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concepts

Intended Documentation

Trust Model

Understand the trust model that underpins Intended intent verification infrastructure.

intermediate2 min readimplemented

Trust Model#

Intended implements a zero-trust security model where every request is verified, every action is audited, and every boundary is enforced.

Core Principles#

The trust model is built on three foundational principles:

1. Verify Explicitly#

Every request must carry verifiable credentials. No implicit trust is granted based on network location, prior authentication, or assumed identity.

2. Least Privilege#

Access is granted with the minimum permissions necessary. Elevated privileges require explicit escalation through the authority engine.

3. No Token, No Action#

Execution without a valid Authority Token is rejected. Verification is not advisory. It is the enforcement boundary.

4. Assume Breach#

The system is designed to limit blast radius. Compartmentalization ensures that a compromise in one boundary does not cascade.

Trust Boundaries#

Info

Trust boundaries define the security perimeter between components. Each boundary enforces its own verification.

The platform defines the following trust boundaries:

  • External boundary — between external clients and the API gateway
  • Service boundary — between internal services
  • Data boundary — between services and data stores
  • Operator boundary — between operators and the control plane

Verification Flow#

Request arrives

The client sends a request with credentials (token, API key, or certificate).

Gateway validation

The API gateway validates the credential format and checks for revocation.

Intent verification

The runtime interprets the action, resolves enterprise capability context, and evaluates whether the request is permitted under the current policy set.

Authority token verification

If permitted, an Authority Token is issued and the downstream service verifies it before execution.

Action execution

If token verification succeeds, the action is executed and an audit record is created.