**Type**: Evaluative **Executor**: LLM **Knowledge**: Security Principles (ZT, SOD, LP), security-design.yaml ---
Scanned 5/31/2026
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openskills install tools-only/X-Skills<!-- Threat Modeling Skill | Version 3.0.3 (20260209a) | https://github.com/fr33d3m0n/threat-modeling | License: BSD-3-Clause -->
# Phase 3: Trust Boundary Evaluation
**Type**: Evaluative
**Executor**: LLM
**Knowledge**: Security Principles (ZT, SOD, LP), security-design.yaml
---
## ⚠️ MANDATORY: 4-Phase Gating Protocol (BLOCKING)
> **CRITICAL**: You MUST complete the following four stages in sequence and **output the result of each stage**. Skipping any stage will degrade analysis quality!
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
### 🧠 THINKING - Phase 3 Entry Gate
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
**Purpose**: Identify trust boundaries based on P2 DFD, evaluate cross-boundary security posture.
**⚠️ You MUST output THINKING results in the following format:**
```
🧠 THINKING - P3 Entry Gate
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
📌 CORE PROBLEM
Identify all trust boundaries, evaluate security controls for cross-boundary flows
📊 UPSTREAM DATA (Read from P2 YAML)
| Metric | Value | Source |
|--------|-------|--------|
| P2 External Interactor Count | {actual_value} | P2_dfd_elements.yaml → dfd_elements.external_interactors length |
| P2 Process Count | {actual_value} | P2_dfd_elements.yaml → dfd_elements.processes length |
| P2 Data Store Count | {actual_value} | P2_dfd_elements.yaml → dfd_elements.data_stores length |
| P2 Data Flow Count | {actual_value} | P2_dfd_elements.yaml → dfd_elements.data_flows length |
| L1 Coverage Score | {actual_value} | P2_dfd_elements.yaml → l1_coverage.overall.overall_score |
❓ UNKNOWNS
- Trust boundary type distribution (Network/Process/User/Data/Service/Model/Agent)
- Security controls for cross-boundary flows
- Sensitive data node locations
⚠️ RISKS
- DFD elements not fully mapped to boundary zones
- Cross-boundary flows missing security control records
- Boundary diagram missing critical crossing points
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
⛔ STOP CHECK
- P2 YAML read? [YES/NO]
- Upstream data complete (all DFD element counts have values)? [YES/NO]
- Ready to continue PLANNING? [YES/NO]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
```
⛔ **STOP CONDITION**: If any STOP CHECK = NO → Read P2 data first before continuing
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
### 📋 PLANNING - Sub-task Decomposition
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
**Step 1: Read Upstream Data** (BLOCKING - MUST execute)
```bash
# Read P2 YAML data
python scripts/phase_data.py --query --phase 2 --summary --root .
python scripts/phase_data.py --query --phase 2 --type dfd --root .
# Or read directly
cat .phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P2_dfd_elements.yaml
```
⛔ If P2 YAML does not exist or is invalid → STOP and return to complete P2
**Step 2: Output Sub-task Table** (MANDATORY)
**⚠️ You MUST output PLANNING results in the following format:**
```
📋 PLANNING - P3 Sub-tasks
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
| # | Sub-task | Expected Output |
|---|----------|-----------------|
| T1 | Read P2 DFD data, extract element inventory | Data structure |
| T2 | Identify trust boundaries (TB-xxx), determine types | Boundary inventory |
| T3 | Analyze cross-boundary data flows | Cross-boundary flow mapping |
| T4 | Evaluate interface security (authn/authz/encryption) | Security control assessment |
| T5 | Map sensitive data nodes | Sensitive data markers |
| T6 | Generate boundary diagram (ASCII + Mermaid) | Visual diagrams |
| T7 | Write final output | P3_boundary_context.yaml + MD |
⛔ PLANNING CHECK
- Sub-tasks decomposed? [YES/NO]
- Ready to execute TaskCreate? [YES/NO]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
```
**Step 3: TaskCreate for ALL sub-tasks** (MANDATORY)
⚠️ Before starting any implementation, you MUST execute `TaskCreate` to create all sub-tasks!
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
### ⚡ EXECUTION LOOP
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
For each sub-task:
1. `TaskUpdate(status: "in_progress")`
2. Implement sub-task
3. Verify: Does output match expectations?
4. If verification passes: `TaskUpdate(status: "completed")` → Next sub-task
5. If verification fails: Diagnose → Fix → Retry (max 3x) → If still failing: CHECKPOINT to request user decision
**Output Order** (CRITICAL):
1. **Write YAML first**: `.phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P3_boundary_context.yaml`
2. **Write MD second**: `.phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/reports/P3-TRUST-BOUNDARY.md`
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
### 🔍 REFLECTION - Completion Verification
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
**⚠️ After completing EXECUTION, you MUST output REFLECTION results in the following format:**
```
🔍 REFLECTION - P3 Completion Check
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
| Check Item | Status |
|------------|--------|
| P2 YAML data read and understood? | [✅/❌] |
| P3_boundary_context.yaml exists and valid? | [✅/❌] |
| All TB-xxx boundaries identified and classified? | [✅/❌] |
| All DFD elements mapped to boundary zones? | [✅/❌] |
| All cross-boundary flows have security control records? | [✅/❌] |
| Boundary diagram (ASCII) included? | [✅/❌] |
| boundary_findings exists (even if empty)? | [✅/❌] |
| Hook validation passed (exit 0)? | [✅/❌] |
⛔ COMPLETION GATE
- All checks passed? [YES/NO]
- Ready to enter P4? [YES/NO]
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
```
⛔ If any check fails → Fix and re-verify until all pass
---
## ⚠️ MANDATORY OUTPUT RULES
> **CRITICAL**: Phase 3 requires TWO outputs - a YAML data file AND a Markdown report.
### Dual Output Requirement
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ PHASE 3 MUST PRODUCE TWO FILES: │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ 1. DATA FILE (PRIMARY - Write First!) │
│ Path: .phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P3_boundary_context.yaml │
│ Purpose: Structured data for P4 to read │
│ Format: Valid YAML with schema_version: "3.0.3 (20260209a)" │
│ │
│ 2. REPORT FILE (SECONDARY - Write After Data!) │
│ Path: .phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/reports/P3-TRUST-BOUNDARY.md │
│ Purpose: Human-readable trust boundary analysis │
│ Format: Markdown with diagrams and matrices │
│ │
│ INPUT REQUIREMENT: │
│ Read: .phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P2_dfd_elements.yaml │
│ ❌ DO NOT read P2's .md report for data extraction │
│ ✅ REQUIRED: Parse P2's YAML for dfd_elements │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
### Required Data Sections in YAML
| Section | Validation |
|---------|------------|
| `boundary_context.boundaries[]` | BLOCKING - all trust boundaries with TB-xxx IDs |
| `boundary_context.interfaces[]` | BLOCKING - cross-boundary interfaces |
| `boundary_context.data_nodes[]` | BLOCKING - sensitive data locations |
| `boundary_context.cross_boundary_flows[]` | BLOCKING - all boundary crossings |
| `boundary_findings` | WARNING - security observations from boundary analysis |
### Validation Gate
Phase 3 CANNOT complete until:
1. `.phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P3_boundary_context.yaml` exists and is valid YAML
2. Every DFD element mapped to a trust boundary zone
3. All cross-boundary flows have security controls documented
4. `.phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/reports/P3-TRUST-BOUNDARY.md` exists
---
## Input Context
← P2: `dfd_elements` from `.phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P2_dfd_elements.yaml`
### ⚠️ MANDATORY: Query P2 Data Before Analysis
**Before starting P3 analysis**, LLM MUST execute these queries to obtain P2 data:
```bash
# Step 1: Get P2 summary for DFD overview
python scripts/phase_data.py --query --phase 2 --summary --root .
# Step 2: Get detailed DFD elements (REQUIRED for boundary mapping)
python scripts/phase_data.py --query --phase 2 --type dfd --root .
# Step 3: Get data flows (REQUIRED for cross-boundary analysis)
python scripts/phase_data.py --query --phase 2 --type flows --root .
```
**Or read YAML directly**:
```bash
# PRIMARY source - REQUIRED
cat .phase_working/{SESSION_ID}/data/P2_dfd_elements.yaml
```
**CRITICAL**: Do NOT generate P3 trust boundaries from memory. MUST read P2 DFD data first!
## Output Context
→ P4: `boundary_context` {boundaries[], interfaces[], data_nodes[], cross_boundary_flows[]}
---
## Core Analysis Goal
Based on DFD, identify trust boundaries, key interfaces, and data nodes; evaluate security posture at boundary crossings.
---
## Knowledge Reference
**Security Principles**:
- Zero Trust (ZT): Never trust, always verify
- Separation of Duties (SOD): Critical ops require multiple parties
- Least Privilege (LP): Minimum permissions required
- Least Agency (LA): Limit AI agent autonomy
**Security Domains**: AUTHN, AUTHZ, API from `security-design.yaml`
---
## Error Handling
| Error | Cause | Recovery Action |
|-------|-------|-----------------|
| P2 YAML not found | P2 not completed | Return to P2, complete DFD analysis |
| DFD elements incomplete | Missing flows or stores | Return to P2 for supplemental analysis |
| Boundary mapping failure | Complex architecture | Break into smaller zones, consult architect |
| Cross-boundary flow gaps | Incomplete P2 data | Document gaps, flag for manual review |
**Fallback Strategy**: If boundary analysis cannot complete due to data gaps, document known boundaries and mark incomplete zones with `status: partial` and `gaps: ["description"]`.
---
## Trust Boundary Types
| Type | Description | Example |
|------|-------------|---------|
| Network | Network segment boundaries | Internet/DMZ, DMZ/Internal |
| Process | Process isolation boundaries | Container, VM, Sandbox |
| User | User privilege boundaries | Anonymous/Authenticated, User/Admin |
| Data | Data sensitivity boundaries | Public/Internal/Confidential |
| Service | Service trust boundaries | Internal/External services |
| **Model** | AI/LLM model boundaries | User/Model, Model/Tool, Model/Data |
| **Agent** | AI agent autonomy boundaries | Human/Agent, Agent/External API |
---
## Analysis Tasks
### 1. Identify Trust Boundaries
For each boundary:
- Assign ID: TB-xxx
- Determine type (Network/Process/User/Data/Service)
- Define scope (which elements are inside)
- Identify crossing points
### 2. Analyze Cross-Boundary Flows
For each data flow crossing a boundary:
- Source boundary zone
- Destination boundary zone
- Security controls at crossing
- Risk assessment
### 3. Evaluate Interface Security
For each cross-boundary interface:
- Authentication mechanism
- Authorization checks
- Data validation
- Encryption status
### 4. Map Sensitive Data Nodes
Identify where sensitive data resides relative to boundaries:
- Which boundary zone
- Access controls
- Encryption status
---
## Output Structure
```yaml
boundary_context:
boundaries:
- id: TB-001
name: "Internet Boundary"
type: Network
description: "Boundary between internet and DMZ"
inside: [P-001] # Elements inside
outside: [EI-001, EI-002] # Elements outside
crossing_points:
- flow_id: DF-001
direction: inbound
controls: [TLS, WAF, Rate-Limit]
interfaces:
- id: IF-001
boundary: TB-001
entry_side: "Internet"
exit_side: "DMZ"
protocol: HTTPS
authentication: "None (public endpoint)"
authorization: "N/A"
validation: "Input sanitization"
encryption: "TLS 1.3"
risk_level: HIGH
data_nodes:
- id: DN-001
data_store: DS-001
data_types: ["User PII", "Credentials"]
sensitivity: CRITICAL
boundary_zone: "Internal Network"
access_controls: ["Role-based", "MFA required"]
encryption:
at_rest: true
in_transit: true
cross_boundary_flows:
- flow_id: DF-001
source_zone: "Internet"
dest_zone: "DMZ"
boundaries_crossed: [TB-001]
data_sensitivity: MEDIUM
security_controls:
authentication: "Session token"
encryption: "TLS 1.3"
validation: "Input sanitization"
risk_assessment:
level: MEDIUM
concerns: ["Public exposure", "Credential handling"]
```
---
## Boundary Diagram Template
```
┌─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┐
│ Trust Boundary Diagram │
├─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┤
│ │
│ ╔══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╗ │
│ ║ TB-001: Internet Boundary ║ │
│ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ │
│ ║ ║ │
│ ║ ┌─────────┐ ║ │
│ ║ │ EI-001 │ ║ │
│ ║ │Web User │──────────┐ ║ │
│ ║ └─────────┘ │ DF-001 ║ │
│ ║ │ [TLS, WAF] ║ │
│ ╚═══════════════════════╪══════════════════════════════════╝ │
│ │ │
│ ╔═══════════════════════╪══════════════════════════════════╗ │
│ ║ TB-002: DMZ ▼ ║ │
│ ╠══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╣ │
│ ║ ┌─────────┐ ┌─────────┐ ║ │
│ ║ │ P-001 │───────▶│ P-002 │ ║ │
│ ║ │API Gate │ DF-002 │Auth Svc │ ║ │
│ ║ └─────────┘ └────┬────┘ ║ │
│ ╚═══════════════════════════╪══════════════════════════════╝ │
│ │ │
│ ╔═══════════════════════════╪══════════════════════════════╗ │
│ ║ TB-003: Internal Network │ DF-003 ║ │
│ ╠═══════════════════════════╪══════════════════════════════╣ │
│ ║ ▼ ║ │
│ ║ ┌─────────┐ ║ │
│ ║ │ DS-001 │ ║ │
│ ║ │User DB │ ║ │
│ ║ └─────────┘ ║ │
│ ╚══════════════════════════════════════════════════════════╝ │
│ │
└─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────┘
```
---
## Security Assessment Matrix
| Boundary | Crossing Flows | Auth | Encryption | Validation | Risk |
|----------|----------------|------|------------|------------|------|
| TB-001 | DF-001, DF-010 | Token | TLS 1.3 | Input sanitization | Medium |
| TB-002 | DF-002, DF-003 | mTLS | TLS 1.3 | Schema validation | Low |
| TB-003 | DF-003 | DB Auth | TLS 1.3 | Parameterized queries | Low |
---
## Boundary Issues to Identify
1. **Missing Controls**: Boundaries without adequate authentication
2. **Weak Encryption**: Unencrypted or weak encryption at crossings
3. **Excessive Permissions**: Cross-boundary access with excessive privileges
4. **Missing Validation**: Input not validated at boundary crossings
5. **Sensitive Data Exposure**: Sensitive data crossing to lower-trust zones
---
## Report Template
```markdown
# P3: Trust Boundary Evaluation
## Boundary Summary
| Boundary | Type | Elements Inside | Crossing Flows |
|----------|------|-----------------|----------------|
| TB-001 | Network | P-001 | DF-001 |
| TB-002 | Network | P-001, P-002 | DF-002, DF-003 |
## Trust Boundary Diagram
[ASCII diagram]
## Cross-Boundary Flow Analysis
### DF-001: User Request (Internet → DMZ)
- **Source Zone**: Internet
- **Dest Zone**: DMZ
- **Security Controls**: TLS 1.3, WAF, Rate Limiting
- **Risk Level**: Medium
- **Concerns**: Public exposure
## Interface Security Assessment
[Assessment matrix]
## Sensitive Data Mapping
| Data Node | Location | Sensitivity | Protection |
|-----------|----------|-------------|------------|
| DN-001 | Internal | CRITICAL | Encrypted, RBAC |
## Boundary Findings
[yaml:boundary_findings block - see below]
```yaml:boundary_findings
findings:
- id: F-P3-001
type: boundary
title: "Finding title"
description: "Detailed description"
severity: HIGH # CRITICAL|HIGH|MEDIUM|LOW|INFO
category: missing_control|weak_encryption|excessive_permission|unprotected_crossing
location:
boundary_id: TB-xxx
interface_id: IF-xxx
flow_id: DF-xxx
affected_elements:
- type: trust_boundary
id: TB-xxx
- type: cross_boundary_flow
id: DF-xxx
security_relevance: "Why this matters for security"
crossing_risk: HIGH # Risk level of boundary crossing
recommended_action: "What to investigate in later phases"
summary:
total: 0
by_severity:
critical: 0
high: 0
medium: 0
low: 0
info: 0
by_category:
missing_control: 0
weak_encryption: 0
excessive_permission: 0
unprotected_crossing: 0
```
**Finding Categories**:
- `missing_control`: Boundary crossing without security control
- `weak_encryption`: Inadequate encryption at boundary
- `excessive_permission`: Cross-boundary access with excessive privileges
- `unprotected_crossing`: Input not validated at boundary
## Recommendations
1. ...
2. ...
```
---
## Completion Checklist
Before marking Phase 3 complete:
- [ ] All trust boundaries identified (TB-xxx)
- [ ] All cross-boundary flows analyzed
- [ ] Interface security assessed
- [ ] Sensitive data nodes mapped
- [ ] Trust boundary diagram included
- [ ] yaml:boundary_findings present (even if empty)
- [ ] Boundary issues documented
- [ ] Validation passed
---
**End of Phase 3 Instructions** (~200 lines, ~1.5K tokens)
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