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Add section on security fixes, backports, backwards-incompatible fixes
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security/policy.rst

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@@ -142,6 +142,33 @@ Here's what to expect for how a vulnerability report will be handled:
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For more information about how the PSRT handles vulnerabilities,
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see :ref:`psrt-vulnerability-process`.
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When are security fixes released or backported?
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-----------------------------------------------
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Advisories and CVE records are published after a security fix is first merged.
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The CVE record contains information about the patch and will be kept up-to-date
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as the patch is backported and released to Python versions.
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According to :pep:`602`, Python versions receive five years of security updates
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after the new Python version is released. However, these security updates
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are not published according to a fixed schedule or as a result of any security
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fix being available. The schedule for security updates is determined by
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the Release Manager. Users are encouraged to apply patches themselves ahead
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of patches being merged and released if necessary.
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Security fixes that only affect binary installers (such as macOS and Windows)
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will not be published to Python release streams that are `source-only`_.
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Some security fixes may require introducing backwards-incompatible behavior
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changes. In these circumstances, the Python Steering Council
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will decide with the relevant Release Manager(s) whether to proceed
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with introducing a backwards incompatible change to fix a security vulnerability
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in a stable version. This may affect whether a security fix is backported
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to all Python versions or enabled by default, see the CVE record for
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more information.
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.. _source-only: https://devguide.python.org/developer-workflow/development-cycle/#security-branches
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Code of conduct
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---------------
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