This document describes the current security implementation in Semiont and provides guidance for secure deployment and operation.

Semiont currently implements authentication using NextAuth.js with support for:

• Google OAuth: Secure authentication via Google Identity Platform (production environments)
• Development Mode: Simplified authentication for local development (NODE_ENV=development only)
• Session Management: JWT-based session handling with configurable expiration

The current implementation includes:

• Authenticated Sessions: All API endpoints require valid authentication tokens (except in development mode)
• JWT Token Validation: Bearer token authentication for API access with Zod-based payload validation
• User Identification: Each request includes user context for audit trails

Note: Fine-grained role-based access control (RBAC) is planned for future releases. Currently, all authenticated users have equal access to application features.

• Environment Variables: Sensitive configuration stored in environment variables
• HTTPS in Production: TLS encryption for all production traffic (when deployed behind a reverse proxy)
• Input Validation: Zod schemas for request/response validation
• SQL Injection Prevention: Parameterized queries via Prisma ORM (when using SQL databases)

• Local File Storage: Documents stored in configurable directory (SEMIONT_ROOT)
• Database: Support for multiple graph databases (Neo4j, JanusGraph, InMemory)
  • Connection strings should be kept secure
  • Use environment variables for database credentials

# Required environment variables (keep secure)
export NEXTAUTH_SECRET="<strong-random-string>"
export NEXTAUTH_URL="https://your-domain.com"
export GOOGLE_CLIENT_ID="<oauth-client-id>"
export GOOGLE_CLIENT_SECRET="<oauth-client-secret>"
export DATABASE_URL="<your-database-connection-string>"

1. Use HTTPS: Always deploy behind a reverse proxy with TLS termination
2. Set NODE_ENV: Ensure NODE_ENV=production to disable development shortcuts
3. Secure Secrets: Use a secrets management system for sensitive configuration
4. Network Security: Deploy backend services in private networks when possible
5. Regular Updates: Keep dependencies updated with security patches

1. OAuth Configuration: Configure OAuth providers with appropriate redirect URIs
2. Domain Restrictions: Limit OAuth to specific email domains if needed
3. Session Timeout: Configure appropriate session expiration times
4. API Keys: Rotate API keys and secrets regularly

• Monitor authentication failures
• Track API usage patterns
• Review error logs for security-related issues
• Set up alerts for suspicious activities

1. Backups: Implement regular backup procedures for data and configurations
2. File Permissions: Ensure proper file system permissions on SEMIONT_ROOT
3. Database Security: Follow database-specific security guidelines
4. Audit Trails: Retain logs for security analysis

The following security features are not yet implemented and are planned for future releases:

• Fine-grained role-based access control (RBAC)
• Resource-level permissions
• Automated vulnerability scanning
• End-to-end encryption for stored documents
• Multi-factor authentication (MFA) beyond OAuth provider support
• Comprehensive audit logging
• Data loss prevention (DLP) policies

• Basic role system (admin/user)
• Enhanced audit logging
• Full RBAC implementation
• Resource-level permissions
• Advanced threat detection

• Enterprise compliance features (SOC2, GDPR)
• Advanced security analytics
• Zero-trust architecture

If you discover a security vulnerability in Semiont:

1. Do not create a public GitHub issue
2. Email security details to the maintainers
3. Include:
   • Description of the vulnerability
   • Steps to reproduce
   • Potential impact
   • Suggested fixes (if any)

• Never commit secrets or credentials
• Use environment variables for configuration
• Follow secure coding practices
• Validate all user inputs
• Handle errors securely (don't leak sensitive info)
• Keep dependencies updated

Before deploying:

# Check for known vulnerabilities
npm audit

# Update dependencies
npm update

# Run security linters (if configured)
npm run lint

Semiont is an open-source project and is provided "as-is". Organizations deploying Semiont are responsible for:

• Implementing appropriate security controls for their use case
• Ensuring compliance with relevant regulations
• Performing security assessments
• Maintaining secure configurations

Last Updated: September 2025

For the latest security updates and patches, see the GitHub repository.