Vulnerability Disclosure Policy Template

This Vulnerability Disclosure Policy (“Policy”) is published by [Organization Name] on [Date] to provide clear guidelines for reporting potential security vulnerabilities.

1. Purpose

The purpose of this Policy is to establish a safe and structured process for reporting security vulnerabilities to [Organization Name] in good faith, enabling timely remediation and protection of users.

2. Scope

This Policy applies to the following:

• [List of in-scope systems, applications, or services].

• Exclusions: [List out-of-scope systems, third-party services, or prohibited areas].

3. Reporting a Vulnerability

Reports should be submitted to: [Email/Security Contact/Submission Portal].
A valid report should include:

• Description of the vulnerability.

• Steps to reproduce.

• Affected systems and potential impact.

• Proof of concept, if applicable.

4. Guidelines for Researchers

Researchers are expected to:

• Conduct testing without disrupting services or accessing customer data.

• Avoid activities such as social engineering, denial-of-service attacks, or physical intrusion.

• Provide adequate detail to reproduce the vulnerability.

5. Safe Harbor Commitment

[Organization Name] will not pursue legal action against researchers who act in good faith and comply with this Policy. Unauthorized access to personal data, intellectual property theft, or malicious exploitation is strictly prohibited.

6. Response Process

• Acknowledgment of report within [X business days].

• Assessment and prioritization of reported issue.

• Status updates provided to researcher.

• Resolution and disclosure once the vulnerability is remediated.

7. Recognition (Optional)

Researchers who submit valid reports may be recognized through:

• Public acknowledgment.

• Swag, bounty payments, or other rewards (if applicable).

8. Confidentiality

Reports and communications shall remain confidential until remediation is complete and public disclosure is coordinated.

9. Governing Law

This Policy shall be governed by the laws of [State/Country].

Approval

Published by: ____________________________ Date: _________
Name/Title: ____________________________________________