels. Advisories and release notes
+identify affected versions, the fixed version in each channel, the impact and
+any required mitigation or upgrade steps. Reporter credit is included with
+permission.
 
-1. We'll publish a security advisory
-2. Credit researchers (with permission)
-3. Detail the impact and mitigation steps
-4. Release patches for all supported versions
-
-## Contact
-
-- Security issues: Email **info@picpeak.app** or use [GitHub Private Vulnerability Reporting](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/security/advisories/new)
-- General support: [GitHub Issues](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/issues)
-
-Thank you for helping keep PicPeak and its users safe!
+For ordinary bugs and support requests, use
+[GitHub Issues](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/issues) or
+[GitHub Discussions](https://github.com/PicPeak/picpeak/discussions).