fix(node): bound GraphQL query cost (#552)

* fix(node): bound GraphQL query cost

* fix(node)!: bound repo names so emitted cursors always parse

The reposPage cursor embeds base64(JSON(owner_did, name)) while
parse_repo_cursor rejects cursors over 4096 bytes, but repo names were
unbounded on every write path. A single long-named visible repo made the
server emit an endCursor it then rejected as "invalid repository cursor",
dead-ending pagination for every caller past that row.

Bound names to MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN (100 bytes) at the create_repo and
fork_repo handlers via a shared validate_repo_name helper (bad charset is
still a 400), and reject overlong peer-supplied names in
Db::upsert_mirror_repo (the sync caller already drops the error and skips
the mirror).

Also in this round:
- docs/graphql-pagination.md states the 200 page-size maximum and corrects
  the over-budget remedy: a smaller limit does not reduce the reposPage or
  repos price, which is charged at the full MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE
  scan regardless of limit.
- Tests pin refUpdates(limit: -1) clamping to zero rows, the
  parse_repo_cursor wrong-shape-JSON arm with its exact "invalid
  repository cursor" message, the longest-admissible-name cursor
  round-trip, and the mirror write-path rejection.

BREAKING CHANGE: the GraphQL `repos` field now returns an error instead of
the full list when more than MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE (200) repositories
are visible; larger lists must use `reposPage` with `limit`/`after`.
Repository names are additionally limited to 100 bytes at creation, fork,
and mirror-registration time.

* fix(node): address beardthelion P3 findings on name bound and input messages

- Assert each rejection's own message in the reposPage invalid-inputs
  loop: the loop no longer accepts either message for every query, so a
  misattributed message (limit arm returning the cursor message) goes red.
- Pin the create/fork name-bound wiring through the handler: new test
  drives create_repo with an overlong name via test_state_lazy and asserts
  the 400; deleting the validate_repo_name call site would proceed to the
  lazy DB pool and fail with a connection error instead.
- Document the API-side vs disk-side validate_repo_name divergence on the
  new function, and tie the store's literal 100 to MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN so
  the two validators cannot drift apart on length.

---------

Co-authored-by: Marlowe <[email protected]>
Co-authored-by: cairn-intern <[email protected]>

.env.example

@@ -39,6 +39,12 @@ GITLAWB_KEY=/data/keys/identity.pem
 # Publicly reachable URL of this node (used in peer announcements)
 GITLAWB_PUBLIC_URL=https://your-node.example.com
 
+# Base URL for the web view of repos on this node (used by `gl` to print a
+# working View: link after repo creation). Omit for nodes with no web front-end.
+# Distinct from GITLAWB_PUBLIC_URL: that is API reachability for peers;
+# this is browser reachability for humans.
+# GITLAWB_WEB_URL=https://gitlawb.com
+
 # ── Server ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
 GITLAWB_HOST=0.0.0.0
 GITLAWB_PORT=7545
@@ -156,8 +162,8 @@ GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH=true
 GITLAWB_P2P_BOOTSTRAP=
 
 # ── Access control ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
-# Reserved for private-read mode. Public/private repo read enforcement is not
-# wired in the current live release; do not rely on this for private repositories.
+# Reserved and currently inert. Repo reads are gated per repository by
+# is_public and path-scoped visibility rules; this flag changes nothing.
 GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ=true
 
 # Maximum git smart-HTTP pack request size, in bytes.

.github/workflows/pr-checks.yml

@@ -68,6 +68,22 @@ jobs:
       - name: Test release tag resolver
         run: scripts/test-resolve-release-tag.sh
 
+  triage-detector:
+    name: triage detector matrix
+    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
+    timeout-minutes: 5
+    steps:
+      - name: Check out repository
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      # pr-triage.yml runs on pull_request_target and never checks out PR
+      # code, so its inline detector can only be exercised here, where the
+      # proposed workflow body IS the checked-out one.
+      - name: Test inline-test detector
+        run: node scripts/test-pr-triage-detect.mjs
+
   test:
     name: test (${{ matrix.toolchain }})
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest

.github/workflows/pr-triage.yml

@@ -76,9 +76,221 @@ jobs:
             // line after horizontal whitespace, covering bare, cfg(test), namespaced,
             // optional leading ::, and raw-identifier (r#test) forms. No head-file fetch
             // or lexer: needs-tests is advisory, not a merge gate.
-            const addsInlineTest = files.some(f =>
-              f.filename.endsWith(".rs") && f.patch &&
-              /^\+[ \t]*#\[[ \t]*(?:cfg[ \t]*\([ \t]*test[ \t]*\)|(?:::[ \t]*)?(?:[\w-]+[ \t]*::[ \t]*)*(?:r#)?test\b)/m.test(f.patch));
+            //
+            // The final path component may also carry `test` as an underscore-delimited
+            // segment, so third-party harnesses land without enumerating them one by one
+            // (#[test_case(1)], #[wasm_bindgen_test]). It is deliberately a segment and
+            // not a substring: a substring would also match #[contest] / #[latest], and a
+            // false positive here SUPPRESSES needs-tests rather than adding it. This
+            // heuristic has to fail loud, because a wrongly labeled PR gets corrected by
+            // the author while a wrongly cleared one is invisible. That trade costs the
+            // no-underscore harness names (#[rstest]), which stay unmatched on purpose.
+            //
+            // The segment classes are [A-Za-z0-9]+ rather than \w+ on purpose, so that `_`
+            // is only ever the literal delimiter. \w+ contains `_`, which makes the repeat
+            // ambiguous and backtracks exponentially: on this workflow's pull_request_target
+            // trigger f.patch is fork-controlled, so `#[test` followed by a long `_a` run is
+            // a permissionless stall of the triage job.
+            // Rust allows whitespace, line breaks, and comments between the
+            // attribute path and ] or (. A flat regex cannot decide that
+            // boundary: `//` runs to end of line, and block comments NEST, which
+            // is beyond regular languages — every enumeration of comment
+            // spellings so far has either dropped a legal separator (regressing
+            // real tests into needs-tests) or let unrelated patch records
+            // complete each other (clearing needs-tests from a testless PR, the
+            // invisible direction). So the closer is found by a token-aware
+            // scan instead: it consumes horizontal whitespace, `//`-to-newline,
+            // and depth-counted `/* */` runs, and accepts only when the first
+            // real token after the attribute path is `]` or `(`.
+            //
+            // Association is positional: the scan starts on the attribute's own
+            // added line and may continue ONLY through the immediately following
+            // added lines (a context line, hunk header, or removal breaks the
+            // chain). Unrelated `]`/`(` lines elsewhere in the patch can never
+            // complete a path they do not adjoin. The continuation is bounded;
+            // past the bound the scan gives up and reports NO inline test, which
+            // fails toward the loud label rather than the silent clearance.
+            //
+            // The detector body is fenced by the TRIAGE_DETECTOR markers so
+            // scripts/test-pr-triage-detect.mjs can extract and run it against
+            // the committed case matrix. Keep the fenced block self-contained.
+            // TRIAGE_DETECTOR_BEGIN
+            const TEST_ATTR_PATH =
+              "(?:cfg[ \\t]*\\([ \\t]*test[ \\t]*\\)|(?:::[ \\t]*)?(?:[\\w-]+[ \\t]*::[ \\t]*)*(?:r#)?(?:[A-Za-z0-9]+_)*test(?:_[A-Za-z0-9]+)*)";
+            // Anchored to the start of one added line; group 1 is whatever
+            // follows the path on that line, handed to the separator scan.
+            const TEST_ATTR_LINE = new RegExp(
+              "^[ \\t]*#\\[[ \\t]*" + TEST_ATTR_PATH + "([\\s\\S]*)$"
+            );
+            // An attribute split across more added lines than this is not a
+            // spelling anyone writes; refusing to scan further keeps the walk
+            // linear in the patch and fails toward the loud label.
+            const MAX_ATTR_CONTINUATION_LINES = 16;
+            // segs[0] is the remainder of the attribute's own line; each later
+            // entry is the text of one immediately following added line. True
+            // only when the first non-separator token across them is ] or (.
+            // Single forward pass, no backtracking: fork-controlled input.
+            function attrCloserFollows(segs) {
+              let depth = 0; // open block-comment nesting carried across lines
+              for (const seg of segs) {
+                let i = 0;
+                while (i < seg.length) {
+                  if (depth > 0) {
+                    if (seg.startsWith("/*", i)) { depth += 1; i += 2; }
+                    else if (seg.startsWith("*/", i)) { depth -= 1; i += 2; }
+                    else { i += 1; }
+                    continue;
+                  }
+                  const c = seg[i];
+                  if (c === " " || c === "\t") { i += 1; continue; }
+                  if (seg.startsWith("//", i)) break; // comment to end of line
+                  if (seg.startsWith("/*", i)) { depth = 1; i += 2; continue; }
+                  return c === "]" || c === "(";
+                }
+                // Line exhausted inside separators; the newline is itself a
+                // separator, so continue on the next added line.
+              }
+              return false; // out of adjoined lines (or bound hit): stay loud
+            }
+            // Before the candidate scan, a pre-pass walks added patch lines
+            // tracking Rust lexical state: raw strings (r#*", br#*", cr#*"),
+            // block comments (/* */ with nesting), regular strings ("...",
+            // which can span newlines), and line comments (//). An added line
+            // that starts inside any of these is skipped as a candidate,
+            // because a #[test_case] appearing there is lexical non-code, not
+            // a real test attribute. State is only tracked across consecutive
+            // added lines and reset at any break (context line, removal,
+            // hunk header): context lines carry a partial view of the file,
+            // so a " or r#" or /* there might be inside a string that opened
+            // before the hunk's visible window, and treating it as an opener
+            // would mark every later added line as non-code (a false negative
+            // on a real #[test]). The tradeoff is that a non-code region
+            // opened by a context line is invisible: an added #[test] inside
+            // an existing raw string or block comment is scanned as code and
+            // may match (a false positive, silent direction). This is accepted
+            // because (1) the old detector had the same behavior, (2) the
+            // pattern is rare, and (3) needs-tests is advisory, not a merge
+            // gate. Scanning context lines to close this gap would re-introduce
+            // the false negative, which affects the far more common case of a
+            // context line carrying a stray " from a string that opened before
+            // the visible window. Single forward pass, O(n) in patch length.
+            function patchAddsInlineTest(patch) {
+              const lines = patch.split("\n");
+              const nonCodeStart = new Set();
+              let rawHashes = -1; // -1 = not in raw string; >=0 = # count
+              let blockDepth = 0;
+              let inString = false;
+              for (let i = 0; i < lines.length; i++) {
+                const line = lines[i];
+                if (!line) continue;
+                const prefix = line[0];
+                // Only scan added lines. Context and removal lines carry
+                // a partial view of the file: a " or r#" or /* on a context
+                // line might be inside a string that opened before the
+                // hunk's visible window, and treating it as an opener would
+                // mark every later added line as non-code (a false negative
+                // on a real #[test]). So lexical state is only tracked across
+                // consecutive added lines and reset at any break. A non-code
+                // region opened by a context line is invisible; the candidate
+                // is still scanned, which fails toward the loud label.
+                if (prefix !== "+") {
+                  rawHashes = -1; blockDepth = 0; inString = false;
+                  continue;
+                }
+                const text = line.slice(1);
+                if (rawHashes >= 0 || blockDepth > 0 || inString)
+                  nonCodeStart.add(i);
+                let j = 0;
+                while (j < text.length) {
+                  if (rawHashes >= 0) {
+                    if (text[j] === '"') {
+                      let h = 1;
+                      while (h <= rawHashes && text[j + h] === "#") h++;
+                      if (h > rawHashes) { rawHashes = -1; j += h; continue; }
+                    }
+                    j += 1; continue;
+                  }
+                  if (blockDepth > 0) {
+                    if (text.startsWith("/*", j)) { blockDepth += 1; j += 2; }
+                    else if (text.startsWith("*/", j)) { blockDepth -= 1; j += 2; }
+                    else { j += 1; }
+                    continue;
+                  }
+                  if (inString) {
+                    if (text[j] === "\\") { j += 2; continue; }
+                    if (text[j] === '"') { inString = false; j += 1; continue; }
+                    j += 1; continue;
+                  }
+                  // Recognize Rust char and byte-char literals ('X', '\X',
+                  // '\u{...}', b'X') so their contents never open string or
+                  // comment state. A char literal has a closing ' within a
+                  // bounded distance; a lifetime or label ('a, 'static,
+                  // 'label:) does not, so it falls through as a regular char.
+                  // This is not a skip-to-next-' rule: the lookahead is 2-4
+                  // chars, or bounded to 20 for \u escapes (at most 6 hex
+                  // digits), never unbounded.
+                  if (text[j] === "'") {
+                    let k = j + 1;
+                    if (text[k] === "\\") {
+                      k += 1;
+                      if (text[k] === "u" && text[k + 1] === "{") {
+                        const uBound = k + 20;
+                        while (k < uBound && text[k] && text[k] !== "}") k++;
+                        if (text[k] === "}") k++;
+                      } else {
+                        k += 1;
+                      }
+                    } else {
+                      k += 1;
+                    }
+                    if (text[k] === "'") { j = k + 1; continue; }
+                    // lifetime or label: just skip the apostrophe
+                  }
+                  if (text[j] === '"') { inString = true; j += 1; continue; }
+                  if (text.startsWith("//", j)) break;
+                  if (text.startsWith("/*", j)) { blockDepth = 1; j += 2; continue; }
+                  const prev = j > 0 ? text[j - 1] : "";
+                  const isIdent = /[A-Za-z0-9_]/.test(prev);
+                  if (!isIdent && text[j] === "r") {
+                    let k = j + 1, h = 0;
+                    while (text[k + h] === "#") h++;
+                    if (text[k + h] === '"') {
+                      rawHashes = h; j = k + h + 1; continue;
+                    }
+                  }
+                  if (!isIdent && (text[j] === "b" || text[j] === "c") && text[j + 1] === "r") {
+                    let k = j + 2, h = 0;
+                    while (text[k + h] === "#") h++;
+                    if (text[k + h] === '"') {
+                      rawHashes = h; j = k + h + 1; continue;
+                    }
+                  }
+                  j += 1;
+                }
+              }
+              for (let i = 0; i < lines.length; i++) {
+                if (lines[i][0] !== "+") continue;
+                if (nonCodeStart.has(i)) continue;
+                const m = TEST_ATTR_LINE.exec(lines[i].slice(1));
+                if (m === null) continue;
+                const segs = [m[1]];
+                for (
+                  let j = i + 1;
+                  j < lines.length &&
+                  lines[j][0] === "+" &&
+                  segs.length <= MAX_ATTR_CONTINUATION_LINES;
+                  j++
+                ) {
+                  segs.push(lines[j].slice(1));
+                }
+                if (attrCloserFollows(segs)) return true;
+              }
+              return false;
+            }
+            // TRIAGE_DETECTOR_END
+            const addsInlineTest = files.some(
+              f => f.filename.endsWith(".rs") && !!f.patch && patchAddsInlineTest(f.patch)
+            );
             const touchedTests =
               names.some(n => n.includes("/tests/") || n.endsWith("_test.rs")) || addsInlineTest;
             if (changedRust && !touchedTests) want.add("needs-tests");

.github/workflows/release.yml

@@ -20,7 +20,15 @@ on:
         type: string
 
 concurrency:
-  group: release-${{ github.ref }}
+  # Not keyed on the ref: two runs racing `imagetools create` on the same
+  # moving tags could interleave, so runs of this workflow serialize outright.
+  # GitHub keeps at most one running and one pending run per group; a newer
+  # queued run replaces the pending one, and cancel-in-progress: false
+  # protects only the run already executing. So a backfill dispatched while a
+  # release is running, followed by a push to main, is replaced silently: the
+  # remedy is to re-dispatch it once the running release completes, which the
+  # push-only gate on the moving-tag step makes safe in any ordering.
+  group: release
   cancel-in-progress: false
 
 # Least privilege by default; every job opts in to exactly what it needs.
@@ -37,6 +45,7 @@ jobs:
     permissions:
       contents: write
       pull-requests: write
+    environment: release
     outputs:
       release_created: ${{ steps.release.outputs.release_created }}
       tag_name: ${{ steps.release.outputs.tag_name }}
@@ -78,6 +87,7 @@ jobs:
       # dispatch the release PR's head carries no check runs and the --locked
       # gate never validates it.
       actions: write
+    environment: release
     steps:
       # Prefer the fresh `pr` output when this run just created/updated the
       # release PR; otherwise fall back to querying for an open release-please
@@ -215,6 +225,7 @@ jobs:
     permissions:
       contents: read
       packages: write
+    environment: release
     steps:
       - name: Check out workflow scripts
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
@@ -226,6 +237,7 @@ jobs:
         env:
           DISPATCH_TAG: ${{ inputs.docker_backfill_tag }}
           RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "${DISPATCH_TAG:-$RELEASE_TAG}"
@@ -237,7 +249,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Checkout release tag
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
-          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
+          # Pin the commit the resolver verified; a tag ref re-resolved here
+          # could have been moved between resolve and checkout.
+          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag_commit || format('refs/tags/{0}', steps.rel.outputs.tag) }}
           persist-credentials: false
 
       - name: Set up Docker Buildx
@@ -312,6 +326,7 @@ jobs:
     permissions:
       contents: read
       packages: write
+    environment: release
     steps:
       - name: Check out workflow scripts
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
@@ -323,9 +338,14 @@ jobs:
         env:
           DISPATCH_TAG: ${{ inputs.docker_backfill_tag }}
           RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "${DISPATCH_TAG:-$RELEASE_TAG}"
+          # ghcr requires a lowercase repository path, and unlike metadata-action,
+          # buildx's `--output name=` does no lowercasing, so a mixed-case owner
+          # makes the digest push fail with "invalid reference format".
+          echo "image=ghcr.io/${GITHUB_REPOSITORY,,}" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
 
       - name: Download digests
         uses: actions/download-artifact@d3f86a106a0bac45b974a628896c90dbdf5c8093 # v4.3.0
@@ -345,24 +365,80 @@ jobs:
           password: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
 
       - name: Create and push multi-arch manifest
+        id: manifest
         env:
           VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
+          IMAGE: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.image }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
-          # ghcr requires a lowercase repository path.
-          IMAGE="ghcr.io/${GITHUB_REPOSITORY,,}"
-          MAJOR_MINOR="${VERSION%.*}"
+          # The docker matrix pushes one digest per arch leg; anything else is
+          # a broken set, not a smaller multi-arch image.
+          count="$(find /tmp/digests -maxdepth 1 -type f | wc -l)"
+          if [ "$count" -ne 2 ]; then
+            echo "::error::expected 2 arch digests in /tmp/digests, found $count"
+            exit 1
+          fi
           digests=""
           for f in /tmp/digests/*; do
-            digests="$digests $IMAGE@sha256:$(basename "$f")"
+            d="$(basename "$f")"
+            case "$d" in
+              *[!0-9a-f]*)
+                echo "::error::digest filename is not lowercase sha256 hex: $d"
+                exit 1
+                ;;
+            esac
+            if [ "${#d}" -ne 64 ]; then
+              echo "::error::digest is not 64 hex chars: $d"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            digests="$digests $IMAGE@sha256:$d"
           done
+          # The immutable tag always publishes. The moving tags are applied by
+          # the gated step below, which never runs on workflow_dispatch.
           # shellcheck disable=SC2086
-          docker buildx imagetools create \
-            -t "$IMAGE:$VERSION" \
-            -t "$IMAGE:$MAJOR_MINOR" \
-            -t "$IMAGE:latest" \
-            $digests
+          docker buildx imagetools create -t "$IMAGE:$VERSION" $digests
           docker buildx imagetools inspect "$IMAGE:$VERSION"
+          echo "digests=${digests# }" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
+
+      - name: Move floating tags
+        if: ${{ github.event_name == 'push' && github.ref == 'refs/heads/main' }}
+        env:
+          VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
+          IMAGE: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.image }}
+          DIGESTS: ${{ steps.manifest.outputs.digests }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          MAJOR_MINOR="${VERSION%.*}"
+          # :latest and :X.Y track the newest release. Only a push to main
+          # carries a release-please-cut version, and release-please versions
+          # are monotonic, so on this path the tags only ever advance. A
+          # workflow_dispatch backfill republishes an existing tag and must
+          # never move a pointer, so this step skips on dispatch. After a
+          # backfill that is genuinely newest in its minor line, advance :X.Y
+          # by hand: docker buildx imagetools create -t "$IMAGE:X.Y" <digests>.
+          # The event gate alone does not bound a stale run: re-running an
+          # older push run replays its stored needs outputs under the
+          # original event and ref, and would move the pointers backward to
+          # that run's version. Floor against live state instead: this run's
+          # release already exists by now, so VERSION must be the newest
+          # published release or the run is stale and the tags stay put. The
+          # releases list is ordered by creation, not semver, so read every
+          # page and take the semver maximum, not the first page's.
+          tags="$(gh api --paginate "repos/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY/releases?per_page=100" \
+            -q '.[] | select(.draft == false) | .tag_name')" || {
+            echo "::error::could not list releases to bound the moving tags"
+            exit 1
+          }
+          floor="$(printf '%s\n' "$tags" \
+            | { grep -E '^v[0-9]+\.[0-9]+\.[0-9]+$' || true; } \
+            | sed 's/^v//' | sort -V | tail -n 1)"
+          if [ -n "$floor" ] && [ "$floor" != "$VERSION" ]; then
+            echo "::error::release v$floor is newer than this run's v$VERSION; refusing to move the moving tags backward (stale re-run?)"
+            exit 1
+          fi
+          # shellcheck disable=SC2086
+          docker buildx imagetools create -t "$IMAGE:latest" -t "$IMAGE:$MAJOR_MINOR" $DIGESTS
 
       - name: Release summary
         env:
@@ -386,6 +462,7 @@ jobs:
     continue-on-error: ${{ startsWith(matrix.target, 'x86_64-pc-windows') }}
     permissions:
       contents: write
+    environment: release
     strategy:
       fail-fast: false
       matrix:
@@ -405,10 +482,27 @@ jobs:
           - target: x86_64-pc-windows-msvc
             os: windows-latest
     steps:
+      - name: Check out workflow scripts
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      - name: Resolve release tag
+        id: rel
+        env:
+          RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        shell: bash # matrix includes windows-latest, where run: defaults to pwsh
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "$RELEASE_TAG"
+
       - name: Checkout release tag
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
-          ref: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          # Pin the commit the resolver verified; a tag ref re-resolved here
+          # could have been moved between resolve and checkout.
+          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag_commit || format('refs/tags/{0}', steps.rel.outputs.tag) }}
           persist-credentials: false
 
       - name: Set up Rust toolchain
@@ -454,7 +548,7 @@ jobs:
         shell: bash
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
-          VERSION="${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}"
+          VERSION="${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}"
           BIN_DIR="target/${{ matrix.target }}/release"
           EXE=""
           case "${{ matrix.target }}" in *windows*) EXE=".exe" ;; esac
@@ -474,7 +568,7 @@ jobs:
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           TARGET="${{ matrix.target }}"
-          NAME="gitlawb-node-${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}-${TARGET}"
+          NAME="gitlawb-node-${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}-${TARGET}"
           BIN_DIR="target/${TARGET}/release"
           EXE=""
           case "$TARGET" in *windows*) EXE=".exe" ;; esac
@@ -515,7 +609,7 @@ jobs:
       - name: Attach to release
         uses: softprops/action-gh-release@72f2c25fcb47643c292f7107632f7a47c1df5cd8 # v2.3.2
         with:
-          tag_name: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          tag_name: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
           files: |
             dist/*.tar.gz
             dist/*.zip
@@ -528,7 +622,9 @@ jobs:
     # (release-binaries is skipped on dispatch, hence !cancelled()). Publishing
     # auth is npm Trusted Publishing (GitHub OIDC) — no NPM_TOKEN. Each
     # @gitlawb package must have this repo + workflow (release.yml) configured
-    # as its trusted publisher on npmjs.com, or publish fails loudly here —
+    # as its trusted publisher on npmjs.com, scoped to the release environment
+    # so a dispatched copy of this file on another ref cannot mint a token, or
+    # publish fails loudly here —
     # deliberately loud: the silent secret-guard skip is how 0.4.x–0.6.0
     # never reached npm.
     if: >-
@@ -540,6 +636,7 @@ jobs:
     permissions:
       contents: read
       id-token: write # npm trusted publishing (OIDC) + provenance
+    environment: release
     steps:
       - name: Check out workflow scripts
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
@@ -551,6 +648,7 @@ jobs:
         env:
           DISPATCH_TAG: ${{ inputs.npm_backfill_tag }}
           RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "${DISPATCH_TAG:-$RELEASE_TAG}"
@@ -558,7 +656,9 @@ jobs:
       - name: Checkout release tag
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
-          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
+          # Pin the commit the resolver verified; a tag ref re-resolved here
+          # could have been moved between resolve and checkout.
+          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag_commit || format('refs/tags/{0}', steps.rel.outputs.tag) }}
           persist-credentials: false
 
       # npm >= 11.5.1 performs the OIDC token exchange automatically when the
@@ -571,14 +671,23 @@ jobs:
       - name: Ensure npm supports trusted publishing
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
-          npm install -g npm@^11.5.1
-          npm --version
+          npm install -g npm@11.19.1
+          # Assert the pin took, so an accidental unpin or a drift off 11.19.1
+          # fails loudly here instead of silently running a different npm on
+          # the OIDC path.
+          installed="$(npm --version)"
+          echo "npm installed: $installed"
+          if [ "$installed" != "11.19.1" ]; then
+            echo "::error::npm is not the pinned 11.19.1 (got: $installed)"
+            exit 1
+          fi
 
       - name: Lay in release binaries
         env:
           GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
           VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
           TAG: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
+          ASSETS: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.assets }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           # npm platform package -> Rust target triple (unix only; Windows is not
@@ -595,8 +704,18 @@ jobs:
             target="${entry#*:}"
             archive="gitlawb-node-${VERSION}-${target}.tar.gz"
             echo "==> $pkg <- $archive"
-            gh release download "$TAG" --repo "$GITHUB_REPOSITORY" \
-              --pattern "$archive" --dir _dl --clobber
+            # Download by the asset id the resolver captured and uploader-
+            # checked, not by name: release assets are mutable, and an id can
+            # only ever point at the exact blob captured at resolve time.
+            # The map keys are base64-encoded asset names.
+            want="$(printf '%s' "$archive" | base64 -w0)"
+            asset_id="$(printf '%s\n' "$ASSETS" | awk -v n="$want" '$1 == n {print $2; exit}')"
+            if [ -z "$asset_id" ]; then
+              echo "::error::release $TAG has no asset $archive captured at resolve time"
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            gh api "repos/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY/releases/assets/$asset_id" \
+              -H 'Accept: application/octet-stream' > "_dl/$archive"
             tar -xzf "_dl/$archive" -C _dl
             src="_dl/gitlawb-node-${VERSION}-${target}"
             cp "$src/gl" "npm/packages/$pkg/gl"
@@ -635,14 +754,39 @@ jobs:
           # Platform packages first, then the wrapper (so its optionalDependencies resolve).
           # Skip versions already on the registry so a rerun after a partial publish
           # is idempotent instead of erroring on the first existing package.
+          # npm publish moves the latest dist-tag to whatever it publishes, so a
+          # backfilled older version would hand :latest to stale code. Decide
+          # the dist-tag per package from that package's own registry latest:
+          # a partial publish can leave the platform packages ahead of the
+          # wrapper. E404 means the package has never been published, so this
+          # release gets latest; any other lookup failure must fail closed
+          # rather than guess at the dist-tag and risk moving latest backward.
+          # stderr goes to a file so a warning on a successful lookup cannot
+          # leak into registry_latest; it is read only when the lookup fails.
+          npm_err="$(mktemp)"
+          trap 'rm -f -- "$npm_err"' EXIT
           for pkg in gl-darwin-arm64 gl-darwin-x64 gl-linux-arm64 gl-linux-x64 gl; do
             name="@gitlawb/$pkg"
             if npm view "$name@$VERSION" version >/dev/null 2>&1; then
               echo "==> $name@$VERSION already published, skipping"
               continue
             fi
-            echo "==> npm publish $name@$VERSION"
-            npm publish "npm/packages/$pkg" --provenance --access public
+            registry_latest="$(npm view "$name" dist-tags.latest 2>"$npm_err")" || {
+              if ! grep -q E404 "$npm_err"; then
+                cat "$npm_err" >&2
+                echo "::error::npm dist-tags lookup failed for $name; not guessing the dist-tag"
+                exit 1
+              fi
+              registry_latest=""
+            }
+            dist_tag="latest"
+            if [ -n "$registry_latest" ] && \
+               [ "$VERSION" != "$(printf '%s\n%s\n' "$registry_latest" "$VERSION" | sort -V | tail -1)" ]; then
+              dist_tag="backfill"
+              echo "::notice::$VERSION is older than $name@$registry_latest; publishing under dist-tag backfill"
+            fi
+            echo "==> npm publish $name@$VERSION (dist-tag $dist_tag)"
+            npm publish "npm/packages/$pkg" --provenance --access public --tag "$dist_tag"
           done
 
   homebrew-bump:
@@ -652,6 +796,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     permissions:
       contents: read # GITHUB_TOKEN downloads release assets; the tap push uses HOMEBREW_TAP_PAT
+    environment: release
     steps:
       - name: Guard on secret
         id: guard
@@ -665,6 +810,22 @@ jobs:
             echo "enabled=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
           fi
 
+      - name: Check out workflow scripts
+        if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      - name: Resolve release tag
+        if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
+        id: rel
+        env:
+          RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "$RELEASE_TAG"
+
       - name: Checkout tap repo
         if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
@@ -678,15 +839,32 @@ jobs:
         if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
         env:
           GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          VERSION: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}
-          TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
+          TAG: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
+          ASSETS: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.assets }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           base="https://github.com/${GITHUB_REPOSITORY}/releases/download/${TAG}"
           mkdir -p _sums
-          gh release download "$TAG" --repo "$GITHUB_REPOSITORY" \
-            --pattern '*.tar.gz.sha256' --dir _sums --clobber
-          sha() { awk '{print $1}' "_sums/gitlawb-node-${VERSION}-$1.tar.gz.sha256"; }
+          # Hash the tarballs themselves, fetched by the asset id the resolver
+          # captured and uploader-checked. The *.sha256 sidecars are mutable
+          # release assets too; trusting them would trust the same surface.
+          sha() {
+            archive="gitlawb-node-${VERSION}-$1.tar.gz"
+            want="$(printf '%s' "$archive" | base64 -w0)"
+            asset_id="$(printf '%s\n' "$ASSETS" | awk -v n="$want" '$1 == n {print $2; exit}')"
+            if [ -z "$asset_id" ]; then
+              echo "::error::release $TAG has no asset $archive captured at resolve time" >&2
+              exit 1
+            fi
+            # errexit is off inside the $(...) this runs under, so a failed
+            # download must exit the function itself instead of hashing a
+            # truncated file.
+            gh api "repos/$GITHUB_REPOSITORY/releases/assets/$asset_id" \
+              -H 'Accept: application/octet-stream' > "_sums/$archive" \
+              || exit 1
+            sha256sum "_sums/$archive" | awk '{print $1}'
+          }
           SHA_MAC_ARM="$(sha aarch64-apple-darwin)"
           SHA_MAC_X64="$(sha x86_64-apple-darwin)"
           SHA_LNX_ARM="$(sha aarch64-unknown-linux-musl)"
@@ -747,7 +925,7 @@ jobs:
         working-directory: tap
         env:
           HOMEBREW_TAP_PAT: ${{ secrets.HOMEBREW_TAP_PAT }}
-          VERSION: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}
+          VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           git config user.name "github-actions[bot]"
@@ -769,6 +947,7 @@ jobs:
     runs-on: ubuntu-latest
     permissions:
       contents: read # GITHUB_TOKEN checks out node; the web PR uses WEB_SYNC_PAT
+    environment: release
     steps:
       - name: Guard on secret
         id: guard
@@ -782,11 +961,29 @@ jobs:
             echo "enabled=true" >> "$GITHUB_OUTPUT"
           fi
 
+      - name: Check out workflow scripts
+        if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
+        uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
+        with:
+          persist-credentials: false
+
+      - name: Resolve release tag
+        if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
+        id: rel
+        env:
+          RELEASE_TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
+        run: |
+          set -euo pipefail
+          scripts/resolve-release-tag.sh "$RELEASE_TAG"
+
       - name: Checkout node (release tag)
         if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
         uses: actions/checkout@11bd71901bbe5b1630ceea73d27597364c9af683 # v4.2.2
         with:
-          ref: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          # Pin the commit the resolver verified; a tag ref re-resolved here
+          # could have been moved between resolve and checkout.
+          ref: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag_commit || format('refs/tags/{0}', steps.rel.outputs.tag) }}
           path: node
           persist-credentials: false
 
@@ -806,8 +1003,8 @@ jobs:
         if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
         env:
           GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.GITHUB_TOKEN }}
-          VERSION: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}
-          TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
+          TAG: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           gh release view "$TAG" --repo "$GITHUB_REPOSITORY" --json assets \
@@ -825,8 +1022,8 @@ jobs:
         if: ${{ steps.guard.outputs.enabled == 'true' }}
         env:
           GH_TOKEN: ${{ secrets.WEB_SYNC_PAT }}
-          VERSION: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.version }}
-          TAG: ${{ needs.release-please.outputs.tag_name }}
+          VERSION: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.version }}
+          TAG: ${{ steps.rel.outputs.tag }}
         run: |
           set -euo pipefail
           # Canonical install scripts (source of truth lives in the node repo).

CONTRIBUTING.md

@@ -81,7 +81,7 @@ time once updated.
 
 **Requirements:**
 - Rust stable (≥ 1.91) — install via [rustup](https://rustup.rs)
-- PostgreSQL — required for the node. Use the bundled `docker-compose.yml` for local dev.
+- PostgreSQL 16+ — required for the node (it uses `pg_input_is_valid`, which exists only on PostgreSQL 16 and later). Use the bundled `docker-compose.yml` for local dev.
 - Docker (optional, for full-stack local testing)
 
 **Environment variables:**

Cargo.lock

@@ -2208,7 +2208,7 @@ version = "3.1.1"
 source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
 checksum = "faf9468729b8cbcea668e36183cb69d317348c2e08e994829fb56ebfdfbaac34"
 dependencies = [
- "windows-sys 0.61.2",
+ "windows-sys 0.48.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -2701,7 +2701,7 @@ source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
 checksum = "7ab67060fc6b8ef687992d439ca0fa36e7ed17e9a0b16b25b601e8757df720de"
 dependencies = [
  "data-encoding",
- "syn 2.0.117",
+ "syn 1.0.109",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -3085,7 +3085,7 @@ source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
 checksum = "39cab71617ae0d63f51a36d69f866391735b51691dbda63cf6f96d042b63efeb"
 dependencies = [
  "libc",
- "windows-sys 0.61.2",
+ "windows-sys 0.52.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -3563,6 +3563,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "libp2p-swarm",
  "mockito",
  "multiaddr",
+ "percent-encoding",
  "prometheus",
  "reqwest",
  "serde",
@@ -3580,6 +3581,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "tracing",
  "tracing-subscriber",
  "unicode-normalization",
+ "url",
  "uuid",
  "zeroize",
  "zstd",
@@ -3595,9 +3597,11 @@ dependencies = [
  "chrono",
  "clap",
  "dirs",
+ "ed25519-dalek 2.2.0",
  "gitlawb-core",
  "icaptcha-client",
  "mockito",
+ "percent-encoding",
  "reqwest",
  "serde",
  "serde_json",
@@ -3606,6 +3610,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "tokio",
  "tracing",
  "tracing-subscriber",
+ "url",
  "urlencoding",
  "uuid",
 ]
@@ -3641,9 +3646,9 @@ dependencies = [
 
 [[package]]
 name = "h2"
-version = "0.4.18"
+version = "0.4.19"
 source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
-checksum = "839c0e8a181239723652be9062bb56ca5bf5f64011f73b623f6f4fc59086a228"
+checksum = "ef8e5e5a340588f4452631496976cf8636d4a7ecf600239fdc27615d2530bc16"
 dependencies = [
  "atomic-waker",
  "bytes",
@@ -6222,7 +6227,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "errno",
  "libc",
  "linux-raw-sys",
- "windows-sys 0.61.2",
+ "windows-sys 0.52.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -7156,7 +7161,7 @@ dependencies = [
  "getrandom 0.4.2",
  "once_cell",
  "rustix",
- "windows-sys 0.61.2",
+ "windows-sys 0.52.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]
@@ -7948,7 +7953,7 @@ version = "0.1.11"
 source = "registry+https://github.com/rust-lang/crates.io-index"
 checksum = "c2a7b1c03c876122aa43f3020e6c3c3ee5c05081c9a00739faf7503aeba10d22"
 dependencies = [
- "windows-sys 0.61.2",
+ "windows-sys 0.48.0",
 ]
 
 [[package]]

Cargo.toml

@@ -54,8 +54,10 @@ uuid = { version = "1", features = ["v4"] }
 # http client
 reqwest = { version = "0.12", features = ["blocking", "json", "multipart", "rustls-tls"], default-features = false }
 # URL parsing (what reqwest::Url re-exports, so the shared redirect predicate can
-# take a parsed URL without pulling reqwest into gitlawb-core)
+# take a parsed URL without pulling reqwest into gitlawb-core; also used for the
+# absolute-browser-url validation on GITLAWB_WEB_URL in the node and CLI)
 url = "2"
+percent-encoding = "2"
 # HMAC
 hmac = "0.12"
 

README.md

@@ -53,6 +53,7 @@ Good today:
 
 - Local or Docker node startup.
 - Postgres-backed repo metadata.
+- Bounded GraphQL queries with [repository pagination](docs/graphql-pagination.md).
 - Bare git repository storage.
 - Git smart-HTTP clone/fetch/push.
 - RFC 9421-signed writes.
@@ -66,12 +67,12 @@ Good today:
 
 Known limitations:
 
-- Repository write authorization is not secure by default: `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` defaults to `false` for compatibility, so a valid HTTP Signature identifies a pusher but does not enforce owner-only pushes.
+- Repository write authorization is secure by default: `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` defaults to `true`, so a valid HTTP Signature identifies a pusher and the node additionally requires that pusher to be the repository owner. Set `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH=false` only for the duration of a rolling upgrade whose pushers are not yet the repo owner. Authentication is not authorization on its own (anyone can mint a `did:key` and sign), so owner enforcement is the only thing that prevents every signed caller from pushing to every repository, private ones included.
 - UCAN proof chains are validated when supplied, but UCAN capabilities are not consulted by write authorization and the root issuer is not independently trust-anchored. UCANs therefore do not yet grant scoped collaborator access.
 - Agent lifecycle revocation is not enforced by HTTP Signature authorization; do not rely on removing or revoking an agent record to block a compromised signer.
 - Read visibility is not a blanket data-classification boundary: task, IPFS-pin, and Arweave-anchor listings are not repository-gated; withheld path names can be visible to a root reader; and later visibility changes cannot retract content already announced or externally anchored.
 - Peer writes are signed by upgraded nodes, but strict signed-peer enforcement is opt-in during rolling upgrades.
-- Current GraphQL mutations require an authenticated signer, but there is no mutation-specific guardrail that prevents a future mutation from omitting that check.
+- GraphQL mutations require a signed identity (a verified signer bound to the acting DID), are limited to the agent-task queue, and are covered by a CI completeness fence that requires signer acquisition and actor binding on every registered mutation; repo writes are not exposed over GraphQL and remain REST-only.
 - Pull-request review comments do not yet have threaded line-level anchors, and merges do not enforce approval requirements.
 
 See:
@@ -311,6 +312,7 @@ metadata        local disk / optional S3
 | DID | A user, agent, or node identity derived from an Ed25519 public key. |
 | HTTP Signature | RFC 9421 signature proving control of the DID key for write requests. |
 | Ref certificate | Signed record of a ref update. Useful for audit and replication. |
+| Ref certificate versioning | The wire format is versioned; new certificates are currently issued as v1. `gl cert show <repo> <id> --verify` requires `--expect-node <did>`, and the queried node's self-reported DID is **not** accepted as a trust anchor. v2 is reserved for a future payload shape that carries the version inside the signed bytes; this client refuses to verify v2+ rather than guessing. |
 | UCAN | Delegation token for future capability-based workflows. |
 | Peer announce | Node-to-node HTTP announcement of DID + public URL. |
 | Gossipsub | libp2p topic for ref-update events. |
@@ -400,7 +402,7 @@ Important node settings:
 | `GITLAWB_P2P_KEY` | Path to the node's persistent libp2p identity key file, which fixes the PeerId across restarts. Must name a key file inside a directory, such as `/data/keys/p2p.key` or `./keys/p2p.key`. Two kinds of problem are handled differently. A value that cannot name a securable key file at all (a bare filename, `..` traversal, a trailing `/`, the filesystem root, or a `~/` path that escapes home) is refused before the node binds, so the process exits. Anything wrong with the storage itself (a symlinked or non-directory parent, an unsafe ancestor or working directory, an unreadable or malformed key) leaves p2p off while HTTP keeps serving; the node logs it at error level as `p2p_identity_key_load_failed` and sets the `gitlawb_p2p_identity_key_load_failed` metric to 1. Note that `/health` still reports healthy in that state, so alert on the log event or the metric rather than on the health check. Correcting the storage and restarting restores the same PeerId. On Unix a new key is created `0600` inside a `0700` directory. A key directory that grants access beyond its owner is tightened to `0700` on start; one that is closed too far is refused with a `chmod 700` remedy rather than widened, since a directory locked down on purpose is an operator decision. Rotate the key only when the node logs that the directory was group- or world-writable (or the key file itself was group- or world-readable). An ordinary `0755` directory is tightened too, but others could not read a `0600` key or replace its directory entry. An existing key file is never modified: one with group or other bits set is rejected (`chmod 600`), and so is one this node cannot read. On other platforms no permissions are enforced. Default `~/.gitlawb/p2p.key`; point it at a persistent volume when running in a container. |
 | `GITLAWB_BOOTSTRAP_DISABLE_SEEDS` | Disable embedded seed peers for isolated dev/test networks. |
 | `GITLAWB_REQUIRE_SIGNED_PEER_WRITES` | Require peer writes to prove their DID on every transport: RFC 9421 signatures on the announce/sync routes, and an Ed25519 payload signature on gossip ref-update events. Defaults to `false` during the staged rollout below. Upgrade every gossip publisher before enabling, or their updates are dropped with no error on their side. |
-| `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` | Require the authenticated pusher to be the repo owner on `git-receive-pack`. **Defaults to `true`.** A `did:key` signature is authentication, not authorization — anyone can mint a key and sign — so with this off every signed caller may push to every repository, private ones included. Delegated and CI keys count as non-owners: a UCAN `git/push` capability is verified but not yet honored for authorization, so they cannot push while this is on. Set `false` only for a rolling upgrade; see [`docs/RUN-A-NODE.md`](docs/RUN-A-NODE.md). |
+| `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` | Require the authenticated pusher to be the repo owner on `git-receive-pack`. **Defaults to `true`.** A `did:key` signature is authentication, not authorization (anyone can mint a key and sign), so with this off every signed caller may push to every repository, private ones included. Delegated and CI keys count as non-owners: a UCAN `git/push` capability is verified but not yet honored for authorization, so they cannot push while this is on. Set `false` only for a rolling upgrade; see [`docs/RUN-A-NODE.md`](docs/RUN-A-NODE.md). |
 | `GITLAWB_AUTO_SYNC` | Enable automatic sync from known peers. |
 | `GITLAWB_MAX_PACK_BYTES` | Max git pack body size for smart-HTTP routes. |
 | `GITLAWB_GIT_SERVICE_TIMEOUT_SECS` | Max seconds a served git upload-pack, receive-pack, or `info/refs` advertisement may run before it is aborted (504). Default 600. Also bounds the withheld-blob classification walk (on both the upload-pack serve and receive-pack replication paths) and the push-side pin-candidate discovery (`rev-list` / `cat-file`), each reaped via process-group teardown at the deadline. On the path-scoped upload-pack path the classification walk and the pack serve share ONE deadline, so this value bounds their combined duration rather than granting each stage a full budget: a walk that consumes it leaves the serve nothing and the clone gets a 504. Serving large path-scoped repos may therefore need a higher value than they did when each stage was budgeted separately. Accepted range is 1 to 3153600000 (100 years), since the node derives deadlines from this value and a larger one cannot be represented. |
@@ -553,7 +555,7 @@ Short-term priorities:
 2. Add Docker and installer smoke tests.
 3. Improve operator docs and `gl doctor` checks.
 4. Harden peer writes and publish the signed-peer rollout plan.
-5. Close default-open write authorization and wire trusted UCAN delegation into repository permissions.
+5. Wire trusted UCAN delegation into repository write authorization.
 6. Add threaded, line-level pull-request discussions and enforce approval requirements on merges.
 7. Add metrics for pushes, fetches, pack sizes, peer sync, failed auth, and webhooks.
 

SECURITY.md

@@ -54,9 +54,9 @@ We will acknowledge receipt within 48 hours and aim to release a fix within 14 d
 These are documented limitations of the current live release. They should be prioritized without breaking existing nodes during rolling upgrades.
 
 ### Repository write authorization defaults
-- `git-receive-pack` verifies HTTP Signatures, but `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` defaults to `false` for compatibility during rollout.
-- **Impact:** With the default setting, a valid signature authenticates the pusher but does not require that DID to be the repository owner.
-- **Mitigation:** Set `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH=true` on nodes where owner-only pushes are required. Confirm that every legitimate pusher uses the owner DID before enabling it.
+- `git-receive-pack` verifies HTTP Signatures and, with the default configuration, also requires the pusher DID to be the repository owner: `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` defaults to `true`.
+- **Impact:** With the default setting, a valid signature authenticates the pusher *and* the pusher must be the repository owner. Authentication is not authorization on its own — anyone can mint a `did:key` and sign — so owner enforcement is the only thing that prevents every signed caller from pushing to every repository, including private ones.
+- **Mitigation:** `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH=false` is the explicit rolling-upgrade compatibility override. Disable it only for the duration of an upgrade whose pushers are not yet the repo owner, then turn it back on. Delegated and CI keys count as non-owners: a UCAN `git/push` capability is verified but not yet honored for authorization, so they cannot push while this is on.
 
 ### UCAN delegation and revocation
 - The middleware validates a supplied UCAN's complete proof chain, but a root token is accepted without an independently trusted issuer anchor. `Ucan::can` is not yet used by write handlers, so a UCAN does not grant scoped repository access.

crates/git-remote-gitlawb/src/main.rs

@@ -287,8 +287,10 @@ fn handle_connect<R: Read>(
     //    this into one POST deadlocks a multi-round fetch (#117).
     //
     //  git-receive-pack (push):
-    //    Git sends ref-update commands + the complete PACK blob, then closes its
-    //    write pipe. read_to_end is safe and correct here, a single POST.
+    //    Git sends the ref-update command list (pkt-lines ending in a flush),
+    //    then the complete PACK blob only when a command has a non-zero new-oid.
+    //    A delete-only push sends no pack, and git holds its write pipe open for
+    //    the report-status response, so EOF cannot delimit the request (#369).
 
     let post_url = format!("{}/{}", repo_base, service);
 
@@ -296,10 +298,7 @@ fn handle_connect<R: Read>(
         return negotiate_upload_pack(&client, &post_url, service, signing_key, stdin, &mut stdout);
     }
 
-    let mut request_body = Vec::new();
-    stdin
-        .read_to_end(&mut request_body)
-        .context("reading receive-pack request")?;
+    let request_body = read_receive_pack_request(stdin)?;
     tracing::debug!("pack request: {} bytes from git", request_body.len());
 
     if request_body.is_empty() {
@@ -535,6 +534,108 @@ fn read_upload_pack_round<R: Read>(stdin: &mut R) -> Result<(Vec<u8>, RoundEnd)>
     }
 }
 
+/// Read one git-receive-pack request: optional `shallow` lines, then EITHER a
+/// command list (pkt-lines terminated by a flush) or a push-cert block
+/// (pkt-lines terminated by a "push-cert-end" line), then the negotiated
+/// push-options block, then the pack ONLY when a command carries a non-zero
+/// new-oid.
+///
+/// A delete-only push sends no pack, and git holds its write pipe open waiting
+/// for the report-status response, so a plain read_to_end deadlocks the two
+/// (#369). A signed push is the other trap: when the client sends a push-cert
+/// it sends NO command list at all (the commands live inside the cert), so the
+/// request starts with a "push-cert" line and no flush ever arrives. The
+/// negotiated capability list is on the push-cert line, or on the first
+/// command line after its NUL when there is no cert. EOF at any point also
+/// ends the read, covering git versions that close the pipe early.
+fn read_receive_pack_request<R: Read>(stdin: &mut R) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
+    /// Read one pkt-line into `body` (length prefix + data), returning its data
+    /// or `None` on flush or EOF. Malformed lengths bail rather than collapse
+    /// into a synthesized flush (#192 F5).
+    fn read_pkt<R: Read>(stdin: &mut R, body: &mut Vec<u8>) -> Result<Option<Vec<u8>>> {
+        let mut len_bytes = [0u8; 4];
+        match stdin.read_exact(&mut len_bytes) {
+            Ok(()) => {}
+            Err(e) if e.kind() == io::ErrorKind::UnexpectedEof => return Ok(None),
+            Err(e) => return Err(e.into()),
+        }
+        let Ok(len_hex) = std::str::from_utf8(&len_bytes) else {
+            bail!("malformed pkt-line length prefix: non-UTF-8 bytes {len_bytes:02x?}");
+        };
+        let Ok(pkt_len) = usize::from_str_radix(len_hex, 16) else {
+            bail!("malformed pkt-line length prefix: non-hex {len_hex:?}");
+        };
+        body.extend_from_slice(&len_bytes);
+        if pkt_len == 0 {
+            return Ok(None);
+        }
+        if pkt_len < 4 {
+            bail!("invalid pkt-line length: {pkt_len}");
+        }
+        let mut data = vec![0u8; pkt_len - 4];
+        stdin
+            .read_exact(&mut data)
+            .context("reading pkt-line data")?;
+        body.extend_from_slice(&data);
+        Ok(Some(data))
+    }
+
+    /// "<40-hex old> <40-hex new> <refname>" — the command shape, whether it
+    /// appears in a command list or inside a push-cert.
+    fn is_command(data: &[u8]) -> bool {
+        data.len() >= 82
+            && data[..40].iter().all(|b| b.is_ascii_hexdigit())
+            && data[40] == b' '
+            && data[41..81].iter().all(|b| b.is_ascii_hexdigit())
+            && data[81] == b' '
+    }
+
+    let mut body = Vec::new();
+    let mut caps = String::new();
+    let mut pack_expected = false;
+    let mut in_cert = false;
+    loop {
+        let Some(data) = read_pkt(stdin, &mut body)? else {
+            // Flush ends a command list; EOF ends anything. A cert has no
+            // legal flush inside it, so the same break covers malformed
+            // input without hanging.
+            break;
+        };
+        if !in_cert && data.starts_with(b"push-cert") {
+            in_cert = true;
+            if let Some(nul) = data.iter().position(|&b| b == 0) {
+                caps = String::from_utf8_lossy(&data[nul + 1..]).into_owned();
+            }
+            continue;
+        }
+        if in_cert && data == b"push-cert-end\n" {
+            break;
+        }
+        if is_command(&data) {
+            if caps.is_empty() {
+                if let Some(nul) = data.iter().position(|&b| b == 0) {
+                    caps = String::from_utf8_lossy(&data[nul + 1..]).into_owned();
+                }
+            }
+            if data[41..81].iter().any(|&b| b != b'0') {
+                pack_expected = true;
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    // When both are negotiated the push-options block follows the cert; when
+    // only options are negotiated it follows the command flush. Either way it
+    // is pkt-lines to a flush.
+    if caps.split(' ').any(|c| c.starts_with("push-options")) {
+        while read_pkt(stdin, &mut body)?.is_some() {}
+    }
+    if pack_expected {
+        stdin
+            .read_to_end(&mut body)
+            .context("reading receive-pack pack")?;
+    }
+    Ok(body)
+}
+
 /// POST one self-contained stateless-RPC request body and stream the response to
 /// `stdout`. Signs the request when `signing_key` is present, so every round of a
 /// private-repo fetch carries the caller's signature (the node visibility-gates
@@ -2017,6 +2118,184 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(help.ends_with('\n'));
     }
 
+    // ── #369 delete-only push deadlock ───────────────────────────────────────
+
+    /// A delete-only receive-pack request ends at the command flush; git then
+    /// holds the write pipe open for the report and sends no pack. A reader that
+    /// blocks after the command list reproduces the hang that a Cursor (EOF)
+    /// hides. The read must return at the flush, inside the timeout.
+    #[test]
+    fn delete_only_receive_pack_request_returns_at_command_flush() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let zero = "0".repeat(40);
+        let mut seed = Vec::new();
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!("{old} {zero} refs/heads/gone\n")));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(b"0000"); // command-list flush; git then blocks
+
+        let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel::<()>();
+        let mut reader = BlockAfterSeed {
+            seed: io::Cursor::new(seed),
+            gate: rx,
+        };
+
+        let (done_tx, done_rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel::<Vec<u8>>();
+        let handle = std::thread::spawn(move || {
+            let _ = done_tx.send(read_receive_pack_request(&mut reader).unwrap());
+        });
+
+        let got = done_rx.recv_timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2));
+        let _ = tx.send(()); // unblock the reader so the thread can exit
+        let _ = handle.join();
+
+        let body = got.expect(
+            "read_receive_pack_request blocked past the command flush waiting for \
+             a pack a delete-only push never sends (#369)",
+        );
+        assert!(
+            body.ends_with(b"0000"),
+            "the request body keeps the command list and its flush terminator"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A push carrying objects still reads the pack through to EOF, and the
+    /// command flush sits between the commands and the pack in the body.
+    #[test]
+    fn receive_pack_request_with_pack_reads_through_eof() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let new = "b".repeat(40);
+        let mut stream = Vec::new();
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!(
+            "{old} {new} refs/heads/main\0 report-status-v2\n"
+        )));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"0000");
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack");
+
+        let mut stdin = io::Cursor::new(stream);
+        let body = read_receive_pack_request(&mut stdin).unwrap();
+        let pos = body.windows(4).position(|w| w == b"0000").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            &body[pos + 4..],
+            b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack",
+            "a non-zero new-oid means the pack follows the flush"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A signed delete-only push sends NO command list: the request starts
+    /// with the "push-cert" line, the commands live inside the cert, and the
+    /// cert ends with a "push-cert-end" pkt-line (not a flush). The reader
+    /// must return after push-cert-end without waiting on the pipe.
+    #[test]
+    fn signed_delete_only_push_returns_after_push_cert_end() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let zero = "0".repeat(40);
+        let mut seed = Vec::new();
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("push-cert\0 report-status-v2 push-cert\n"));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("certificate version 0.1\n"));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("pusher did:key:z6Mk\n"));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("\n")); // empty line ends the headers
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!("{old} {zero} refs/heads/gone\n")));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("sig-line\n"));
+        seed.extend_from_slice(&pkt("push-cert-end\n"));
+        // git now blocks for the report; the pipe stays open.
+
+        let (tx, rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel::<()>();
+        let mut reader = BlockAfterSeed {
+            seed: io::Cursor::new(seed),
+            gate: rx,
+        };
+
+        let (done_tx, done_rx) = std::sync::mpsc::channel::<Vec<u8>>();
+        let handle = std::thread::spawn(move || {
+            let _ = done_tx.send(read_receive_pack_request(&mut reader).unwrap());
+        });
+        let got = done_rx.recv_timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(2));
+        let _ = tx.send(());
+        let _ = handle.join();
+
+        let body = got.expect(
+            "read_receive_pack_request blocked past push-cert-end on a signed \
+             delete-only push (#369)",
+        );
+        assert!(
+            body.windows(6).any(|w| w == b"pusher"),
+            "the cert block is part of the request body"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A signed pack-bearing push: cert with the commands inside, then the
+    /// pack. Everything must land in the body.
+    #[test]
+    fn signed_pack_push_keeps_cert_and_pack() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let new = "b".repeat(40);
+        let mut stream = Vec::new();
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("push-cert\0 report-status-v2 push-cert\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("certificate version 0.1\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!("{old} {new} refs/heads/main\n")));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("push-cert-end\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack");
+
+        let mut stdin = io::Cursor::new(stream);
+        let body = read_receive_pack_request(&mut stdin).unwrap();
+        assert!(
+            body.windows(5).any(|w| w == b"PACK\x00"),
+            "the pack follows the cert into the body"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A negotiated push-options block is pkt-lines ending in its own flush.
+    /// With no cert it follows the command flush; with a cert it follows
+    /// push-cert-end.
+    #[test]
+    fn receive_pack_request_consumes_a_push_options_block() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let new = "b".repeat(40);
+        let mut stream = Vec::new();
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!(
+            "{old} {new} refs/heads/main\0 report-status-v2 push-options\n"
+        )));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"0000"); // command flush
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("ci.skip\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"0000"); // options flush
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack");
+
+        let mut stdin = io::Cursor::new(stream);
+        let body = read_receive_pack_request(&mut stdin).unwrap();
+        assert!(body.windows(7).any(|w| w == b"ci.skip"), "options survived");
+        assert!(
+            body.ends_with(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack"),
+            "the pack lands after the options block"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Cert and options together: the cert comes first and the options block
+    /// sits between push-cert-end and the pack.
+    #[test]
+    fn signed_push_with_options_reads_cert_then_options_then_pack() {
+        let old = "a".repeat(40);
+        let new = "b".repeat(40);
+        let mut stream = Vec::new();
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt(
+            "push-cert\0 report-status-v2 push-cert push-options\n",
+        ));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("certificate version 0.1\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt(&format!("{old} {new} refs/heads/main\n")));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("push-cert-end\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(&pkt("ci.skip\n"));
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"0000"); // options flush
+        stream.extend_from_slice(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack");
+
+        let mut stdin = io::Cursor::new(stream);
+        let body = read_receive_pack_request(&mut stdin).unwrap();
+        assert!(body.windows(7).any(|w| w == b"ci.skip"), "options survived");
+        assert!(
+            body.ends_with(b"PACK\x00\x00\x00\x02fakepack"),
+            "the pack lands after the options block"
+        );
+    }
+
     // ── #117 multi-round fetch negotiation ───────────────────────────────────
 
     /// Encode a git pkt-line: 4-byte hex length (incl. the 4 bytes) + data.

crates/git-remote-gitlawb/tests/real_git_fetch.rs

@@ -95,6 +95,36 @@ fn upload_pack(repo: &Path, advertise: bool, input: &[u8]) -> Vec<u8> {
     out.stdout
 }
 
+/// Run `git receive-pack --stateless-rpc [--advertise-refs] <repo>`, optionally
+/// feeding `input` on stdin. Returns raw stdout (the wire bytes). The receive
+/// half of `upload_pack`, used so the shim can serve a real push.
+fn receive_pack(repo: &Path, advertise: bool, input: &[u8]) -> Vec<u8> {
+    let mut cmd = Command::new("git");
+    cmd.arg("receive-pack").arg("--stateless-rpc");
+    if advertise {
+        cmd.arg("--advertise-refs");
+    }
+    cmd.arg(repo)
+        .stdin(Stdio::piped())
+        .stdout(Stdio::piped())
+        .stderr(Stdio::piped());
+    let mut child = cmd.spawn().expect("spawn git receive-pack");
+    let mut stdin = child.stdin.take().unwrap();
+    let input = input.to_vec();
+    let writer = std::thread::spawn(move || {
+        let _ = stdin.write_all(&input);
+        // drop closes stdin
+    });
+    let out = child.wait_with_output().expect("wait receive-pack");
+    writer.join().ok();
+    assert!(
+        out.status.success(),
+        "git receive-pack failed: {}",
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stderr)
+    );
+    out.stdout
+}
+
 #[derive(Clone, Copy)]
 enum ShimMode {
     /// Faithful v0 serving: pipe each POST to `git upload-pack --stateless-rpc`.
@@ -107,6 +137,11 @@ enum ShimMode {
 struct Shim {
     base_url: String,
     posts: Arc<AtomicUsize>,
+    /// Advertisement (GET /info/refs) count. One `git fetch` performs exactly
+    /// one advertisement, so tests assert this is EXACTLY one: any fetch-level
+    /// retry that comes back re-advertises and goes red on the spot, which the
+    /// lower-bound POST assertions alone cannot see (#275 round 6).
+    gets: Arc<AtomicUsize>,
     stop: Arc<AtomicBool>,
     handle: Option<std::thread::JoinHandle<()>>,
 }
@@ -136,15 +171,17 @@ fn start_shim(repo: PathBuf, mode: ShimMode) -> Shim {
     let addr = listener.local_addr().unwrap();
     let base_url = format!("http://{addr}");
     let posts = Arc::new(AtomicUsize::new(0));
+    let gets = Arc::new(AtomicUsize::new(0));
     let stop = Arc::new(AtomicBool::new(false));
 
     let posts_t = posts.clone();
+    let gets_t = gets.clone();
     let stop_t = stop.clone();
     let handle = std::thread::spawn(move || {
         while !stop_t.load(Ordering::SeqCst) {
             match listener.accept() {
                 Ok((stream, _)) => {
-                    handle_conn(stream, &repo, mode, &posts_t);
+                    handle_conn(stream, &repo, mode, &posts_t, &gets_t);
                 }
                 Err(ref e) if e.kind() == std::io::ErrorKind::WouldBlock => {
                     std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(5));
@@ -157,6 +194,7 @@ fn start_shim(repo: PathBuf, mode: ShimMode) -> Shim {
     Shim {
         base_url,
         posts,
+        gets,
         stop,
         handle: Some(handle),
     }
@@ -182,7 +220,13 @@ fn normalize_accepted_stream(stream: &TcpStream) {
     stream.set_read_timeout(Some(Duration::from_secs(30))).ok();
 }
 
-fn handle_conn(stream: TcpStream, repo: &Path, mode: ShimMode, posts: &AtomicUsize) {
+fn handle_conn(
+    stream: TcpStream,
+    repo: &Path,
+    mode: ShimMode,
+    posts: &AtomicUsize,
+    gets: &AtomicUsize,
+) {
     normalize_accepted_stream(&stream);
     let mut reader = BufReader::new(stream);
 
@@ -218,7 +262,22 @@ fn handle_conn(stream: TcpStream, repo: &Path, mode: ShimMode, posts: &AtomicUsi
         reader.read_exact(&mut body).ok();
     }
 
-    let (content_type, payload) = if method == "GET" && target.contains("/info/refs") {
+    let (content_type, payload) = if method == "GET" && target.contains("service=git-receive-pack")
+    {
+        // Receive-pack advertisement, same wrapper shape as upload-pack.
+        let adv = receive_pack(repo, true, b"");
+        let mut wrapped = pkt(b"# service=git-receive-pack\n");
+        wrapped.extend_from_slice(b"0000");
+        wrapped.extend_from_slice(&adv);
+        ("application/x-git-receive-pack-advertisement", wrapped)
+    } else if method == "POST" && target.ends_with("/git-receive-pack") {
+        posts.fetch_add(1, Ordering::SeqCst);
+        (
+            "application/x-git-receive-pack-result",
+            receive_pack(repo, false, &body),
+        )
+    } else if method == "GET" && target.contains("/info/refs") {
+        gets.fetch_add(1, Ordering::SeqCst);
         // v0 advertisement, wrapped exactly as the node's info_refs does.
         let adv = upload_pack(repo, true, b"");
         let mut wrapped = pkt(b"# service=git-upload-pack\n");
@@ -293,6 +352,34 @@ fn fetch_with_helper(clone: &Path, node_url: &str) -> (bool, std::process::Outpu
     run_bounded(cmd, Duration::from_secs(30))
 }
 
+/// Run `git push` in `local` through the helper, same wiring and hard timeout as
+/// [`fetch_with_helper`]. `args` carries the push spec, e.g.
+/// `["--delete", "doomed"]`.
+fn push_with_helper(local: &Path, node_url: &str, args: &[&str]) -> (bool, std::process::Output) {
+    let helper_bin = PathBuf::from(env!("CARGO_BIN_EXE_git-remote-gitlawb"));
+    let helper_dir = helper_bin.parent().unwrap().to_path_buf();
+    let path_env = match std::env::var_os("PATH") {
+        Some(p) => {
+            let mut dirs = vec![helper_dir.clone()];
+            dirs.extend(std::env::split_paths(&p));
+            std::env::join_paths(dirs).unwrap()
+        }
+        None => helper_dir.clone().into_os_string(),
+    };
+
+    let mut cmd = Command::new("git");
+    cmd.arg("-C")
+        .arg(local)
+        .arg("push")
+        .arg("origin")
+        .args(args)
+        .env("PATH", path_env)
+        .env("LC_ALL", "C")
+        .env("GITLAWB_NODE", node_url)
+        .env("GITLAWB_KEY", "/nonexistent-key-for-anon-push");
+    run_bounded(cmd, Duration::from_secs(30))
+}
+
 /// A synthetic non-success `ExitStatus` used only on the unix timeout path, where
 /// `reap_group` has already consumed the child and the later `wait` returns ECHILD.
 /// The timeout branch already reports `completed == false`, so the exact status is
@@ -935,6 +1022,7 @@ fn shim_answers_a_connection_that_arrives_non_blocking() {
 
     let server = std::thread::spawn(move || {
         let posts = AtomicUsize::new(0);
+        let gets = AtomicUsize::new(0);
         let stream = loop {
             match listener.accept() {
                 Ok((s, _)) => break s,
@@ -949,7 +1037,7 @@ fn shim_answers_a_connection_that_arrives_non_blocking() {
         // the assertions below run on every platform.
         stream.set_nonblocking(true).unwrap();
         accepted_tx.send(()).unwrap();
-        handle_conn(stream, &repo, ShimMode::Normal, &posts);
+        handle_conn(stream, &repo, ShimMode::Normal, &posts, &gets);
     });
 
     let mut client = TcpStream::connect(addr).unwrap();
@@ -1013,6 +1101,17 @@ fn real_git_multi_round_fetch_completes() {
         posts >= 2,
         "fixture did not force multi-round negotiation (observed {posts} POST(s)); the bridging path was not exercised"
     );
+    // Exactly one advertisement: the POST bound above is a floor, so a
+    // reintroduced fetch-level retry could satisfy it by running a second full
+    // fetch instead of multi-round negotiation. Re-advertising is what a
+    // second fetch cannot avoid, so this is the committed guard on the
+    // retry's absence.
+    let gets = shim.gets.load(Ordering::SeqCst);
+    assert_eq!(
+        gets, 1,
+        "expected exactly one advertisement GET per fetch; {gets} means a \
+         fetch-level retry is back"
+    );
 
     // The fetched tip is present and the clone's object graph is intact.
     let server_head = String::from_utf8(git(&server, &["rev-parse", "HEAD"])).unwrap();
@@ -1105,6 +1204,17 @@ fn real_git_withheld_shaped_first_post() {
         "helper hung on a withheld-shaped response (should forward-and-terminate, not deadlock). stderr:\n{stderr}"
     );
 
+    // Exactly one advertisement, pass or fail: the POST assertions below are
+    // floors, so a reintroduced fetch-level retry could mask the withheld
+    // shape behind a second full fetch. A retry cannot avoid re-advertising,
+    // so this is the committed guard on its absence.
+    let gets = shim.gets.load(Ordering::SeqCst);
+    assert_eq!(
+        gets, 1,
+        "expected exactly one advertisement GET per fetch; {gets} means a \
+         fetch-level retry is back"
+    );
+
     if out.status.success() {
         // Real git accepted the mid-negotiation pack: the withheld multi-round
         // path works end to end with no extra handling.
@@ -1242,3 +1352,77 @@ fn run_bounded_bounds_join_when_leader_exits_leaving_a_pipe_holder() {
          held pipes do not stall the joins)"
     );
 }
+
+/// #369 end-to-end: a real `git push --delete` through the helper completes.
+/// The receive-pack request for a delete-only push is commands + flush with NO
+/// pack, and git holds its write pipe open for the report — so a helper that
+/// reads stdin to EOF deadlocks against it. The shim pipes the POST to a real
+/// `git receive-pack --stateless-rpc`, so the branch actually has to be deleted
+/// server-side for the assertions to pass.
+#[test]
+fn real_git_push_delete_completes() {
+    let dir = tempfile::tempdir().unwrap();
+    let server = dir.path().join("server.git");
+    let local = dir.path().join("local");
+
+    // A bare repo holding the doomed branch, plus a live one.
+    git(
+        dir.path(),
+        &[
+            "init",
+            "--bare",
+            server.to_str().unwrap(),
+            "--initial-branch=main",
+        ],
+    );
+    let work = dir.path().join("work");
+    git(
+        dir.path(),
+        &["init", work.to_str().unwrap(), "--initial-branch=main"],
+    );
+    git(&work, &["config", "user.email", "t@t"]);
+    git(&work, &["config", "user.name", "t"]);
+    std::fs::write(work.join("f"), "x").unwrap();
+    git(&work, &["add", "f"]);
+    git(&work, &["commit", "-m", "c"]);
+    git(&work, &["branch", "doomed"]);
+    git(&work, &["push", server.to_str().unwrap(), "main", "doomed"]);
+
+    // The pusher: a local repo whose origin is the gitlawb remote pointing at
+    // the shim. Nothing needs to be fetched first; git takes the old-oid from
+    // the receive-pack advertisement.
+    git(
+        dir.path(),
+        &["init", local.to_str().unwrap(), "--initial-branch=main"],
+    );
+    git(
+        &local,
+        &["remote", "add", "origin", "gitlawb://did:key:z6MkTest/repo"],
+    );
+
+    let shim = start_shim(server.clone(), ShimMode::Normal);
+    let (completed, out) = push_with_helper(&local, &shim.base_url, &["--delete", "doomed"]);
+    let posts = shim.posts.load(Ordering::SeqCst);
+
+    assert!(
+        completed,
+        "git push --delete did not complete within the timeout (deadlock signature). stderr:\n{}",
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stderr)
+    );
+    assert!(
+        out.status.success(),
+        "git push --delete failed. stderr:\n{}",
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stderr)
+    );
+    assert_eq!(posts, 1, "a delete-only push is exactly one POST");
+    let gone = Command::new("git")
+        .arg("-C")
+        .arg(&server)
+        .args(["rev-parse", "--verify", "--quiet", "refs/heads/doomed"])
+        .output()
+        .unwrap();
+    assert!(
+        !gone.status.success(),
+        "refs/heads/doomed must be deleted in the server repo"
+    );
+}

crates/gitlawb-attest/src/attestation.rs

@@ -105,16 +105,30 @@ impl Attestation {
         let bytes = canonical_signing_bytes(&self.type_, &self.payload, &self.cert_hash)?;
 
         let vk = verifying_key_from_did_key(&self.signer)?;
+        self.verify_sig_with_key(&vk, &bytes)?;
+
+        Ok(vk)
+    }
+
+    /// The signature check itself, against a key the caller supplies.
+    ///
+    /// Split out so the STRICTNESS of the check stays provable on its own.
+    /// `verifying_key_from_did_key` now refuses a small-order key, so a weak
+    /// signer can no longer reach this line through `verify_signature`. Without
+    /// this seam there would be nothing left that fails when `verify_strict` is
+    /// downgraded to the non-strict `verify`, and that regression would land
+    /// silently. Check order in `verify_signature` is unchanged.
+    fn verify_sig_with_key(&self, vk: &VerifyingKey, bytes: &[u8]) -> Result<()> {
         let sig_bytes: [u8; 64] = B64U
             .decode(&self.sig)
             .map_err(|e| Error::Signature(format!("base64url: {e}")))?
             .try_into()
             .map_err(|_| Error::Signature("signature must be 64 bytes".to_string()))?;
         let sig = Signature::from_bytes(&sig_bytes);
-        vk.verify_strict(&bytes, &sig)
+        vk.verify_strict(bytes, &sig)
             .map_err(|e| Error::Signature(format!("ed25519: {e}")))?;
 
-        Ok(vk)
+        Ok(())
     }
 
     /// Reparse `payload` as `P`. Errors if the type discriminator does not
@@ -181,7 +195,7 @@ fn canonical_signing_bytes(
     Ok(out)
 }
 
-fn did_key_from_verifying_key(key: &VerifyingKey) -> String {
+pub(crate) fn did_key_from_verifying_key(key: &VerifyingKey) -> String {
     let mut buf = Vec::with_capacity(ED25519_MULTICODEC.len() + 32);
     buf.extend_from_slice(&ED25519_MULTICODEC);
     buf.extend_from_slice(&key.to_bytes());
@@ -202,6 +216,19 @@ fn verifying_key_from_did_key(did: &str) -> Result<VerifyingKey> {
             "did:key must use base58btc (z-prefix): {did}"
         )));
     }
+    // Refuse an oversized id before decoding. base58 decoding is quadratic in
+    // its input and `signer` comes off an attacker-supplied attestation, so a
+    // short request could otherwise buy a large decode. An ed25519 did:key
+    // method-id is a fixed 48 characters, so this bound is slack rather than a
+    // behavior change, and it only helps ahead of the decode. Mirrors the same
+    // cap in gitlawb-core's Did::to_verifying_key, which this crate cannot call
+    // (gitlawb-core is a dev-dependency here).
+    const MAX_METHOD_ID_LEN: usize = 64;
+    if method_id.len() > MAX_METHOD_ID_LEN {
+        return Err(Error::Did(
+            "did:key method-specific id too long".to_string(),
+        ));
+    }
     let (base, bytes) =
         multibase::decode(method_id).map_err(|e| Error::Did(format!("multibase: {e}")))?;
     if base != multibase::Base::Base58Btc {
@@ -217,8 +244,20 @@ fn verifying_key_from_did_key(did: &str) -> Result<VerifyingKey> {
     let key_bytes: [u8; 32] = bytes[ED25519_MULTICODEC.len()..]
         .try_into()
         .expect("length checked above");
-    VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&key_bytes)
-        .map_err(|e| Error::Did(format!("invalid ed25519 key: {e}")))
+    let key = VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&key_bytes)
+        .map_err(|e| Error::Did(format!("invalid ed25519 key: {e}")))?;
+
+    // `from_bytes` only decompresses, so it accepts a small-order point. This
+    // crate parses did:key itself rather than going through gitlawb-core's
+    // `Did`, and it cannot go through it (gitlawb-core is a dev-dependency
+    // here), so the rejection is mirrored rather than inherited. Signature
+    // verification is already strict, so this is defense in depth against a
+    // future consumer of this parser that does not verify strictly.
+    if key.is_weak() {
+        return Err(Error::Did("small-order ed25519 key".to_string()));
+    }
+
+    Ok(key)
 }
 
 #[cfg(test)]
@@ -465,6 +504,23 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(matches!(err, Error::Did(_)));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn verify_rejects_oversized_method_id_before_decoding() {
+        let sk = fresh();
+        let mut att = dummy_attestation(&sk, sample_cert_hash());
+        // A well-formed prefix on an absurdly long id must fail the length
+        // bound, not the decoder: base58 decode cost is quadratic in input
+        // length, so reaching it at all is the defect.
+        att.signer = format!("did:key:z{}", "1".repeat(256));
+        let err = att.verify_signature(sample_cert_hash()).unwrap_err();
+        // Match the bound's own message: any other Did error (a decode or
+        // length mismatch downstream) means the oversized input was decoded.
+        match err {
+            Error::Did(m) => assert!(m.contains("too long"), "unexpected: {m}"),
+            e => panic!("expected Error::Did, got {e:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn verify_rejects_bad_signature_base64() {
         let sk = fresh();
@@ -559,6 +615,111 @@ mod tests {
     /// weak (small-order) public key satisfies the verification equation
     /// but must be rejected. The identity point is such a key: with R the
     /// identity and S = 0, [S]B - [k]A is the identity for any message.
+    /// gitlawb-attest parses did:key itself and never routes through
+    /// gitlawb-core's `Did`, which it cannot: gitlawb-core is a dev-dependency
+    /// here. So the choke-point rejection has to be mirrored in this parser or
+    /// this crate keeps handing out keys the rest of the system rejects.
+    #[test]
+    fn verifying_key_from_did_key_rejects_a_small_order_key() {
+        let mut weak = [0u8; 32];
+        weak[0] = 1; // compressed identity point
+        let mut buf = Vec::with_capacity(ED25519_MULTICODEC.len() + 32);
+        buf.extend_from_slice(&ED25519_MULTICODEC);
+        buf.extend_from_slice(&weak);
+        let did = format!(
+            "did:key:{}",
+            multibase::encode(multibase::Base::Base58Btc, &buf)
+        );
+
+        let err =
+            verifying_key_from_did_key(&did).expect_err("a small-order did:key must not resolve");
+        match err {
+            Error::Did(msg) => assert!(
+                msg.contains("small-order"),
+                "rejection must name the small-order key, got: {msg}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected Error::Did, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// base58 decoding is quadratic in its input and `signer` is attacker
+    /// controlled, so an oversized method-id must be refused BEFORE the decode
+    /// or a hostile attestation buys a large decode for a short request. The
+    /// assertion is on the length error specifically: a multibase error here
+    /// would mean the cap ran too late to matter.
+    #[test]
+    fn verifying_key_from_did_key_refuses_an_oversized_method_id_before_decoding() {
+        let oversized = format!("did:key:z{}", "1".repeat(65_536));
+        let err = verifying_key_from_did_key(&oversized)
+            .expect_err("an oversized method-id must be refused");
+        match err {
+            Error::Did(msg) => assert!(
+                msg.contains("too long"),
+                "must fail on the length cap, not after decoding: {msg}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected Error::Did, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Strictness regression guard. The parser now refuses a small-order key,
+    /// so `verify_signature` can no longer carry a weak signer down to the
+    /// signature check; this drives that check directly to prove it is still
+    /// STRICT. Downgrading `verify_strict` to `verify` makes this go red,
+    /// which nothing else in the suite would catch.
+    #[test]
+    fn verify_sig_with_key_is_strict_about_a_weak_key() {
+        let mut weak_key_bytes = [0u8; 32];
+        weak_key_bytes[0] = 1; // compressed identity point
+        let weak_vk = VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&weak_key_bytes).unwrap();
+        assert!(weak_vk.is_weak());
+
+        let cert_hash = sample_cert_hash();
+        let mut att = dummy_attestation(&SigningKey::generate(&mut OsRng), cert_hash);
+        // R = identity, S = 0: satisfies the non-strict verification equation
+        // for any message under a small-order key.
+        let mut forged = [0u8; 64];
+        forged[0] = 1;
+        att.sig = B64U.encode(forged);
+
+        let bytes = canonical_signing_bytes(&att.type_, &att.payload, &att.cert_hash).expect("jcs");
+        let err = att
+            .verify_sig_with_key(&weak_vk, &bytes)
+            .expect_err("strict verification must reject a small-order key");
+        assert!(
+            matches!(err, Error::Signature(_)),
+            "expected a signature error, got {err:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Accept control for the seam: a genuine signature still verifies through
+    /// the same helper, so the guard above is not simply rejecting everything.
+    #[test]
+    fn verify_sig_with_key_accepts_a_genuine_signature() {
+        let cert_hash = sample_cert_hash();
+        let sk = SigningKey::generate(&mut OsRng);
+        let att = dummy_attestation(&sk, cert_hash);
+        let bytes = canonical_signing_bytes(&att.type_, &att.payload, &att.cert_hash).expect("jcs");
+        att.verify_sig_with_key(&sk.verifying_key(), &bytes)
+            .expect("a real signature must verify");
+    }
+
+    /// Control for the guard above: a real did:key must still resolve.
+    #[test]
+    fn verifying_key_from_did_key_still_accepts_a_real_key() {
+        let sk = SigningKey::from_bytes(&[3u8; 32]);
+        let vk = sk.verifying_key();
+        let mut buf = Vec::with_capacity(ED25519_MULTICODEC.len() + 32);
+        buf.extend_from_slice(&ED25519_MULTICODEC);
+        buf.extend_from_slice(&vk.to_bytes());
+        let did = format!(
+            "did:key:{}",
+            multibase::encode(multibase::Base::Base58Btc, &buf)
+        );
+
+        let got = verifying_key_from_did_key(&did).expect("a real did:key must resolve");
+        assert_eq!(got.to_bytes(), vk.to_bytes());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn verify_rejects_weak_key_signature() {
         let mut weak_key_bytes = [0u8; 32];
@@ -572,7 +733,13 @@ mod tests {
         let forged_sig = B64U.encode(forged);
 
         // Build an attestation with the weak key as signer and the forged
-        // signature. The weak-key check happens at verify time.
+        // signature. Rejection now happens at DID RESOLUTION rather than at
+        // verify time: `verifying_key_from_did_key` refuses a small-order key
+        // before `verify_strict` is reached, so the observed error is
+        // `Error::Did`, not `Error::Signature`. `verify_strict` remains the
+        // second layer for malleability cases that do not involve a weak
+        // public key (a small-order R under an honest key), which this fixture
+        // cannot construct and therefore no longer covers.
         let mut att = dummy_attestation(&SigningKey::generate(&mut OsRng), cert_hash);
         let mut buf = Vec::with_capacity(ED25519_MULTICODEC.len() + 32);
         buf.extend_from_slice(&ED25519_MULTICODEC);
@@ -584,9 +751,12 @@ mod tests {
         att.sig = forged_sig;
 
         let err = att.verify_signature(cert_hash).unwrap_err();
-        assert!(
-            matches!(err, Error::Signature(_)),
-            "signature under a weak (small-order) public key must be rejected"
-        );
+        match err {
+            Error::Did(msg) => assert!(
+                msg.contains("small-order"),
+                "weak signer must be refused as a small-order key, got: {msg}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected Error::Did for a small-order signer, got {other:?}"),
+        }
     }
 }

crates/gitlawb-attest/src/verifier.rs

@@ -121,7 +121,12 @@ impl Registry {
         attestation: &Attestation,
         expected_cert_hash: [u8; 32],
     ) -> Result<VerifiedAttestation> {
-        attestation.verify_signature(expected_cert_hash)?;
+        // The key that actually verified is the trust anchor for the signer a
+        // consumer sees. `verify_signature` recovers it from the artifact's
+        // `signer` field and rejects a field that does not match the signing
+        // key, so this is the canonical DID of the key that signed — never a
+        // raw artifact string that could disagree with it.
+        let verified_key = attestation.verify_signature(expected_cert_hash)?;
 
         let fully = match self.by_type.get(attestation.type_.as_str()) {
             Some(v) => {
@@ -138,30 +143,55 @@ impl Registry {
 
         Ok(VerifiedAttestation {
             type_: attestation.type_.clone(),
-            signer: attestation.signer.clone(),
+            signer: crate::attestation::did_key_from_verifying_key(&verified_key),
             cert_hash: attestation.cert_hash.clone(),
             fully_verified: fully,
         })
     }
 
     /// Verify a batch, then enforce `RequireAll`.
+    ///
+    /// Under [`Policy::RequireAll`] this never short-circuits: an attestation
+    /// that fails to verify — bad signature, cert-hash mismatch, or malformed
+    /// payload, the actual `Err` paths of [`Registry::verify`] — is dropped
+    /// from the result rather than aborting the batch. A valid attestation of
+    /// a type with NO registered verifier is not one of those: under
+    /// `RequireAll` it verifies to `Ok` with `fully_verified: false` and stays
+    /// in the result, preserving the distinction between *untrusted* and
+    /// *invalid* (see `require_all_is_lenient_on_unknown_types_in_the_batch`).
+    /// Any third party can attach an attestation, so a hard error here would
+    /// let an unrelated `attacker/spam/v1` deny-of-service the whole cert (the
+    /// DoS vector the module docstring warns about). The `required_types`
+    /// check below is the real gate, and it only counts `fully_verified`
+    /// entries — so a required type represented solely by a malformed
+    /// attestation still fails with [`Error::RequiredMissing`].
+    ///
+    /// Under `AcceptKnown` and `RejectUnknown` the batch stays strict: the
+    /// first verification error is surfaced to the caller.
     pub fn verify_all(
         &self,
         attestations: &[Attestation],
         expected_cert_hash: [u8; 32],
     ) -> Result<Vec<VerifiedAttestation>> {
-        let mut verified = Vec::with_capacity(attestations.len());
-        for a in attestations {
-            verified.push(self.verify(a, expected_cert_hash)?);
+        if self.policy != Policy::RequireAll {
+            let mut verified = Vec::with_capacity(attestations.len());
+            for a in attestations {
+                verified.push(self.verify(a, expected_cert_hash)?);
+            }
+            return Ok(verified);
         }
-        if self.policy == Policy::RequireAll {
-            for required in &self.required_types {
-                let present = verified
-                    .iter()
-                    .any(|v| &v.type_ == required && v.fully_verified);
-                if !present {
-                    return Err(Error::RequiredMissing(required.clone()));
-                }
+
+        // RequireAll: drop entries that fail to verify instead of aborting.
+        let verified: Vec<VerifiedAttestation> = attestations
+            .iter()
+            .filter_map(|a| self.verify(a, expected_cert_hash).ok())
+            .collect();
+        for required in &self.required_types {
+            let present = verified
+                .iter()
+                .any(|v| &v.type_ == required && v.fully_verified);
+            if !present {
+                return Err(Error::RequiredMissing(required.clone()));
             }
         }
         Ok(verified)
@@ -171,7 +201,7 @@ impl Registry {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
-    use crate::attestation::{Attestation, AttestationPayload};
+    use crate::attestation::{did_key_from_verifying_key, Attestation, AttestationPayload};
     use ed25519_dalek::SigningKey;
     use rand::rngs::OsRng;
     use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
@@ -319,6 +349,38 @@ mod tests {
             .any(|v| v.type_ == "other/v1" && !v.fully_verified));
     }
 
+    /// The strict policies must surface a batch member's verification error
+    /// through `verify_all`, not launder it into a partial result. This binds
+    /// the POLICY BOUNDARY itself: only the `RequireAll` arm may drop failing
+    /// entries, and an apparently harmless cleanup that applies its
+    /// `filter_map(Result::ok)` shape to the strict arms would silently turn
+    /// the fail-closed contracts into fail-open — with every per-attestation
+    /// `verify` test still green, because none of them go through the batch
+    /// path. The failing entry is a wrong-cert-hash attestation (signed over a
+    /// different hash than the batch expects), a genuine `Err` under every
+    /// policy.
+    #[test]
+    fn strict_policies_propagate_a_batch_members_error() {
+        let sk = fresh();
+        let cert_hash = sample_hash();
+        let mut wrong_hash = sample_hash();
+        wrong_hash[0] ^= 0xff;
+
+        for policy in [Policy::AcceptKnown, Policy::RejectUnknown] {
+            let mut reg = Registry::new().with_policy(policy);
+            reg.register(DemoVerifier);
+            let good = signed_demo(&sk, cert_hash, "ok");
+            let bad = signed_demo(&sk, wrong_hash, "ok");
+            let err = reg
+                .verify_all(&[good, bad], cert_hash)
+                .expect_err("a strict policy must fail the whole batch");
+            assert!(
+                matches!(err, Error::Signature(_) | Error::CertHashMismatch),
+                "expected the underlying verification error, got {err:?}"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
     /// A required type that is present but unverified (no verifier registered
     /// even though the type appears in `required_types`) must fail
     /// `verify_all` with `RequiredMissing`. Catches a misconfiguration where
@@ -336,6 +398,65 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(matches!(err, Error::RequiredMissing(t) if t == "demo/v1"));
     }
 
+    /// A cert-hash that does not match `sample_hash()`, so an attestation
+    /// signed against it fails `verify_signature` when the batch is checked
+    /// against `sample_hash()`.
+    fn other_hash() -> [u8; 32] {
+        let mut h = sample_hash();
+        h[0] ^= 0xff;
+        h
+    }
+
+    /// Under `RequireAll`, a malformed attestation (here: signed against the
+    /// wrong cert hash, so it fails signature verification) attached alongside a
+    /// valid required one must not abort the batch. The junk is dropped and the
+    /// cert still verifies. Before the fix, `verify_all` propagated the error
+    /// via `?` and the whole batch failed — the DoS vector the docstring warns
+    /// about.
+    #[test]
+    fn require_all_drops_a_malformed_extra_and_still_accepts() {
+        let sk = fresh();
+        let cert_hash = sample_hash();
+        let mut reg = Registry::new()
+            .with_policy(Policy::RequireAll)
+            .require_types(["demo/v1"]);
+        reg.register(DemoVerifier);
+
+        // Signed against `other_hash()`, so it will not verify under `cert_hash`.
+        let malformed = signed_demo(&sk, other_hash(), "boom");
+        let real = signed_demo(&sk, cert_hash, "ok");
+
+        let verified = reg
+            .verify_all(&[malformed, real], cert_hash)
+            .expect("a malformed extra must not abort the batch under RequireAll");
+        assert_eq!(verified.len(), 1, "the malformed entry should be dropped");
+        assert!(verified
+            .iter()
+            .any(|v| v.type_ == "demo/v1" && v.fully_verified));
+    }
+
+    /// Leniency must not open a hole: if the *only* attestation of a required
+    /// type is malformed, dropping it leaves the required type absent and
+    /// `verify_all` must still fail with `RequiredMissing`. Guards against a fix
+    /// that skips errors so eagerly it lets an unverified required type pass.
+    #[test]
+    fn require_all_rejects_when_only_a_malformed_required_type_is_present() {
+        let sk = fresh();
+        let cert_hash = sample_hash();
+        let mut reg = Registry::new()
+            .with_policy(Policy::RequireAll)
+            .require_types(["demo/v1"]);
+        reg.register(DemoVerifier);
+
+        // The sole demo/v1 is bound to the wrong cert hash → fails verification.
+        let malformed_required = signed_demo(&sk, other_hash(), "ok");
+
+        let err = reg
+            .verify_all(&[malformed_required], cert_hash)
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(matches!(err, Error::RequiredMissing(t) if t == "demo/v1"));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn payload_check_failure_rejects() {
         let sk = fresh();
@@ -374,4 +495,52 @@ mod tests {
         let err = reg.verify(&att, cert_hash).unwrap_err();
         assert!(matches!(err, Error::Payload(_)));
     }
+
+    /// The signer a consumer sees must be the canonical DID of the key that
+    /// actually verified, never a raw artifact string that could disagree.
+    /// `verify_signature` derives the key from the artifact's `signer` field
+    /// and the parser is canonical (base58btc, exact length, ed25519
+    /// multicodec), so a forged field fails verification outright: the
+    /// must-not here is that no `VerifiedAttestation` ever carries a signer
+    /// that did not verify.
+    #[test]
+    fn verified_signer_is_anchored_to_the_key_that_verified() {
+        let signer = fresh();
+        let other = fresh();
+        assert_ne!(
+            signer.verifying_key().to_bytes(),
+            other.verifying_key().to_bytes(),
+            "fixture precondition: distinct signing keys"
+        );
+
+        let cert_hash = sample_hash();
+        let reg = Registry::new();
+
+        // Control: an honest artifact reports the signer's canonical DID, and
+        // it agrees with the artifact field.
+        let att = signed_demo(&signer, cert_hash, "ok");
+        let v = reg.verify(&att, cert_hash).unwrap();
+        let expected = did_key_from_verifying_key(&signer.verifying_key());
+        assert_eq!(v.signer, expected, "signer must be the verified key's DID");
+        assert_eq!(v.signer, att.signer, "honest artifact: field and key agree");
+
+        // Must-not, both directions: a signer field naming a DIFFERENT key
+        // than the one that signed must fail verification, so the artifact
+        // string can never redirect the reported signer.
+        let mut forged = signed_demo(&signer, cert_hash, "ok");
+        forged.signer = did_key_from_verifying_key(&other.verifying_key());
+        let err = reg.verify(&forged, cert_hash).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            matches!(err, Error::Signature(_)),
+            "a signer field that does not match the signing key must fail, got {err:?}"
+        );
+
+        let mut forged_rev = signed_demo(&other, cert_hash, "ok");
+        forged_rev.signer = did_key_from_verifying_key(&signer.verifying_key());
+        let err_rev = reg.verify(&forged_rev, cert_hash).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            matches!(err_rev, Error::Signature(_)),
+            "mismatched signer field must fail verification, got {err_rev:?}"
+        );
+    }
 }

crates/gitlawb-core/src/cert.rs

@@ -5,6 +5,28 @@
 //!
 //! The schema is frozen at v1. All fields are mandatory for forward compatibility.
 //! Nodes that receive a certificate with an unknown version MUST reject it.
+//!
+//! ## Replay
+//!
+//! A certificate proves *who* asserted a ref update and *what* they asserted.
+//! It does not prove the assertion is fresh. [`RefUpdateBody::seq`] and
+//! [`RefUpdateBody::nonce`] are inside the signed bytes (see
+//! [`RefUpdateBody::to_signing_bytes`]), so a verifier can trust the values,
+//! but deciding whether a nonce is being reused or a `seq` is going backwards
+//! needs state.
+//!
+//! This crate is deliberately stateless — it is embedded in both nodes and
+//! clients — so replay is **not** enforced here and cannot be. Ownership of
+//! the check sits with the verifier that accepts and persists certificates,
+//! which must:
+//!
+//! - reject a `nonce` it has already accepted for the same `(repo, ref_name)`;
+//! - reject a `seq` that does not advance past the last accepted `seq` for
+//!   that `(repo, ref_name)`.
+//!
+//! Until such a verifier exists, replay of ref-update certificates is not
+//! enforced anywhere in this workspace. This contract exists so the first one
+//! inherits the requirement instead of re-deriving it.
 
 use std::collections::HashSet;
 
@@ -41,11 +63,19 @@ pub struct RefUpdateBody {
     pub from: String,
     /// The new commit hash (SHA-256 hex).
     pub to: String,
-    /// Monotonically increasing sequence number. Prevents replay.
+    /// Monotonically increasing sequence number, scoped to `(repo, ref_name)`.
+    ///
+    /// Signed, but not enforced by this crate: core holds no state. The
+    /// verifier that persists certificates must reject a `seq` that does not
+    /// advance for the same repo and ref. See the module docs on replay.
     pub seq: u64,
     /// RFC 3339 timestamp of this update.
     pub timestamp: DateTime<Utc>,
-    /// Random nonce for deduplication.
+    /// Random nonce, unique per certificate.
+    ///
+    /// Signed, but not enforced by this crate: core holds no state. The
+    /// verifier that persists certificates must reject a nonce it has already
+    /// accepted for the same repo and ref. See the module docs on replay.
     pub nonce: String,
 }
 
@@ -140,7 +170,16 @@ impl RefUpdateCert {
     ///
     /// Counts distinct signer DIDs, not signature entries: a repeated
     /// signature from the same maintainer counts once.
+    ///
+    /// `threshold` must be at least 1. Zero is rejected instead of being
+    /// treated as "no signatures required": a caller that derives the
+    /// threshold from configuration and gets 0 would otherwise accept any
+    /// certificate, whether its signatures verify or not.
     pub fn satisfies_threshold(&self, maintainers: &[Did], threshold: usize) -> Result<bool> {
+        if threshold == 0 {
+            return Err(Error::RefCert("threshold must be at least 1".to_string()));
+        }
+
         let valid = self.verify_all()?;
         let distinct_signers: HashSet<&Did> =
             valid.iter().filter(|d| maintainers.contains(d)).collect();
@@ -378,7 +417,7 @@ mod tests {
     }
 
     #[test]
-    fn threshold_zero_is_always_satisfied() {
+    fn threshold_zero_is_rejected() {
         let kp = Keypair::generate();
         let cert = RefUpdateCert::new(
             kp.did(),
@@ -389,6 +428,120 @@ mod tests {
             &kp,
         )
         .unwrap();
-        assert!(cert.satisfies_threshold(&[], 0).unwrap());
+
+        // Zero must never read as "no signatures required", even with an empty
+        // maintainer set.
+        let err = cert.satisfies_threshold(&[], 0).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("threshold must be at least 1"),
+            "zero must be refused as an invalid threshold"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The threshold is checked before any signature work, so a zero is
+    /// reported as a threshold error even when the certificate's signatures
+    /// are also invalid. Otherwise a broken certificate would let a caller
+    /// mistake the failure for a legitimate verification result.
+    #[test]
+    fn threshold_zero_is_rejected_before_signature_verification() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let other = Keypair::generate();
+        let mut cert = RefUpdateCert::new(
+            kp.did(),
+            "refs/heads/main".to_string(),
+            dummy_hash('0'),
+            dummy_hash('a'),
+            1,
+            &kp,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        cert.signatures[0].sig = other.sign_b64(b"unrelated bytes");
+
+        let err = cert.satisfies_threshold(&[kp.did()], 0).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("threshold must be at least 1"),
+            "the invalid threshold must win over the invalid signature"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// `seq` and `nonce` are the verifier's replay inputs, so they have to be
+    /// inside the signed body; tapping either one must invalidate the
+    /// certificate rather than leave it verifying with different values.
+    #[test]
+    fn replay_fields_are_covered_by_the_signature() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let cert = RefUpdateCert::new(
+            kp.did(),
+            "refs/heads/main".to_string(),
+            dummy_hash('0'),
+            dummy_hash('a'),
+            7,
+            &kp,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        cert.verify_all().expect("baseline must verify");
+
+        let mut bumped = cert.clone();
+        bumped.body.seq = 8;
+        assert!(
+            matches!(bumped.verify_all(), Err(Error::SignatureInvalid)),
+            "changing seq must invalidate the signature"
+        );
+
+        let mut renamed = cert.clone();
+        renamed.body.nonce = "different-nonce".to_string();
+        assert!(
+            matches!(renamed.verify_all(), Err(Error::SignatureInvalid)),
+            "changing nonce must invalidate the signature"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A signature minted by a real key must not verify when the signer is
+    /// spelled in another multibase alphabet. Otherwise the same identity
+    /// would satisfy a maintainer allowlist under several DID strings.
+    ///
+    /// Base64url is deliberate: its 47-character method-id fits under the
+    /// pre-existing length bound, so this test reaches the canonical-prefix
+    /// rule and fails on the pre-fix code instead of being refused for length.
+    #[test]
+    fn verify_all_rejects_a_non_canonical_did_spelling() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let mut cert = RefUpdateCert::new(
+            kp.did(),
+            "refs/heads/main".to_string(),
+            dummy_hash('0'),
+            dummy_hash('a'),
+            1,
+            &kp,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let mut prefixed = vec![0xed, 0x01];
+        prefixed.extend_from_slice(&kp.verifying_key().to_bytes());
+        cert.signatures[0].signer = format!(
+            "did:key:{}",
+            multibase::encode(multibase::Base::Base64Url, &prefixed)
+        )
+        .parse()
+        .expect("method is still `key`");
+
+        let err = cert
+            .verify_all()
+            .expect_err("a non-canonical did:key spelling must not resolve");
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("base58btc"),
+            "rejection must come from the canonical-prefix rule, not the length guard"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !matches!(
+                cert.satisfies_threshold(&[cert.signatures[0].signer.clone()], 1),
+                Ok(true)
+            ),
+            "the alternate spelling must not satisfy a threshold"
+        );
+
+        // The canonical spelling of the same key is unaffected.
+        cert.signatures[0].signer = kp.did();
+        assert!(cert.satisfies_threshold(&[kp.did()], 1).unwrap());
     }
 }

crates/gitlawb-core/src/did.rs

@@ -20,6 +20,19 @@ use crate::{Error, Result};
 /// Value: 0xed01 encoded as a varint.
 const ED25519_MULTICODEC: &[u8] = &[0xed, 0x01];
 
+/// The only multibase prefix a `did:key` method-specific id may carry.
+///
+/// The DID:key spec encodes Ed25519 keys as base58btc, which is multibase
+/// `z`. `multibase::decode` happily accepts every other alphabet, and each
+/// spelling of the same key bytes would produce a distinct DID string while
+/// gates, allowlists, and database rows compare DIDs as strings — one
+/// identity would read as several. Rejecting the alternatives here keeps the
+/// mapping from `did:key` to key single-valued for every caller of
+/// [`Did::to_verifying_key`] (HTTP signatures, UCAN, ref certs, peer
+/// announces). `gitlawb-attest` enforces the same rule for attestation
+/// signers.
+const DID_KEY_MULTIBASE_PREFIX: char = 'z';
+
 /// A Decentralized Identifier.
 #[derive(Debug, Clone, PartialEq, Eq, Hash, Serialize, Deserialize)]
 #[serde(transparent)]
@@ -71,7 +84,14 @@ impl Did {
 
     /// Resolve the Ed25519 verifying key from a `did:key`.
     ///
-    /// Returns `Err` if the DID is not a `did:key` or the key bytes are invalid.
+    /// Only the canonical base58btc (`z`) spelling is accepted. Other
+    /// multibase encodings decode to the same key but spell a different DID
+    /// string, so accepting them would let one identity appear under several
+    /// identifiers to string-comparing gates and allowlists.
+    ///
+    /// Returns `Err` if the DID is not a `did:key`, uses a non-canonical
+    /// multibase prefix, the key bytes are invalid, or the key is a
+    /// small-order (weak) point.
     pub fn to_verifying_key(&self) -> Result<VerifyingKey> {
         if !self.is_did_key() {
             return Err(Error::InvalidDid(format!(
@@ -93,9 +113,27 @@ impl Did {
             ));
         }
 
-        let (_, bytes) =
+        // Cheap prefix gate before the decode, then the base check on what
+        // multibase actually parsed. The first keeps a clearly non-canonical id
+        // off the decoder. The second is belt-and-braces — multibase maps a
+        // leading `z` only to `Base58Btc` — but it states the requirement
+        // directly instead of relying on that mapping, and `gitlawb-attest`
+        // makes the same pair of checks.
+        if !self.method_id().starts_with(DID_KEY_MULTIBASE_PREFIX) {
+            return Err(Error::InvalidDid(
+                "did:key must use base58btc (z-prefix)".to_string(),
+            ));
+        }
+
+        let (base, bytes) =
             multibase::decode(self.method_id()).map_err(|e| Error::InvalidDid(e.to_string()))?;
 
+        if base != Base::Base58Btc {
+            return Err(Error::InvalidDid(
+                "did:key must use base58btc (z-prefix)".to_string(),
+            ));
+        }
+
         if !bytes.starts_with(ED25519_MULTICODEC) {
             return Err(Error::InvalidDid(
                 "not an ed25519 multicodec key".to_string(),
@@ -106,7 +144,25 @@ impl Did {
             .try_into()
             .map_err(|_| Error::InvalidDid("ed25519 key must be 32 bytes".to_string()))?;
 
-        VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&key_bytes).map_err(|e| Error::InvalidDid(e.to_string()))
+        let key =
+            VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&key_bytes).map_err(|e| Error::InvalidDid(e.to_string()))?;
+
+        // `from_bytes` only decompresses, so it accepts a small-order point.
+        // Such a key satisfies the verification equation for any message, and
+        // every X25519 shared secret derived from it is the all-zero key: the
+        // order-1 and order-2 points convert to the all-zero Montgomery u
+        // directly, and the order-4 and order-8 points are annihilated by the
+        // scalar clamping instead. `is_weak` covers the whole torsion set.
+        // Mixed-order points are correctly NOT rejected, since clamping clears
+        // the cofactor component. Rejecting
+        // at resolution is what makes this the choke point: every consumer that
+        // resolves a DID through here inherits the rejection, and a recipient
+        // that cannot resolve already fails closed downstream.
+        if key.is_weak() {
+            return Err(Error::InvalidDid("small-order ed25519 key".to_string()));
+        }
+
+        Ok(key)
     }
 
     /// Return the full DID string as a `&str`.
@@ -369,4 +425,154 @@ mod tests {
         );
         did.to_verifying_key().expect("a real did:key must resolve");
     }
+
+    /// `multibase::decode` accepts every alphabet, so the same Ed25519 key can
+    /// be spelled as several `did:key` strings. Only base58btc is canonical;
+    /// the rest must be refused so one identity cannot appear as several to
+    /// gates and allowlists that compare DID strings.
+    #[test]
+    fn to_verifying_key_rejects_non_base58btc_multibase() {
+        use ed25519_dalek::SigningKey;
+        let signing = SigningKey::from_bytes(&[9u8; 32]);
+        let mut prefixed = ED25519_MULTICODEC.to_vec();
+        prefixed.extend_from_slice(&signing.verifying_key().to_bytes());
+
+        let canonical = Did::from_verifying_key(&signing.verifying_key());
+        assert_eq!(
+            canonical.to_verifying_key().unwrap().to_bytes(),
+            signing.verifying_key().to_bytes(),
+            "base58btc is the accepted spelling"
+        );
+
+        // These spellings fit inside the method-id bound, so they reach the
+        // canonical-prefix check and must be refused there.
+        for base in [Base::Base64Url, Base::Base32Lower] {
+            let alternative = format!("did:key:{}", multibase::encode(base, &prefixed));
+            let did: Did = alternative.parse().expect("method is still `key`");
+            assert_ne!(
+                did.as_str(),
+                canonical.as_str(),
+                "the same key must not compare equal under another spelling"
+            );
+
+            let err = did
+                .to_verifying_key()
+                .expect_err("non-canonical multibase must be refused");
+            assert!(
+                matches!(err, Error::InvalidDid(_)),
+                "must be an InvalidDid, got {err:?}"
+            );
+            assert!(
+                err.to_string().contains("base58btc"),
+                "the error must name the canonical encoding: {err}"
+            );
+        }
+
+        // A base16 spelling of the same key is longer than the method-id
+        // bound, so it is refused by the length guard before the prefix check.
+        // Either way it must not resolve.
+        for base in [Base::Base16Lower, Base::Base16Upper] {
+            let alternative = format!("did:key:{}", multibase::encode(base, &prefixed));
+            let did: Did = alternative.parse().expect("method is still `key`");
+            assert!(
+                matches!(did.to_verifying_key(), Err(Error::InvalidDid(_))),
+                "a base16 spelling of a real key must not resolve"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// base58flickr (`Z`) is the non-bitcoin sibling alphabet. Its spelling of
+    /// a real key fits under the length bound, so it must be refused for the
+    /// prefix, not merely for its size.
+    #[test]
+    fn to_verifying_key_rejects_a_base58flickr_spelling() {
+        use ed25519_dalek::SigningKey;
+        let signing = SigningKey::from_bytes(&[11u8; 32]);
+        let mut prefixed = ED25519_MULTICODEC.to_vec();
+        prefixed.extend_from_slice(&signing.verifying_key().to_bytes());
+
+        let did: Did = format!(
+            "did:key:{}",
+            multibase::encode(Base::Base58Flickr, &prefixed)
+        )
+        .parse()
+        .expect("method is still `key`");
+
+        let err = did
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .expect_err("base58flickr must be refused");
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("base58btc"),
+            "the error must name the canonical encoding: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// An empty method-specific id must be refused by the prefix rule without
+    /// panicking on a missing first character.
+    #[test]
+    fn to_verifying_key_rejects_an_empty_method_id() {
+        let did: Did = "did:key:".parse().expect("method is still `key`");
+        let err = did
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .expect_err("an empty method id must be refused");
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("base58btc"),
+            "the error must name the canonical encoding: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A canonical base58btc spelling is not enough on its own: the bytes must
+    /// also carry the ed25519-pub multicodec. This pins the check that stops a
+    /// key of another type from resolving as an Ed25519 key.
+    #[test]
+    fn to_verifying_key_rejects_base58btc_with_a_wrong_multicodec() {
+        use ed25519_dalek::SigningKey;
+        let signing = SigningKey::from_bytes(&[12u8; 32]);
+        let mut buf = vec![0x12, 0x00]; // sha2-256, not ed25519-pub
+        buf.extend_from_slice(&signing.verifying_key().to_bytes());
+
+        let did: Did = format!("did:key:{}", multibase::encode(Base::Base58Btc, &buf))
+            .parse()
+            .expect("method is still `key`");
+
+        let err = did
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .expect_err("a non-ed25519 multicodec must be refused");
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("ed25519"),
+            "the error must name the expected multicodec: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A `did:key` can encode a small-order (weak) Ed25519 point. Such a key
+    /// satisfies the verification equation for any message and, converted to
+    /// Montgomery form for X25519, yields the all-zero shared secret, so an
+    /// envelope sealed to it is decryptable by anyone. Resolution is the choke
+    /// point every `Did`-based consumer shares, so it fails closed here.
+    #[test]
+    fn to_verifying_key_rejects_a_small_order_key() {
+        // The compressed identity point, the canonical small-order key.
+        let mut weak = [0u8; 32];
+        weak[0] = 1;
+        let mut prefixed = Vec::with_capacity(ED25519_MULTICODEC.len() + 32);
+        prefixed.extend_from_slice(ED25519_MULTICODEC);
+        prefixed.extend_from_slice(&weak);
+        let did: Did = format!(
+            "did:key:{}",
+            multibase::encode(multibase::Base::Base58Btc, &prefixed)
+        )
+        .parse()
+        .expect("a small-order did:key is still well-formed");
+
+        let err = did
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .expect_err("a small-order did:key must not resolve");
+        match err {
+            Error::InvalidDid(msg) => assert!(
+                msg.contains("small-order"),
+                "rejection must name the small-order key, got: {msg}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected Error::InvalidDid, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
 }

crates/gitlawb-core/src/encrypt.rs

@@ -11,6 +11,22 @@ use zeroize::Zeroizing;
 /// X25519 public key (Montgomery u) for an Ed25519 verifying key.
 fn x25519_public(vk: &VerifyingKey) -> Result<[u8; 32]> {
     use curve25519_dalek::edwards::CompressedEdwardsY;
+
+    // Every X25519 shared secret derived from a small-order point is the
+    // all-zero key: order-1 and order-2 convert to the all-zero Montgomery u
+    // directly, order-4 and order-8 are annihilated by the scalar clamping in
+    // x25519_secret_from_seed. Either way the per-recipient wrap could be
+    // rebuilt by anyone. Resolution already refuses such a key (see
+    // Did::to_verifying_key); this guard covers the SEAL side on its own terms
+    // for a caller that obtained the key some other way. The open side
+    // (open_blob's attacker-supplied `eph`) skips any entry whose exchange with
+    // this reader yields the all-zero shared secret
+    // (`yields_all_zero_shared_secret`), regardless of whether the bytes decode
+    // to an Edwards point.
+    if vk.is_weak() {
+        return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("verifying key is a small-order point"));
+    }
+
     let edwards = CompressedEdwardsY::from_slice(vk.as_bytes())
         .ok()
         .and_then(|c| c.decompress())
@@ -18,6 +34,26 @@ fn x25519_public(vk: &VerifyingKey) -> Result<[u8; 32]> {
     Ok(edwards.to_montgomery().to_bytes())
 }
 
+/// True when the X25519 exchange between an attacker-supplied `u` and this
+/// reader's scalar yields the all-zero shared secret.
+///
+/// Asked of the RESULT, not of the encoding, and that distinction is the whole
+/// guard. The previous version decompressed `u` to an Edwards point and asked
+/// `is_small_order`, which reports "safe" for any low-order encoding that does
+/// not decompress at all. Measured across the seven standard low-order
+/// encodings, six were caught and `u = p - 1` was not: it fails to decompress,
+/// so the check returned false, and the exchange is still the all-zero secret.
+/// An entry built on it unwraps for every reader.
+///
+/// Enumerating encodings cannot be exhaustive, because the attack depends on the
+/// shared secret rather than on the bytes that produced it, and twist and
+/// non-canonical inputs keep arriving. Asking the result needs no list.
+fn yields_all_zero_shared_secret(u: &[u8; 32], scalar: &[u8; 32]) -> bool {
+    use curve25519_dalek::montgomery::MontgomeryPoint;
+
+    MontgomeryPoint(*u).mul_clamped(*scalar).to_bytes() == [0u8; 32]
+}
+
 /// X25519 secret scalar for an Ed25519 seed (SHA-512 of seed, lower 32, clamped).
 /// Returns the scalar wrapped in `Zeroizing`, and scrubs the intermediate
 /// SHA-512 digest, so no copy of this secret material lingers in freed memory.
@@ -49,6 +85,13 @@ use serde::{Deserialize, Serialize};
 const MAGIC: &[u8] = b"GLENC";
 const VERSION: u8 = 2;
 
+/// Upper bound on the blinded recipient list. The envelope author controls
+/// this count and `open_blob` pays one X25519 exchange per entry before it can
+/// answer "not a recipient", so the count has to be capped rather than
+/// optimized (#419). Legitimate envelopes carry a handful of authorized
+/// readers, so 256 is far above real use.
+const MAX_RECIPIENTS: usize = 256;
+
 #[derive(Serialize, Deserialize)]
 struct Recipient {
     eph: String,   // base64 ephemeral x25519 pubkey (32B)
@@ -68,6 +111,14 @@ pub fn seal_blob(plaintext: &[u8], recipients: &[VerifyingKey]) -> Result<Vec<u8
     if recipients.is_empty() {
         return Err(anyhow::anyhow!("seal_blob: no recipients"));
     }
+    // Same bound open_blob enforces: an envelope over the cap could never be
+    // opened, so refuse to seal it (#419).
+    if recipients.len() > MAX_RECIPIENTS {
+        return Err(anyhow::anyhow!(
+            "seal_blob: {} recipients, over the {MAX_RECIPIENTS} cap",
+            recipients.len()
+        ));
+    }
     let mut content_key = [0u8; 32];
     OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut content_key);
     let body_cipher = XChaCha20Poly1305::new_from_slice(&content_key)
@@ -126,9 +177,20 @@ pub fn open_blob(envelope: &[u8], keypair: &Keypair) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
     let header: Header =
         serde_json::from_slice(envelope.get(p..p + hlen).context("truncated header")?)
             .context("decode header")?;
+    // Reject before the recipient scan: every entry below is an X25519
+    // exchange, and a non-recipient would run the whole list (#419).
+    if header.recipients.len() > MAX_RECIPIENTS {
+        return Err(anyhow::anyhow!(
+            "envelope carries {} recipients, over the {MAX_RECIPIENTS} cap",
+            header.recipients.len()
+        ));
+    }
     let body = &envelope[p + hlen..];
 
-    let my_x = XSecret::from(*x25519_secret_from_seed(&keypair.to_seed()));
+    // The raw scalar is kept alongside the box secret so the exchange can be
+    // tested BEFORE a box is built from an attacker-supplied ephemeral.
+    let my_x_scalar = x25519_secret_from_seed(&keypair.to_seed());
+    let my_x = XSecret::from(*my_x_scalar);
 
     // Identities are blinded: no entry says which recipient it belongs to, so
     // try each one. The ChaChaBox AEAD tag authenticates, so exactly the
@@ -140,7 +202,12 @@ pub fn open_blob(envelope: &[u8], keypair: &Keypair) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
             .ok()
             .and_then(|b| <[u8; 32]>::try_from(b.as_slice()).ok())
         {
-            Some(b) => XPublic::from(b),
+            // An ephemeral whose exchange with this reader is the all-zero
+            // shared secret would unwrap for anyone, so the entry is skipped.
+            // Tested on the exchange itself: an encoding-shaped check misses
+            // every low-order input that does not decompress to Edwards.
+            Some(b) if !yields_all_zero_shared_secret(&b, &my_x_scalar) => XPublic::from(b),
+            Some(_) => continue,
             None => continue,
         };
         // from_slice panics on a wrong length, and the envelope is attacker
@@ -293,4 +360,436 @@ mod tests {
         header["nonce"] = bad_nonce;
         assert!(open_blob(&reframe(&header), &reader).is_err());
     }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn over_cap_recipient_list_is_rejected_before_the_scan() {
+        // #419: the envelope author controls the recipient count and each entry
+        // costs an X25519 exchange, so the list is capped. Reframe a valid
+        // envelope with MAX_RECIPIENTS + 1 junk entries.
+        let reader = Keypair::generate();
+        let env = seal_blob(b"private blob contents", &[reader.verifying_key()]).unwrap();
+
+        let mut p = MAGIC.len() + 1;
+        let hlen = u32::from_le_bytes(env[p..p + 4].try_into().unwrap()) as usize;
+        p += 4;
+        let header_bytes = &env[p..p + hlen];
+        let body = &env[p + hlen..];
+
+        let mut header: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(header_bytes).unwrap();
+        let junk = serde_json::json!({
+            "eph": B64.encode([0u8; 32]),
+            "nonce": B64.encode([0u8; 24]),
+            "wrap": B64.encode([0u8; 48]),
+        });
+        header["recipients"] = serde_json::Value::Array(vec![junk.clone(); MAX_RECIPIENTS + 1]);
+
+        let hj = serde_json::to_vec(&header).unwrap();
+        let mut fat = Vec::new();
+        fat.extend_from_slice(MAGIC);
+        fat.push(VERSION);
+        fat.extend_from_slice(&(hj.len() as u32).to_le_bytes());
+        fat.extend_from_slice(&hj);
+        fat.extend_from_slice(body);
+
+        let err = open_blob(&fat, &reader).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("recipients"),
+            "expected the recipient-cap error, got: {err}"
+        );
+
+        // Exactly at the cap the envelope is still processed end to end.
+        header["recipients"] = serde_json::Value::Array(vec![junk; MAX_RECIPIENTS]);
+        let hj = serde_json::to_vec(&header).unwrap();
+        let mut at_cap = Vec::new();
+        at_cap.extend_from_slice(MAGIC);
+        at_cap.push(VERSION);
+        at_cap.extend_from_slice(&(hj.len() as u32).to_le_bytes());
+        at_cap.extend_from_slice(&hj);
+        at_cap.extend_from_slice(body);
+        let err = open_blob(&at_cap, &reader).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            !err.to_string().contains("over the"),
+            "at-cap envelope must reach the scan, got: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn seal_refuses_a_recipient_list_over_the_cap() {
+        // An envelope over the cap can never be opened, so seal must reject it
+        // instead of minting one.
+        let keys: Vec<VerifyingKey> = (0..MAX_RECIPIENTS + 1)
+            .map(|_| Keypair::generate().verifying_key())
+            .collect();
+        let err = seal_blob(b"blob", &keys).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("recipients"),
+            "expected the recipient-cap error, got: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Every standard low-order X25519 encoding must be detected by
+    /// `yields_all_zero_shared_secret`, including encodings that do not
+    /// decompress to an Edwards point (notably `u = p - 1`). The open side
+    /// rejects on the exchange result, not on decode shape, because an
+    /// encoding-shaped check misses non-decompressing low-order inputs while
+    /// still yielding the all-zero shared secret.
+    #[test]
+    fn all_zero_shared_secret_is_detected_for_every_standard_low_order_encoding() {
+        // The seven standard X25519 low-order encodings, driven as a set rather
+        // than as the two that happen to decompress. The encoding-shaped check
+        // this replaced reported `p - 1` as safe, and its exchange is all-zero.
+        let mut one = [0u8; 32];
+        one[0] = 1;
+        let hex = |h: &str| -> [u8; 32] {
+            let mut out = [0u8; 32];
+            for i in 0..32 {
+                out[i] = u8::from_str_radix(&h[i * 2..i * 2 + 2], 16).unwrap();
+            }
+            out
+        };
+        let vectors = [
+            ("u=0", [0u8; 32]),
+            ("u=1", one),
+            (
+                "order8-a",
+                hex("e0eb7a7c3b41b8ae1656e3faf19fc46ada098deb9c32b1fd866205165f49b800"),
+            ),
+            (
+                "order8-b",
+                hex("5f9c95bca3508c24b1d0b1559c83ef5b04445cc4581c8e86d8224eddd09f1157"),
+            ),
+            (
+                "p-1",
+                hex("ecffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff7f"),
+            ),
+            (
+                "p",
+                hex("edffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff7f"),
+            ),
+            (
+                "p+1",
+                hex("eeffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffffff7f"),
+            ),
+        ];
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let scalar = x25519_secret_from_seed(&kp.to_seed());
+        for (name, u) in vectors {
+            assert!(
+                yields_all_zero_shared_secret(&u, &scalar),
+                "{name} is a low-order encoding and must be detected"
+            );
+        }
+
+        // And the other direction, or a guard that returned true always would
+        // pass everything above while making the envelope unopenable.
+        let real_u = x25519_public(&kp.verifying_key()).unwrap();
+        assert!(
+            !yields_all_zero_shared_secret(&real_u, &scalar),
+            "a real key must not be treated as low-order"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The open side must skip an entry whose header-supplied `eph` is a
+    /// low-order point: such an entry forces the all-zero shared secret and
+    /// would unwrap for any reader. A poisoned entry among honest ones must
+    /// not DoS the envelope — the honest entry still opens.
+    #[test]
+    fn open_blob_skips_a_low_order_ephemeral_and_still_opens_honest_entry() {
+        use curve25519_dalek::montgomery::MontgomeryPoint;
+        let reader = Keypair::generate();
+        let env = seal_blob(b"private blob contents", &[reader.verifying_key()]).unwrap();
+
+        // Split the envelope framing into header JSON and body.
+        let mut p = MAGIC.len() + 1;
+        let hlen = u32::from_le_bytes(env[p..p + 4].try_into().unwrap()) as usize;
+        p += 4;
+        let header_bytes = &env[p..p + hlen];
+        let body = &env[p + hlen..];
+
+        // A low-order Montgomery u (u = 0) encoded as the entry's eph.
+        let low_order_u = MontgomeryPoint([0u8; 32]).to_bytes();
+        let poisoned = serde_json::json!({
+            "eph": B64.encode(low_order_u),
+            "nonce": B64.encode([0u8; 24]),
+            "wrap": B64.encode([0u8; 32]),
+        });
+
+        let reframe = |header: &serde_json::Value| -> Vec<u8> {
+            let hj = serde_json::to_vec(header).unwrap();
+            let mut out = Vec::new();
+            out.extend_from_slice(MAGIC);
+            out.push(VERSION);
+            out.extend_from_slice(&(hj.len() as u32).to_le_bytes());
+            out.extend_from_slice(&hj);
+            out.extend_from_slice(body);
+            out
+        };
+
+        let mut header: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(header_bytes).unwrap();
+        // Prepend the poisoned entry. The reader's honest entry must still
+        // unwrap, so the envelope opens despite the low-order entry.
+        let recipients = header["recipients"].as_array_mut().unwrap();
+        recipients.insert(0, poisoned);
+        assert_eq!(
+            open_blob(&reframe(&header), &reader).unwrap(),
+            b"private blob contents",
+            "the honest entry must still open despite a low-order eph entry"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Must-not for the open-side guard: an envelope whose ONLY entry is built
+    /// on a low-order ephemeral must not open for any reader. Without the
+    /// guard the all-zero shared secret unwraps for everyone, so the attacker
+    /// controls the plaintext and the envelope's confidentiality is void.
+    #[test]
+    fn open_blob_rejects_a_poisoned_only_envelope() {
+        use chacha20poly1305::{aead::Aead, KeyInit, XChaCha20Poly1305, XNonce};
+        use crypto_box::aead::AeadCore;
+        use curve25519_dalek::montgomery::MontgomeryPoint;
+
+        // Build a poisoned envelope from scratch: one recipient entry whose
+        // eph is the low-order u = 0. The wrap is the encryption of a content
+        // key under the all-zero shared secret, so without the guard any
+        // reader's ChaChaBox against u = 0 decrypts it.
+        let mut content_key: [u8; 32] = Default::default();
+        OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut content_key);
+        let attacker_x = XSecret::generate(&mut OsRng);
+        let zero_box = ChaChaBox::new(&XPublic::from(<[u8; 32]>::default()), &attacker_x);
+        let nonce = ChaChaBox::generate_nonce(&mut OsRng);
+        let wrap = zero_box.encrypt(&nonce, &content_key[..]).unwrap();
+
+        let mut body_nonce: [u8; 24] = Default::default();
+        OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut body_nonce);
+        let body_cipher = XChaCha20Poly1305::new_from_slice(&content_key).unwrap();
+        let body = body_cipher
+            .encrypt(
+                XNonce::from_slice(&body_nonce),
+                b"attacker-chosen plaintext".as_slice(),
+            )
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let header = serde_json::json!({
+            "alg": "xchacha20poly1305",
+            "nonce": B64.encode(body_nonce),
+            "recipients": [{
+                "eph": B64.encode(MontgomeryPoint([0u8; 32]).to_bytes()),
+                "nonce": B64.encode(nonce),
+                "wrap": B64.encode(wrap),
+            }],
+        });
+        let header_json = serde_json::to_vec(&header).unwrap();
+        let mut env = Vec::new();
+        env.extend_from_slice(MAGIC);
+        env.push(VERSION);
+        env.extend_from_slice(&(header_json.len() as u32).to_le_bytes());
+        env.extend_from_slice(&header_json);
+        env.extend_from_slice(&body);
+
+        let reader = Keypair::generate();
+        let err = open_blob(&env, &reader).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("not a recipient"),
+            "a poisoned-only envelope must not open for anyone, got: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The same must-not, driven with the low-order encoding that does NOT map
+    /// to an Edwards point.
+    ///
+    /// This is the case an encoding-shaped guard cannot see. `u = p - 1` is a
+    /// legal X25519 input whose exchange is the all-zero secret for any scalar,
+    /// and `MontgomeryPoint::to_edwards` returns None for it, so a check written
+    /// as "decompress, then ask is_small_order" reports it as safe. Measured
+    /// across the seven standard low-order encodings: six are caught that way
+    /// and this one is not.
+    ///
+    /// Found by a cross-family review of the head that first added the guard,
+    /// and the comment beside that guard asserted this case was already handled
+    /// by a decode path that does not exist. That is why the fix rejects on the
+    /// RESULT of the exchange rather than on a list of encodings: the result is
+    /// what the attack actually depends on, and it needs no enumeration to be
+    /// exhaustive.
+    #[test]
+    fn open_blob_rejects_a_non_edwards_low_order_ephemeral() {
+        // No blanket `use ...::Aead` here. Two aead versions are reachable, and a
+        // blanket import silently resolved the wrap through the one open_blob does
+        // NOT decrypt with, producing a ciphertext that could never open. The test
+        // then passed with the guard, without it, and with the original pre-fix
+        // guard alike, proving nothing. Every call below names its trait.
+        use chacha20poly1305::{KeyInit, XChaCha20Poly1305, XNonce};
+        use crypto_box::aead::AeadCore;
+
+        // u = p - 1 = 2^255 - 20, little endian.
+        let mut eph = [0xffu8; 32];
+        eph[0] = 0xec;
+        eph[31] = 0x7f;
+
+        let mut content_key: [u8; 32] = Default::default();
+        OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut content_key);
+        let attacker_x = XSecret::generate(&mut OsRng);
+        let zero_box = ChaChaBox::new(&XPublic::from(<[u8; 32]>::default()), &attacker_x);
+        let nonce = ChaChaBox::generate_nonce(&mut OsRng);
+        let wrap = crypto_box::aead::Aead::encrypt(&zero_box, &nonce, &content_key[..]).unwrap();
+
+        let mut body_nonce: [u8; 24] = Default::default();
+        OsRng.fill_bytes(&mut body_nonce);
+        let body_cipher = XChaCha20Poly1305::new_from_slice(&content_key).unwrap();
+        let body = chacha20poly1305::aead::Aead::encrypt(
+            &body_cipher,
+            XNonce::from_slice(&body_nonce),
+            b"attacker-chosen plaintext".as_slice(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let header = serde_json::json!({
+            "alg": "xchacha20poly1305",
+            "nonce": B64.encode(body_nonce),
+            "recipients": [{
+                "eph": B64.encode(eph),
+                "nonce": B64.encode(nonce),
+                "wrap": B64.encode(wrap),
+            }],
+        });
+        let header_json = serde_json::to_vec(&header).unwrap();
+        let mut env = Vec::new();
+        env.extend_from_slice(MAGIC);
+        env.push(VERSION);
+        env.extend_from_slice(&(header_json.len() as u32).to_le_bytes());
+        env.extend_from_slice(&header_json);
+        env.extend_from_slice(&body);
+
+        let reader = Keypair::generate();
+        let err = open_blob(&env, &reader).unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("not a recipient"),
+            "an envelope whose only entry uses a non-Edwards low-order eph must not \
+             open for anyone, got: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The compressed identity point: a well-formed Ed25519 encoding that is
+    /// small-order, so every shared secret derived from it is all-zero.
+    fn weak_verifying_key() -> VerifyingKey {
+        let mut weak = [0u8; 32];
+        weak[0] = 1;
+        let vk = VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&weak).expect("identity point decompresses");
+        assert!(vk.is_weak(), "fixture precondition: key is small-order");
+        vk
+    }
+
+    /// A small-order recipient key converts to Montgomery u = 0, and X25519
+    /// against u = 0 is the all-zero shared secret for ANY scalar, so the
+    /// wrapping box is reconstructable with no secret at all. Reject at the
+    /// primitive so the seal side is safe regardless of how the caller
+    /// obtained the key.
+    #[test]
+    fn x25519_public_rejects_a_small_order_key() {
+        let weak_vk = weak_verifying_key();
+
+        assert!(
+            x25519_public(&weak_vk).is_err(),
+            "a small-order key must not yield an x25519 public key"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Control: a legitimate key still converts, and to a non-zero u.
+    #[test]
+    fn x25519_public_still_accepts_a_real_key() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let u = x25519_public(&kp.verifying_key()).expect("a real key must convert");
+        assert_ne!(u, [0u8; 32], "a real key must not map to the zero point");
+    }
+
+    /// The guard has to propagate: no envelope may be produced for a weak
+    /// recipient even when the DID choke point is bypassed entirely.
+    #[test]
+    fn seal_blob_refuses_a_small_order_recipient() {
+        let weak_vk = weak_verifying_key();
+
+        assert!(
+            seal_blob(b"withheld", &[weak_vk]).is_err(),
+            "sealing to a weak recipient must fail"
+        );
+
+        // And a mixed set must fail too: one weak recipient exposes the shared
+        // content key, so a partial envelope is not an acceptable outcome.
+        let honest = Keypair::generate();
+        assert!(
+            seal_blob(b"withheld", &[honest.verifying_key(), weak_vk]).is_err(),
+            "a mixed honest+weak recipient set must fail closed, not seal partially"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Control for the two above: the ordinary seal/open round trip is intact.
+    #[test]
+    fn legit_seal_open_round_trip_still_works() {
+        let reader = Keypair::generate();
+        let env = seal_blob(b"withheld blob", &[reader.verifying_key()]).expect("seal");
+        assert_eq!(open_blob(&env, &reader).expect("open"), b"withheld blob");
+    }
+
+    /// The defect this fix exists to close, kept as an executable regression
+    /// rather than an assertion about absence. It runs the real attack: craft a
+    /// small-order did:key, get it into a recipient set alongside an honest
+    /// reader, then rebuild the wrapping box from the all-zero shared secret
+    /// that a small-order recipient forces. If any guard regresses, this does
+    /// not merely fail, it fails printing the plaintext it recovered.
+    #[test]
+    fn attacker_cannot_recover_plaintext_via_a_weak_recipient() {
+        use crate::did::Did;
+        use std::str::FromStr;
+
+        let weak_vk = weak_verifying_key();
+
+        // Layer 1: the attacker's did:key string must not resolve at all.
+        let weak_did = Did::from_verifying_key(&weak_vk).to_string();
+        assert!(
+            Did::from_str(&weak_did)
+                .expect("still a well-formed did:key")
+                .to_verifying_key()
+                .is_err(),
+            "a small-order did:key must not resolve"
+        );
+
+        // Layer 2: even handed the key directly, sealing must refuse. One weak
+        // recipient would expose the single shared content key, so the honest
+        // reader's blob would be readable by anyone.
+        let honest = Keypair::generate();
+        let secret_plaintext = b"WITHHELD BLOB CONTENTS";
+        let envelope = match seal_blob(secret_plaintext, &[honest.verifying_key(), weak_vk]) {
+            Err(_) => return, // no envelope exists, nothing to attack
+            Ok(env) => env,
+        };
+
+        // Only reachable if a guard regressed. Run the attack and report what
+        // it got, so the failure names the actual exposure.
+        let mut p = MAGIC.len() + 1;
+        let hlen = u32::from_le_bytes(envelope[p..p + 4].try_into().unwrap()) as usize;
+        p += 4;
+        let header: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&envelope[p..p + hlen]).unwrap();
+        let body = &envelope[p + hlen..];
+        let body_nonce = B64.decode(header["nonce"].as_str().unwrap()).unwrap();
+
+        // X25519 against u = 0 is the all-zero shared secret for any scalar, so
+        // the sealer's box is reconstructable with a key the attacker picks.
+        let zero_box = ChaChaBox::new(
+            &XPublic::from(<[u8; 32]>::default()),
+            &XSecret::generate(&mut OsRng),
+        );
+        for r in header["recipients"].as_array().unwrap() {
+            let n = B64.decode(r["nonce"].as_str().unwrap()).unwrap();
+            let w = B64.decode(r["wrap"].as_str().unwrap()).unwrap();
+            if let Ok(content_key) = zero_box.decrypt(n.as_slice().into(), w.as_slice()) {
+                let cipher = XChaCha20Poly1305::new_from_slice(&content_key).unwrap();
+                let recovered = cipher
+                    .decrypt(XNonce::from_slice(&body_nonce), body)
+                    .expect("body decrypts once the content key is out");
+                panic!(
+                    "REGRESSION: attacker recovered plaintext with no private key: {:?}",
+                    String::from_utf8_lossy(&recovered)
+                );
+            }
+        }
+        panic!("an envelope was sealed to a small-order recipient; the seal guard regressed");
+    }
 }

crates/gitlawb-core/src/http_sig.rs

@@ -122,15 +122,48 @@ impl HttpSignature {
         })
     }
 
-    /// Reject if the `created` timestamp is more than 5 minutes from now.
+    /// Reject a `created` timestamp outside the acceptance window, which is
+    /// ASYMMETRIC: up to 5 minutes into the past, but only 60 seconds into the
+    /// future.
+    ///
+    /// The two directions are two comparisons rather than one distance, because
+    /// they are not the same event. A signature that arrives late is ordinary:
+    /// clocks run slow, requests queue, and networks are not instant, so the
+    /// past side keeps the full 300-second allowance. A signature stamped ahead
+    /// of this node's clock is not ordinary, and folding both sides into an
+    /// `abs()` let a signer extend its own validity: signed at T with
+    /// `created = T + 300`, it stayed acceptable until roughly T + 600, so the
+    /// effective window was double the one this function advertises. The
+    /// forward tolerance exists only to absorb honest drift between two hosts,
+    /// which is what 60 seconds buys; it is the same allowance the gossip
+    /// path's freshness check uses for the same reason.
     pub fn check_created(&self) -> Result<()> {
+        const MAX_AGE_SECS: i64 = 300;
+        const MAX_FUTURE_SECS: i64 = 60;
+
         let now = Utc::now().timestamp();
-        let skew = (now - self.created).abs();
-        if skew > 300 {
+
+        // Saturating, not plain subtraction. `created` is parsed as an
+        // unrestricted i64 straight from the Signature-Input header, so a
+        // sender picks it: at i64::MIN the past-side subtraction overflows,
+        // which panics a debug build and wraps a release one into an absurd
+        // value that can read as acceptable. Saturating gives the answer the
+        // check wants at both extremes, since a timestamp that far away is
+        // refused by whichever side it saturates toward.
+        let age = now.saturating_sub(self.created);
+        if age > MAX_AGE_SECS {
             return Err(Error::HttpSignature(format!(
-                "clock skew too large: {skew}s (max 300s)"
+                "clock skew too large: created {age}s in the past (max {MAX_AGE_SECS}s)"
             )));
         }
+
+        let ahead = self.created.saturating_sub(now);
+        if ahead > MAX_FUTURE_SECS {
+            return Err(Error::HttpSignature(format!(
+                "clock skew too large: created {ahead}s in the future (max {MAX_FUTURE_SECS}s)"
+            )));
+        }
+
         Ok(())
     }
 
@@ -456,6 +489,75 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(sig.check_created().is_err());
     }
 
+    /// Build a parseable signature whose `created` is `offset` seconds from now
+    /// (negative for the past), so a test can pin one side of the window.
+    fn sig_created_at_offset(offset: i64) -> HttpSignature {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let did = kp.did();
+        let created = Utc::now().timestamp() + offset;
+        let sig_input = format!(
+            r#"sig1=("@method" "@path" "content-digest");keyid="{did}";alg="ed25519";created={created}"#
+        );
+        HttpSignature::parse(&sig_input, "sig1=:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:").unwrap()
+    }
+
+    /// Build a signature at an ABSOLUTE `created`, so a test can drive the
+    /// extremes an offset from now cannot reach.
+    fn sig_created_absolute(created: i64) -> HttpSignature {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let did = kp.did();
+        let sig_input = format!(
+            r#"sig1=("@method" "@path" "content-digest");keyid="{did}";alg="ed25519";created={created}"#
+        );
+        HttpSignature::parse(&sig_input, "sig1=:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:").unwrap()
+    }
+
+    /// `created` is parsed as an unrestricted i64 from a header the sender
+    /// writes, so the window check has to survive both ends of the type. Before
+    /// the saturating form this panicked with "attempt to subtract with
+    /// overflow" on the past side, which is a debug-build crash any client
+    /// could trigger by sending one header value.
+    #[test]
+    fn extreme_created_values_are_refused_rather_than_overflowing() {
+        for created in [i64::MIN, i64::MIN + 1, i64::MAX - 1, i64::MAX] {
+            let err = sig_created_absolute(created)
+                .check_created()
+                .expect_err("an extreme created must be refused, not accepted");
+            let msg = err.to_string();
+            assert!(
+                msg.contains("past") || msg.contains("future"),
+                "created={created} must be refused by a named direction, got: {msg}"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn created_301s_in_past_rejected() {
+        let err = sig_created_at_offset(-301).check_created().unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("past"), "{err}");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn created_299s_in_past_accepted() {
+        assert!(sig_created_at_offset(-299).check_created().is_ok());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn created_61s_in_future_rejected() {
+        let err = sig_created_at_offset(61).check_created().unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("future"), "{err}");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn created_30s_in_future_accepted() {
+        assert!(sig_created_at_offset(30).check_created().is_ok());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn created_exactly_now_accepted() {
+        assert!(sig_created_at_offset(0).check_created().is_ok());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn fresh_signature_passes_clock_skew() {
         let kp = Keypair::generate();
@@ -464,6 +566,26 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(sig.check_created().is_ok());
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn extreme_created_timestamps_reject_without_wrapping() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let did = kp.did();
+        let parse = |created: i64| {
+            let sig_input =
+                format!(r#"sig1=("@method");keyid="{did}";alg="ed25519";created={created}"#);
+            HttpSignature::parse(&sig_input, "sig1=:AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA:").unwrap()
+        };
+        // i64::MIN used to panic in debug (subtraction overflow) and wrap to a
+        // passing skew in release; now - 2^63 wrapped to i64::MIN, whose abs()
+        // wrapped back to itself and read as fresh. Both must reject.
+        for created in [i64::MIN, i64::MAX, Utc::now().timestamp() - i64::MAX] {
+            assert!(
+                parse(created).check_created().is_err(),
+                "created={created} must not pass the freshness gate"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn parse_error_missing_sig1_prefix() {
         let err = HttpSignature::parse(

crates/gitlawb-node/Cargo.toml

@@ -23,6 +23,8 @@ tracing = { workspace = true }
 tracing-subscriber = { workspace = true }
 chrono = { workspace = true }
 uuid = { workspace = true }
+url = { workspace = true }
+percent-encoding = { workspace = true }
 axum = { version = "0.8", features = ["http1", "http2", "json", "ws"] }
 async-graphql = { version = "7", features = ["chrono", "uuid", "tracing"] }
 async-graphql-axum = "7"

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/arweave.rs

@@ -1,12 +1,13 @@
 //! GET /api/v1/arweave/anchors — list Arweave ref-update anchors.
 
 use axum::{
-    extract::{Query, State},
+    extract::{Extension, Query, State},
     Json,
 };
 use serde::Deserialize;
 
-use crate::error::Result;
+use crate::db::normalize_owner_key;
+use crate::error::{AppError, Result};
 use crate::state::AppState;
 
 #[derive(Debug, Deserialize)]
@@ -21,17 +22,62 @@ fn default_limit() -> i64 {
 }
 
 /// GET /api/v1/arweave/anchors
+///
+/// `?repo=<owner>/<name>` returns anchors for one repository and binds the
+/// request to the canonical read-authorization path used by every other
+/// repo-scoped read: the same `authorize_repo_read` helper, with the caller
+/// identity attached. Missing repositories, quarantined mirrors, and signed
+/// non-readers all collapse to the standard `404` (no existence oracle). The
+/// unscoped listing is auth-only — the #121 contract — and does not admit
+/// visibility filtering, which is the #136 stale-index class and explicitly
+/// out of scope for this auth slice.
 pub async fn list_anchors(
     State(state): State<AppState>,
     Query(q): Query<ListAnchorsQuery>,
+    auth: Option<Extension<crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid>>,
 ) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
-    let limit = q.limit.min(200);
-    // Bare `?` so connection-class sqlx failures downcast to `AppError::Db` and
-    // map to 503 `db_unavailable` (not 500 via `.map_err(AppError::Internal)`) (#251).
-    let anchors = state
-        .db
-        .list_arweave_anchors(q.repo.as_deref(), limit)
-        .await?;
+    // The route's `optional_signature` layer is permissive (it admits unsigned
+    // legacy callers) so this in-handler check is the actual gate. A signed
+    // non-reader still passes this check and proceeds to the authz step below.
+    let caller = auth.as_ref().map(|e| e.0 .0.as_str());
+    if caller.is_none() {
+        return Err(AppError::Unauthorized(
+            "authentication required for anchor listing".into(),
+        ));
+    }
+
+    // Clamp before the SQL query. A negative or non-numeric limit must not
+    // reach Postgres as `LIMIT -1` (which it rejects as a db error / 500) — the
+    // contract is the same default ceiling as the listing page itself.
+    let limit = q.limit.clamp(0, 200);
+
+    let anchors = if let Some(repo_slug) = q.repo.as_deref() {
+        // Parse the user-supplied "owner/name" through the same slug validator
+        // the sync path uses, so a malformed query is a 400, not a 500.
+        let (owner, name) = match crate::git::repo_store::validate_repo_slug(repo_slug) {
+            Ok(parts) => parts,
+            Err(e) => return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!("invalid ?repo: {e}"))),
+        };
+        // Read gate. Returns `RepoNotFound` (→ 404) indistinguishably for
+        // missing repos, quarantined mirrors, and signed non-readers.
+        let (record, _rules) =
+            crate::api::authorize_repo_read(&state, owner, name, caller, "/").await?;
+        // Build the SQL filter from the canonical stored slug, NOT from the
+        // user-supplied `?repo=` string. Anchor rows are written as
+        // `{normalize_owner_key(owner_did)}/{name}` (the short form), so a
+        // request that passes authz with the full `did:key:…/name` form would
+        // match zero rows and return a false empty page. The gate already
+        // verified the repo is readable; `record.owner_did` is the canonical
+        // identity and `record.name` is the stored name.
+        let stored_slug = format!("{}/{}", normalize_owner_key(&record.owner_did), record.name);
+        state
+            .db
+            .list_arweave_anchors(Some(&stored_slug), limit)
+            .await?
+    } else {
+        // No scope → no repo-read decision. Auth-only.
+        state.db.list_arweave_anchors(None, limit).await?
+    };
 
     Ok(Json(serde_json::json!({
         "anchors": anchors,
@@ -60,6 +106,7 @@ mod closed_pool_tests {
             .oneshot(
                 Request::builder()
                     .uri("/api/v1/arweave/anchors")
+                    .extension(crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid("did:key:test".into()))
                     .body(axum::body::Body::empty())
                     .unwrap(),
             )

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/bounties.rs

@@ -285,11 +285,22 @@ pub async fn submit_bounty(
     Path(id): Path<String>,
     Json(req): Json<SubmitBountyRequest>,
 ) -> Result<Json<BountyRecord>> {
-    let bounty = state
-        .db
-        .get_bounty(&id)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found")))?;
+    let not_found = || AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found"));
+
+    let bounty = state.db.get_bounty(&id).await?.ok_or_else(not_found)?;
+
+    if crate::api::authorize_repo_read(
+        &state,
+        &bounty.repo_owner,
+        &bounty.repo_name,
+        Some(auth.0.as_str()),
+        "/",
+    )
+    .await
+    .is_err()
+    {
+        return Err(not_found());
+    }
 
     if bounty.status != "claimed" {
         return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
@@ -325,11 +336,22 @@ pub async fn approve_bounty(
     Path(id): Path<String>,
     Json(req): Json<ApproveBountyRequest>,
 ) -> Result<Json<BountyRecord>> {
-    let bounty = state
-        .db
-        .get_bounty(&id)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found")))?;
+    let not_found = || AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found"));
+
+    let bounty = state.db.get_bounty(&id).await?.ok_or_else(not_found)?;
+
+    if crate::api::authorize_repo_read(
+        &state,
+        &bounty.repo_owner,
+        &bounty.repo_name,
+        Some(auth.0.as_str()),
+        "/",
+    )
+    .await
+    .is_err()
+    {
+        return Err(not_found());
+    }
 
     if bounty.status != "submitted" {
         return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
@@ -372,11 +394,22 @@ pub async fn cancel_bounty(
     Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
     Path(id): Path<String>,
 ) -> Result<Json<BountyRecord>> {
-    let bounty = state
-        .db
-        .get_bounty(&id)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found")))?;
+    let not_found = || AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found"));
+
+    let bounty = state.db.get_bounty(&id).await?.ok_or_else(not_found)?;
+
+    if crate::api::authorize_repo_read(
+        &state,
+        &bounty.repo_owner,
+        &bounty.repo_name,
+        Some(auth.0.as_str()),
+        "/",
+    )
+    .await
+    .is_err()
+    {
+        return Err(not_found());
+    }
 
     if bounty.status != "open" {
         return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
@@ -407,11 +440,22 @@ pub async fn dispute_bounty(
     Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
     Path(id): Path<String>,
 ) -> Result<Json<BountyRecord>> {
-    let bounty = state
-        .db
-        .get_bounty(&id)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found")))?;
+    let not_found = || AppError::NotFound(format!("bounty {id} not found"));
+
+    let bounty = state.db.get_bounty(&id).await?.ok_or_else(not_found)?;
+
+    if crate::api::authorize_repo_read(
+        &state,
+        &bounty.repo_owner,
+        &bounty.repo_name,
+        Some(auth.0.as_str()),
+        "/",
+    )
+    .await
+    .is_err()
+    {
+        return Err(not_found());
+    }
 
     if bounty.status != "claimed" && bounty.status != "submitted" {
         return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
@@ -456,21 +500,68 @@ pub async fn dispute_bounty(
     Ok(Json(updated))
 }
 
+/// Resolve the set of `(owner_did, name)` pairs for repos an anonymous caller
+/// can list.  Mirrors the `stats()` pattern in `server.rs` (#104): batch-load
+/// all deduped repos, batch-load their visibility rules, keep only those that
+/// pass `listable_at_root`.  Pure I/O after the two DB round-trips — no
+/// per-repo authorization queries.
+///
+/// Both bounty stats handlers mount behind `optional_signature` (see
+/// `bounty_read_routes` in server.rs), so the caller is always `None` for
+/// anonymous access.  Every caller, signed or not, currently receives the
+/// anonymous-scoped aggregates (matching the #104 pattern); per-caller
+/// visibility can be threaded through here when that work lands.
+///
+/// A database error is returned to the caller, never collapsed to an empty
+/// set: an empty set would render as HTTP 200 with zero counts, which a client
+/// reads as confirmed absence of activity.
+async fn visible_repo_pairs(state: &AppState) -> Result<Vec<(String, String)>> {
+    let rows = state.db.list_all_repos_deduped().await?;
+    let ids: Vec<String> = rows.iter().map(|r| r.id.clone()).collect();
+    let rules_by_repo = state.db.list_visibility_rules_for_repos(&ids).await?;
+    let pairs = rows
+        .iter()
+        .filter(|r| {
+            let rules = rules_by_repo.get(&r.id).map(Vec::as_slice).unwrap_or(&[]);
+            // mirror-rows-handled: a mirror with a canonical twin is deduped to the
+            // canonical row and its rules; a mirror-only repo counts as public, the
+            // same answer authorize_repo_read and /stats give. Pinned by
+            // bounty_stats_mirror_rows_follow_canonical_twin_or_count_when_alone.
+            crate::visibility::listable_at_root(rules, r.is_public, &r.owner_did, None)
+        })
+        .map(|r| {
+            (
+                crate::db::normalize_owner_key(&r.owner_did).to_string(),
+                r.name.clone(),
+            )
+        })
+        .collect();
+    Ok(pairs)
+}
+
 /// GET /api/v1/bounties/stats
+///
+/// Aggregates are restricted to anonymously-listable repos so private-repo
+/// bounty activity is not exposed (#477).  The visible-repo set is resolved
+/// once per request via `visible_repo_pairs` (two SQL round-trips), then
+/// passed into the filtered aggregate queries.
 pub async fn bounty_stats(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Result<Json<BountyStatsResponse>> {
-    let open = state.db.count_bounties_by_status("open").await.unwrap_or(0);
+    let visible = visible_repo_pairs(&state).await?;
+
+    let open = state
+        .db
+        .count_bounties_by_status_visible("open", &visible)
+        .await?;
     let claimed = state
         .db
-        .count_bounties_by_status("claimed")
-        .await
-        .unwrap_or(0);
+        .count_bounties_by_status_visible("claimed", &visible)
+        .await?;
     let completed = state
         .db
-        .count_bounties_by_status("completed")
-        .await
-        .unwrap_or(0);
+        .count_bounties_by_status_visible("completed", &visible)
+        .await?;
 
-    let leaders = state.db.bounty_leaderboard(10).await.unwrap_or_default();
+    let leaders = state.db.bounty_leaderboard_visible(10, &visible).await?;
     let leaderboard = leaders
         .into_iter()
         .map(|(did, cnt, total)| AgentBountyEntry {
@@ -489,11 +580,14 @@ pub async fn bounty_stats(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Result<Json<BountySt
 }
 
 /// GET /api/v1/agents/{did}/bounties
+///
+/// Per-agent earnings restricted to anonymously-listable repos (#477).
 pub async fn agent_bounty_stats(
     State(state): State<AppState>,
     Path(did): Path<String>,
 ) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
-    let (count, total) = state.db.agent_bounty_stats(&did).await.unwrap_or((0, 0));
+    let visible = visible_repo_pairs(&state).await?;
+    let (count, total) = state.db.agent_bounty_stats_visible(&did, &visible).await?;
     Ok(Json(serde_json::json!({
         "did": did,
         "completed_bounties": count,

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/certs.rs

@@ -52,6 +52,7 @@ pub async fn list_certs(
                 "node_did":   c.node_did,
                 "signature":  c.signature,
                 "issued_at":  c.issued_at,
+                "version":    c.version,
             })
         })
         .collect();
@@ -92,5 +93,6 @@ pub async fn get_cert(
         "node_did":   cert.node_did,
         "signature":  cert.signature,
         "issued_at":  cert.issued_at,
+        "version":    cert.version,
     })))
 }

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/events.rs

@@ -11,7 +11,8 @@ use crate::state::AppState;
 
 /// Hard ceiling on rows any ref-update feed returns in one request. Shared by the
 /// shared collector's clamp and the per-handler request caps so they can't drift.
-const MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES: i64 = 200;
+/// `pub(crate)` so the GraphQL complexity meter can price against the same bound.
+pub(crate) const MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES: i64 = 200;
 
 /// Collect up to `limit` ref-update rows visible to `caller`, newest first,
 /// paging past rows the feed gate drops. Filtering after a plain SQL `LIMIT`
@@ -437,6 +438,7 @@ mod ref_updates_feed_tests {
             node_did: "did:key:z6MkNode".into(),
             signature: "sig".into(),
             issued_at: Utc::now().to_rfc3339(),
+            version: 1,
         }
     }
 

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/ipfs.rs

@@ -2133,7 +2133,15 @@ async fn gate_and_serve(
 /// Returns all CIDs that have been pinned to the local IPFS node from git
 /// objects received via push. Each entry includes the git SHA-256 hex, the
 /// CIDv1 string, and the timestamp when it was pinned.
-pub async fn list_pins(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
+pub async fn list_pins(
+    State(state): State<AppState>,
+    auth: Option<Extension<crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid>>,
+) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
+    if auth.is_none() {
+        return Err(crate::error::AppError::Unauthorized(
+            "authentication required for pin listing".into(),
+        ));
+    }
     // Bare `?` so connection-class sqlx failures downcast to `AppError::Db` and
     // map to 503 `db_unavailable` (not 500 via `.map_err(AppError::Internal)`) (#251).
     let pins = state.db.list_pinned_cids().await?;
@@ -2426,6 +2434,7 @@ mod closed_pool_tests {
             .oneshot(
                 Request::builder()
                     .uri("/api/v1/ipfs/pins")
+                    .extension(crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid("did:key:test".into()))
                     .body(axum::body::Body::empty())
                     .unwrap(),
             )
@@ -2520,7 +2529,10 @@ mod tests {
                 "/ipfs/{cid}",
                 axum::routing::get(crate::api::ipfs::get_by_cid),
             )
-            .layer(axum::middleware::from_fn(crate::auth::optional_signature))
+            .layer(axum::middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+                crate::auth::SignatureBodyLimit(crate::server::SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+                crate::auth::optional_signature,
+            ))
             .with_state(state)
     }
 
@@ -8355,6 +8367,7 @@ mod tests {
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn get_by_cid_per_source_cap_sheds_same_source_admits_other() {
         let mut state = crate::test_support::test_state_lazy();
+        state.db.pool().close().await;
         // Global pool has room; the per-source cap is 1.
         state.git_ipfs_walk_semaphore = Arc::new(Semaphore::new(8));
         state.git_ipfs_walk_per_caller = crate::rate_limit::PerCallerConcurrency::new(1, 100);
@@ -8381,16 +8394,23 @@ mod tests {
             "a source at its per-source /ipfs walk cap must shed 503 with global capacity free"
         );
 
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), 1024).await.unwrap();
+        let body: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(body["error"], "overloaded");
+
         // A DIFFERENT source is NOT shed by the per-source cap: it clears admission and
-        // proceeds (then errors on the lazy DB, which is not a 503).
+        // proceeds to the closed DB, which has a distinct db_unavailable error code.
         let resp = ipfs_router(state)
             .oneshot(get_cid(&cid, Some(other)))
             .await
             .unwrap();
-        assert_ne!(
-            resp.status(),
-            StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE,
-            "a different source must not be shed by the per-source cap"
+        assert_eq!(resp.status(), StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE);
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), 1024).await.unwrap();
+        let body: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            body["error"],
+            crate::error::DB_UNAVAILABLE_CODE,
+            "a different source must clear admission and reach the closed database"
         );
     }
 

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/labels.rs

@@ -14,14 +14,13 @@ pub struct LabelRequest {
     pub label: String,
 }
 
-/// POST /api/v1/repos/:owner/:repo/labels
-pub async fn add_label(
-    State(state): State<AppState>,
-    Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
-    Path((owner, name)): Path<(String, String)>,
-    Json(req): Json<LabelRequest>,
-) -> Result<(StatusCode, Json<serde_json::Value>)> {
-    let label = req.label.trim().to_lowercase();
+/// Canonicalize and validate a label string. `add_label` and `remove_label`
+/// must agree on the form stored in the DB: `add_label` already trims and
+/// lowercases before storing, so `remove_label` has to do the same to find
+/// the row. Validation is shared so neither handler can drift on charset or
+/// length (#344).
+fn canonicalize_label(raw: &str) -> std::result::Result<String, AppError> {
+    let label = raw.trim().to_lowercase();
     if label.is_empty() || label.len() > 50 {
         return Err(AppError::BadRequest("label must be 1–50 characters".into()));
     }
@@ -33,6 +32,17 @@ pub async fn add_label(
             "label must contain only alphanumeric characters, hyphens, and colons".into(),
         ));
     }
+    Ok(label)
+}
+
+/// POST /api/v1/repos/:owner/:repo/labels
+pub async fn add_label(
+    State(state): State<AppState>,
+    Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
+    Path((owner, name)): Path<(String, String)>,
+    Json(req): Json<LabelRequest>,
+) -> Result<(StatusCode, Json<serde_json::Value>)> {
+    let label = canonicalize_label(&req.label)?;
 
     let record = state
         .db
@@ -59,6 +69,8 @@ pub async fn remove_label(
     Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
     Path((owner, name, label)): Path<(String, String, String)>,
 ) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
+    let label = canonicalize_label(&label)?;
+
     let record = state
         .db
         .get_repo(&owner, &name)
@@ -66,7 +78,10 @@ pub async fn remove_label(
         .ok_or_else(|| AppError::RepoNotFound(format!("{owner}/{name}")))?;
     crate::api::require_repo_owner(&record, &auth.0)?;
 
-    state.db.remove_label(&record.id, &label).await?;
+    let removed = state.db.remove_label(&record.id, &label).await?;
+    if !removed {
+        return Err(AppError::NotFound(format!("label '{label}'")));
+    }
     Ok(Json(serde_json::json!({ "label": label, "removed": true })))
 }
 

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/mod.rs

@@ -80,15 +80,20 @@ pub(crate) fn did_matches(a: &str, b: &str) -> bool {
     !ka.contains(':') && !kb.contains(':') && ka == kb
 }
 
+/// Client-facing denial shared by every repo-owner gate copy. `require_repo_owner`
+/// renders it as `AppError::Forbidden`; a handler that emits its own
+/// `(StatusCode, Json)` envelope instead of `AppError` (e.g.
+/// `api::tasks::create_task`) must use this constant too, so two copies of one
+/// gate cannot drift in observable output.
+pub(crate) const REPO_OWNER_ONLY_MESSAGE: &str = "only the repo owner can perform this action";
+
 /// 403 unless `caller` is the repo owner. Uses [`did_matches`] so the owner check
 /// and the author check (close policy) share one normalization.
 pub(crate) fn require_repo_owner(record: &RepoRecord, caller: &str) -> Result<()> {
     if did_matches(caller, &record.owner_did) {
         Ok(())
     } else {
-        Err(AppError::Forbidden(
-            "only the repo owner can perform this action".into(),
-        ))
+        Err(AppError::Forbidden(REPO_OWNER_ONLY_MESSAGE.into()))
     }
 }
 
@@ -242,6 +247,11 @@ mod authz_guard {
             (events, "list_repo_events", "authorize_repo_read("),
             // Bucket C — signer-self: the acting DID is matched/bound to auth.0
             (tasks, "create_task", "did_matches("),
+            // #496: create_task is signer-self AND owner-when-repo-scoped — a
+            // repo_id naming a hosted repo admits tasks only from its owner.
+            // Both halves are pinned: the did_matches row guards the signer
+            // binding, this one the repo-ownership gate.
+            (tasks, "create_task", "require_repo_owner("),
             (tasks, "claim_task", "did_matches("),
             (tasks, "complete_task", "did_matches("),
             (tasks, "fail_task", "did_matches("),
@@ -298,6 +308,577 @@ mod authz_guard {
         }
     }
 
+    /// Completeness fence over the GraphQL mutation surface: the mirror of
+    /// `every_in_scope_mutation_has_its_gate` for `graphql/mutation.rs`. Kept a
+    /// SEPARATE guard with its own table (never folded into the REST rows above):
+    /// a guard over a heterogeneous set must classify per member, and these
+    /// same-named task rows belong to the GraphQL surface, not `api/tasks.rs`.
+    ///
+    /// COMPLETENESS comes from the engine's own SDL (`schema.sdl()`), parsed as a
+    /// structured AST (#219), NOT introspection and NOT a text parse of source.
+    /// This matters: async-graphql OMITS `#[graphql(visible = false)]` fields from
+    /// introspection while leaving them executable, so an introspection-sourced fence
+    /// could be defeated by a hidden mutation. SDL includes those fields, so no
+    /// visibility flag (and, via the AST parse, no brace-in-description quirk) can hide
+    /// a live mutation. The SDL field set must equal the registered set: a new field with
+    /// no row fails (a repo-write cannot slip in unlisted); a registered name absent from
+    /// the schema fails (renamed or removed). The set is also cross-checked against
+    /// introspection, so any field present in SDL but hidden from introspection fails
+    /// named as a forbidden hidden mutation.
+    ///
+    /// The MARKER check is the only source-scraped part, and it is not the
+    /// completeness guarantee. Three honest limits, so a green check is not misread
+    /// as full authorization coverage:
+    ///   1. A present marker is not load-bearingness (the gate may not redden on a
+    ///      hostile probe: the #203 present-but-vacuous case). The adversarial tests
+    ///      in `graphql/mutation.rs` are the load-bearing layer.
+    ///   2. A present marker is not gate-correctness (it may be the wrong bucket for
+    ///      the operation's resource: a repo-write registered as signer-self would
+    ///      pass, so INV-1 review remains the defense).
+    ///   3. The marker check scrapes the comment-masked, brace-bounded resolver body;
+    ///      a `{`/`}` or a `did_matches(` inside a STRING literal is not masked, so it
+    ///      could mis-slice that body or satisfy the marker vacuously (the same
+    ///      vacuous-marker class as limit 1). Completeness is unaffected: it comes
+    ///      from the SDL AST, not from this scrape.
+    #[test]
+    fn every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate() {
+        // (Rust snake name, schema field in camelCase, expected gate markers). The
+        // four are Bucket C signer-self: `/graphql` uses optional_signature, so each
+        // resolver must call `require_signer(ctx)?` and bind the acting DID with
+        // `did_matches(`. A repo-write would be Bucket A (`require_repo_owner(`).
+        // Same-named REST rows live in the guard above against `api/tasks.rs`.
+        let registered: &[(&str, &str, &[&str])] = &[
+            (
+                "create_task",
+                "createTask",
+                &[
+                    "require_signer(ctx)?",
+                    "did_matches(",
+                    "require_repo_owner(",
+                ],
+            ),
+            (
+                "claim_task",
+                "claimTask",
+                &["require_signer(ctx)?", "did_matches("],
+            ),
+            (
+                "complete_task",
+                "completeTask",
+                &["require_signer(ctx)?", "did_matches("],
+            ),
+            (
+                "fail_task",
+                "failTask",
+                &["require_signer(ctx)?", "did_matches("],
+            ),
+        ];
+
+        // Completeness + hidden-mutation cross-check against the REAL schema (#219),
+        // delegated to the generic `assert_mutation_fence` so the SDL sourcing and the
+        // cross-check are ALSO exercised by a synthetic hidden schema in
+        // `fence_rejects_a_hidden_mutation` (INV-21). Because the real MutationRoot has no
+        // hidden field today, that synthetic test — not a hypothetical production canary —
+        // is what turns reverting the SDL source or deleting the cross-check RED.
+        {
+            use crate::graphql::mutation::MutationRoot;
+            use crate::graphql::query::QueryRoot;
+            use crate::graphql::subscription::SubscriptionRoot;
+            let schema =
+                async_graphql::Schema::build(QueryRoot, MutationRoot, SubscriptionRoot).finish();
+            let registered_camel: Vec<&str> = registered.iter().map(|(_, c, _)| *c).collect();
+            assert_mutation_fence(&schema, &registered_camel);
+        }
+
+        // Marker present (source scrape; the vacuity limit, backstopped by the
+        // adversarial tests): each resolver body carries every required gate marker.
+        let masked = mask_comments(include_str!("../graphql/mutation.rs"));
+        for (snake, _, markers) in registered {
+            let body = resolver_body(&masked, snake);
+            for marker in *markers {
+                assert!(
+                    body.contains(marker),
+                    "GraphQL mutation `{snake}` is missing its gate marker `{marker}`: gate removed"
+                );
+            }
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Version-safety self-check (#219, INV-21): the fence's completeness guarantee rests
+    /// on `schema.sdl()` INCLUDING `visible = false` fields while introspection omits
+    /// them. That is observed async-graphql behavior, not a documented contract, so pin
+    /// it here: a synthetic schema with a hidden mutation must have that field in its
+    /// SDL-derived set and NOT in its introspection-derived set. If a future
+    /// async-graphql upgrade ever filters SDL by visibility, the first assertion flips
+    /// RED — the assumption is load-bearing, not trusted.
+    #[test]
+    fn sdl_source_sees_hidden_mutations_that_introspection_omits() {
+        use async_graphql::{EmptySubscription, Object, Schema};
+        struct Q;
+        #[Object]
+        impl Q {
+            async fn ping(&self) -> i32 {
+                0
+            }
+        }
+        struct M;
+        #[Object]
+        impl M {
+            async fn visible_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                1
+            }
+            #[graphql(visible = false)]
+            async fn hidden_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                2
+            }
+        }
+        let schema = Schema::build(Q, M, EmptySubscription).finish();
+
+        // SDL source (the fix): includes the hidden field.
+        let sdl_fields = mutation_field_names_from_sdl(&schema.sdl());
+        assert!(
+            sdl_fields.iter().any(|f| f == "hiddenMut"),
+            "SDL-sourced set MUST include the visible=false mutation; if this is RED, \
+             async-graphql started filtering SDL by visibility and the fence's \
+             completeness guarantee is broken: {sdl_fields:?}"
+        );
+
+        // Introspection (the fence's own helper): OMITS the hidden field. This is the
+        // exact gap the fix closes — an introspection-sourced fence never sees `hiddenMut`.
+        let introspected = introspection_mutation_fields(&schema);
+        assert!(
+            !introspected.iter().any(|f| f == "hiddenMut"),
+            "introspection is expected to OMIT the visible=false mutation (that is the \
+             gap the SDL source closes); got {introspected:?}"
+        );
+
+        // The exact diff the fence computes: hidden ∈ (sdl \ introspection).
+        let hidden: Vec<&String> = sdl_fields
+            .iter()
+            .filter(|f| !introspected.iter().any(|i| i == *f))
+            .collect();
+        assert_eq!(
+            hidden,
+            vec!["hiddenMut"],
+            "the SDL-vs-introspection diff must surface exactly the hidden mutation"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// INV-21 wiring guard (#219): drives the generic `assert_mutation_fence` — the SAME
+    /// helper the real fence calls — against a synthetic schema whose mutation is
+    /// `visible = false` and IS registered, so completeness passes and ONLY the
+    /// hidden-from-introspection cross-check can fail. This is what makes the fence's SDL
+    /// sourcing load-bearing without a production canary: reverting the source to
+    /// introspection (the hidden field then absent from the SDL set) or deleting the
+    /// cross-check removes this panic (or changes its message), turning the
+    /// `should_panic` test RED. The real MutationRoot has no hidden field, so nothing on
+    /// the real schema could catch that regression.
+    #[test]
+    #[should_panic(expected = "hidden from introspection")]
+    fn fence_rejects_a_hidden_mutation() {
+        use async_graphql::{EmptySubscription, Object, Schema};
+        struct Q;
+        #[Object]
+        impl Q {
+            async fn ping(&self) -> i32 {
+                0
+            }
+        }
+        struct M;
+        #[Object]
+        impl M {
+            async fn visible_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                1
+            }
+            #[graphql(visible = false)]
+            async fn hidden_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                2
+            }
+        }
+        let schema = Schema::build(Q, M, EmptySubscription).finish();
+        // Both fields registered, so completeness passes and only the cross-check fires.
+        assert_mutation_fence(&schema, &["visibleMut", "hiddenMut"]);
+    }
+
+    /// Deprecated-mutation guard (#219): a `#[graphql(deprecation = "...")]` mutation is
+    /// executable and present in SDL, but GraphQL introspection omits it by default. The
+    /// fence's introspection helper uses `includeDeprecated: true`, so a deprecated (but
+    /// visible) mutation is NOT mistaken for a hidden one. With it registered, the fence
+    /// must NOT panic. Remove `includeDeprecated: true` and this goes RED — the deprecated
+    /// field would look hidden and false-red as a forbidden visible=false mutation.
+    #[test]
+    fn fence_admits_a_deprecated_mutation() {
+        use async_graphql::{EmptySubscription, Object, Schema};
+        struct Q;
+        #[Object]
+        impl Q {
+            async fn ping(&self) -> i32 {
+                0
+            }
+        }
+        struct M;
+        #[Object]
+        impl M {
+            async fn visible_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                1
+            }
+            #[graphql(deprecation = "use visibleMut")]
+            async fn deprecated_mut(&self) -> i32 {
+                2
+            }
+        }
+        let schema = Schema::build(Q, M, EmptySubscription).finish();
+        // Must not panic: the deprecated field is visible (present in introspection with
+        // includeDeprecated) and registered, so it is neither hidden nor unclassified.
+        assert_mutation_fence(&schema, &["visibleMut", "deprecatedMut"]);
+    }
+
+    /// Completeness + hidden-mutation cross-check for a BUILT schema (#219). Generic over
+    /// the schema type so the real fence AND the synthetic `fence_rejects_a_hidden_mutation`
+    /// / `fence_admits_a_deprecated_mutation` tests drive the SAME sourcing and cross-check.
+    /// Completeness is sourced from SDL (which includes `visible = false` fields); the
+    /// cross-check fails any SDL field hidden from introspection. This genericity is the
+    /// INV-21 fix: because the real MutationRoot has no hidden field, only a synthetic
+    /// hidden schema through THIS helper makes reverting the SDL source or removing the
+    /// cross-check RED, rather than leaving the class latent behind a production canary.
+    fn assert_mutation_fence<Q, M, S>(
+        schema: &async_graphql::Schema<Q, M, S>,
+        registered_camel: &[&str],
+    ) where
+        Q: async_graphql::ObjectType + 'static,
+        M: async_graphql::ObjectType + 'static,
+        S: async_graphql::SubscriptionType + 'static,
+    {
+        let sdl_fields = mutation_field_names_from_sdl(&schema.sdl());
+        let introspected = introspection_mutation_fields(schema);
+        // No SDL field may be hidden from introspection (a visible=false mutation).
+        for f in &sdl_fields {
+            assert!(
+                introspected.iter().any(|i| i == f),
+                "GraphQL mutation `{f}` is in the schema but hidden from introspection \
+                 (a `#[graphql(visible = false)]` field): hidden mutations are forbidden \
+                 by this fence — make it visible so its classification is enforceable, or \
+                 remove it"
+            );
+        }
+        // Completeness both directions against the registered (camelCase) set.
+        for f in &sdl_fields {
+            assert!(
+                registered_camel.contains(&f.as_str()),
+                "unclassified GraphQL mutation `{f}`: add it to \
+                 every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate with a deliberate gate \
+                 (`require_repo_owner(` for a repo-write, `did_matches(` for a task op)"
+            );
+        }
+        for c in registered_camel {
+            assert!(
+                sdl_fields.iter().any(|f| f == c),
+                "registered GraphQL mutation `{c}` is not in the schema \
+                 (renamed or removed); update the table"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// The mutation field names via the engine's introspection, run against a passed
+    /// schema. STRUCTURED (names arrive as data). Uses `fields(includeDeprecated: true)`:
+    /// GraphQL's default omits `@deprecated` fields, but a `#[graphql(deprecation = "...")]`
+    /// mutation is still executable and present in SDL, so without this the cross-check
+    /// above would false-red a deprecated mutation as a hidden (visible=false) one. Only a
+    /// real visibility filter should trip that arm; deprecation is a lifecycle marker.
+    fn introspection_mutation_fields<Q, M, S>(
+        schema: &async_graphql::Schema<Q, M, S>,
+    ) -> Vec<String>
+    where
+        Q: async_graphql::ObjectType + 'static,
+        M: async_graphql::ObjectType + 'static,
+        S: async_graphql::SubscriptionType + 'static,
+    {
+        use async_graphql::Value;
+        let resp = tokio::runtime::Runtime::new()
+            .expect("tokio runtime")
+            .block_on(schema.execute(
+                "{ __schema { mutationType { fields(includeDeprecated: true) { name } } } }",
+            ));
+        assert!(
+            resp.errors.is_empty(),
+            "schema introspection failed: {:?}",
+            resp.errors
+        );
+        let mut names = Vec::new();
+        if let Value::Object(root) = &resp.data {
+            if let Some(Value::Object(sc)) = root.get("__schema") {
+                if let Some(Value::Object(mt)) = sc.get("mutationType") {
+                    if let Some(Value::List(field_list)) = mt.get("fields") {
+                        for field in field_list {
+                            if let Value::Object(fo) = field {
+                                if let Some(Value::String(n)) = fo.get("name") {
+                                    names.push(n.clone());
+                                }
+                            }
+                        }
+                    }
+                }
+            }
+        }
+        names
+    }
+
+    /// The mutation field names sourced from the built schema's SDL — the completeness
+    /// source (#219). Builds the same DB-free schema as the introspection helper and runs
+    /// its `.sdl()` (sync, no runtime needed) through [`mutation_field_names_from_sdl`].
+    /// SDL includes `#[graphql(visible = false)]` fields, so this source cannot be
+    /// defeated by hiding a mutation from introspection.
+    fn graphql_mutation_fields_from_sdl() -> Vec<String> {
+        use crate::graphql::mutation::MutationRoot;
+        use crate::graphql::query::QueryRoot;
+        use crate::graphql::subscription::SubscriptionRoot;
+        let schema =
+            async_graphql::Schema::build(QueryRoot, MutationRoot, SubscriptionRoot).finish();
+        mutation_field_names_from_sdl(&schema.sdl())
+    }
+
+    /// The mutation type's field names extracted from an async-graphql SDL string via
+    /// the engine's OWN parser AST (`async_graphql::parser::parse_schema`), NOT
+    /// introspection. This is the completeness source (#219): unlike introspection,
+    /// which async-graphql filters by `visible` (a `#[graphql(visible = false)]`
+    /// mutation is executable but ABSENT from introspection), `schema.sdl()` includes
+    /// every registered field, so a hidden mutation still appears here and must carry a
+    /// classified row. Parsing the AST (not a brace/line text scan) means a `}` inside a
+    /// field description cannot mis-slice the type block. camelCase, as async-graphql
+    /// emits. An empty result on a navigation miss is safe: the set-equality in
+    /// `every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate` turns "no fields" into a loud failure for
+    /// every registered name, never a vacuous pass.
+    fn mutation_field_names_from_sdl(sdl: &str) -> Vec<String> {
+        use async_graphql::parser::parse_schema;
+        use async_graphql::parser::types::{TypeKind, TypeSystemDefinition};
+
+        let doc = parse_schema(sdl).expect("async-graphql SDL must parse");
+        // The mutation root type name: from the `schema { mutation: X }` block if
+        // present, else the GraphQL default "Mutation".
+        let mutation_type = doc
+            .definitions
+            .iter()
+            .find_map(|def| match def {
+                TypeSystemDefinition::Schema(s) => s
+                    .node
+                    .mutation
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .map(|m| m.node.as_str().to_string()),
+                _ => None,
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| "Mutation".to_string());
+        // The fields of that object type.
+        doc.definitions
+            .iter()
+            .find_map(|def| match def {
+                TypeSystemDefinition::Type(t) if t.node.name.node.as_str() == mutation_type => {
+                    match &t.node.kind {
+                        TypeKind::Object(obj) => Some(
+                            obj.fields
+                                .iter()
+                                .map(|f| f.node.name.node.as_str().to_string())
+                                .collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+                        ),
+                        _ => None,
+                    }
+                }
+                _ => None,
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_default()
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sdl_extractor_includes_a_hidden_visible_false_field() {
+        // A field that would be hidden from introspection must still be listed from SDL.
+        let sdl = "schema { query: QueryRoot mutation: MutationRoot }\n\
+                   type QueryRoot { ping: Int! }\n\
+                   type MutationRoot { createTask: Int! hiddenMut: Int! }\n";
+        let fields = mutation_field_names_from_sdl(sdl);
+        assert!(
+            fields.iter().any(|f| f == "createTask"),
+            "visible field must be listed: {fields:?}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            fields.iter().any(|f| f == "hiddenMut"),
+            "a visible=false field (present in SDL, hidden from introspection) MUST be \
+             listed by the completeness source: {fields:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sdl_extractor_is_not_fooled_by_a_brace_in_a_field_description() {
+        // A `}` inside a field description must not truncate the type block (the AST
+        // parse is immune to the text-parse quirk the old design feared).
+        let sdl = "schema { query: QueryRoot mutation: MutationRoot }\n\
+                   type QueryRoot { ping: Int! }\n\
+                   type MutationRoot {\n\
+                     \"\"\"a description with a } brace and { another\"\"\"\n\
+                     createTask: Int!\n\
+                     claimTask: Int!\n\
+                   }\n";
+        let fields = mutation_field_names_from_sdl(sdl);
+        assert!(
+            fields.iter().any(|f| f == "createTask") && fields.iter().any(|f| f == "claimTask"),
+            "both fields must be extracted despite a brace in a description: {fields:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sdl_extractor_returns_empty_for_a_query_only_schema() {
+        let sdl = "schema { query: QueryRoot }\ntype QueryRoot { ping: Int! }\n";
+        assert!(
+            mutation_field_names_from_sdl(sdl).is_empty(),
+            "a schema with no mutation root yields no mutation fields (no panic)"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The comment-masked body of `async fn <snake>` in `graphql/mutation.rs`, bounded
+    /// to the resolver's OWN braces (its `{ .. }`), for the marker check. Brace-matching
+    /// on the comment-masked source means a `}` in a trailing helper cannot extend the
+    /// body and a comment marker does not count. A `{`/`}` inside a STRING literal is
+    /// not masked, a documented marker-check-only residual (limit 3); completeness does
+    /// not use this.
+    fn resolver_body(masked_src: &str, snake: &str) -> String {
+        let needle = format!("async fn {snake}(");
+        let start = masked_src.find(&needle).unwrap_or_else(|| {
+            panic!("resolver `async fn {snake}(` not found in graphql/mutation.rs")
+        });
+        let open = start
+            + masked_src[start..]
+                .find('{')
+                .expect("resolver body opening brace");
+        let mut depth = 0i32;
+        let mut end = masked_src.len();
+        for (i, c) in masked_src[open..].char_indices() {
+            match c {
+                '{' => depth += 1,
+                '}' => {
+                    depth -= 1;
+                    if depth == 0 {
+                        end = open + i + 1;
+                        break;
+                    }
+                }
+                _ => {}
+            }
+        }
+        masked_src[open..end].to_string()
+    }
+
+    /// `src` with `//` line comments and `/* */` block comments (nested) blanked to
+    /// spaces, WITHOUT opening a comment inside a `"..."` string (so a `"https://"` does
+    /// not erase the rest of its line). String CONTENTS are left intact, so a brace or
+    /// a gate marker inside a string is not masked; for the marker check that is a
+    /// documented vacuity residual (limit 3), and completeness does not use this at
+    /// all. Char literals and raw/byte strings are not tracked (absent in resolver
+    /// bodies); a `'"'` char or a raw string is the remaining narrow residual.
+    fn mask_comments(src: &str) -> String {
+        let chars: Vec<char> = src.chars().collect();
+        let mut out = String::with_capacity(src.len());
+        let mut i = 0;
+        let mut block_depth = 0usize;
+        let mut in_string = false;
+        while i < chars.len() {
+            let c = chars[i];
+            let next = chars.get(i + 1).copied();
+            if block_depth > 0 {
+                if c == '/' && next == Some('*') {
+                    block_depth += 1;
+                    out.push_str("  ");
+                    i += 2;
+                } else if c == '*' && next == Some('/') {
+                    block_depth -= 1;
+                    out.push_str("  ");
+                    i += 2;
+                } else {
+                    out.push(if c == '\n' { '\n' } else { ' ' });
+                    i += 1;
+                }
+            } else if in_string {
+                out.push(c);
+                if c == '\\' {
+                    if let Some(n) = next {
+                        out.push(n);
+                        i += 2;
+                    } else {
+                        i += 1;
+                    }
+                } else {
+                    if c == '"' {
+                        in_string = false;
+                    }
+                    i += 1;
+                }
+            } else if c == '"' {
+                in_string = true;
+                out.push('"');
+                i += 1;
+            } else if c == '/' && next == Some('/') {
+                while i < chars.len() && chars[i] != '\n' {
+                    out.push(' ');
+                    i += 1;
+                }
+            } else if c == '/' && next == Some('*') {
+                block_depth = 1;
+                out.push_str("  ");
+                i += 2;
+            } else {
+                out.push(c);
+                i += 1;
+            }
+        }
+        out
+    }
+
+    /// The SDL field set (the completeness source of truth, #219) is exactly the
+    /// registered mutations. If async-graphql adds or renames a field, this reddens
+    /// and forces the `every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate` table to be updated. Uses
+    /// SDL, not introspection: introspection omits `visible = false` fields, so an
+    /// introspection-based pin here would go green while a hidden mutation existed.
+    #[test]
+    fn schema_lists_exactly_the_registered_mutations() {
+        let mut fields = graphql_mutation_fields_from_sdl();
+        fields.sort();
+        assert_eq!(
+            fields,
+            vec!["claimTask", "completeTask", "createTask", "failTask"],
+            "the SDL mutation field set is the authoritative discovered set"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The marker check is bounded to a resolver's OWN body and is comment- and
+    /// string-aware: a `//` inside a `"https://"` string does not erase a real gate on
+    /// that line (no false-red), and a trailing module helper's `did_matches(` does not
+    /// rescue a resolver whose own gate was removed (no false-green).
+    #[test]
+    fn resolver_body_is_bounded_and_comment_and_string_aware() {
+        let src = "\
+impl MutationRoot {
+    async fn ok(&self) -> Result<u32> {
+        let _ = (\"see https://x/y\", did_matches(a, b)); // URL string then gate, one line
+        Ok(0)
+    }
+    async fn last(&self) -> Result<u32> {
+        // did_matches( only in a comment
+        Ok(0)
+    }
+}
+fn helper() { let _ = did_matches(z, z); }
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests { async fn t() { let _ = did_matches(x, y); } }
+";
+        let masked = mask_comments(src);
+        assert!(
+            resolver_body(&masked, "ok").contains("did_matches("),
+            "a `//` inside a string must not erase the real gate on that line"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !resolver_body(&masked, "last").contains("did_matches("),
+            "the marker check must be bounded to the resolver's own body (a trailing \
+             helper's marker must not rescue a resolver whose gate was removed)"
+        );
+    }
+
     /// Proves the comment-stripping that GUARD-1 added: a marker that appears only
     /// in a full-line comment (the real `replicas.rs` false-pass shape) must NOT
     /// satisfy a row.

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/peers.rs

@@ -70,6 +70,8 @@ pub struct PeerResponse {
     pub reachable: bool,
 }
 
+pub(crate) const PUBLIC_HTTP_URL_REQUIREMENT: &str = "must be a public http(s) URL (no loopback, private, localhost, .localhost, .internal, or .local hosts)";
+
 /// Extract an IPv4 address embedded in an IPv6 literal across the transition
 /// formats that carry one: IPv4-mapped (`::ffff:a.b.c.d`), IPv4-compatible
 /// (`::a.b.c.d`), 6to4 (`2002:WWXX:YYZZ::/16`), and the NAT64 well-known prefix
@@ -104,8 +106,8 @@ fn embedded_ipv4(v6: std::net::Ipv6Addr) -> Option<std::net::Ipv4Addr> {
 
 /// Whether a peer `http_url` is a public http(s) endpoint safe to register.
 /// Rejects non-http(s) schemes, loopback/unspecified/private/link-local IPs,
-/// and `localhost` / `.local` / `.internal` hostnames. Used at announce time
-/// and by the boot-time prune of already-poisoned rows.
+/// and `localhost` / `.localhost` / `.local` / `.internal` hostnames. Used at
+/// announce time and by the boot-time prune of already-poisoned rows.
 pub fn is_public_http_url(raw: &str) -> bool {
     let url = match reqwest::Url::parse(raw) {
         Ok(u) => u,
@@ -125,6 +127,7 @@ pub fn is_public_http_url(raw: &str) -> bool {
     host.truncate(host.trim_end_matches('.').len());
     if host.is_empty()
         || host == "localhost"
+        || host.ends_with(".localhost")
         || host.ends_with(".local")
         || host.ends_with(".internal")
     {
@@ -260,9 +263,9 @@ pub async fn announce(
     // and turn our outbound sync-notify fan-out into an SSRF probe — and bury
     // the real peers under junk so node-origin repos stop replicating.
     if !is_public_http_url(&req.http_url) {
-        return Err(AppError::BadRequest(
-            "http_url must be a public http(s) URL (no loopback, private, or .internal/.local hosts)".into(),
-        ));
+        return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
+            "http_url {PUBLIC_HTTP_URL_REQUIREMENT}"
+        )));
     }
 
     // Reject self-announcements: a peer row whose http_url is our own public
@@ -541,6 +544,7 @@ mod tests {
     fn rejects_loopback_private_and_internal() {
         for bad in [
             "http://localhost:7545",
+            "http://node.localhost:7545",
             "http://127.0.0.1:5432/",
             "http://localhost:22/",
             "http://0.0.0.0:7545",
@@ -620,11 +624,14 @@ mod tests {
     #[test]
     fn rejects_repeated_trailing_root_dots() {
         // Stripping a single root dot leaves `localhost.`, which matches
-        // neither the equality nor the suffix check. The subdomain form
-        // (`node.localhost..`) is not asserted here: `.localhost` is not yet a
-        // rejected suffix on this base, so that case belongs to whichever
-        // change adds it rather than to this one.
-        for bad in ["http://localhost../", "http://localhost...:7545"] {
+        // neither the equality nor the suffix check. The subdomain form now
+        // exercises the `.localhost` suffix rejection together with the extra
+        // trailing dot.
+        for bad in [
+            "http://localhost../",
+            "http://localhost...:7545",
+            "http://node.localhost../",
+        ] {
             assert!(!is_public_http_url(bad), "{bad:?} must be rejected");
         }
     }
@@ -1582,6 +1589,31 @@ mod tests {
         )
     }
 
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn announce_rejects_localhost_subdomains_with_an_accurate_error(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+        let did = Keypair::generate().did().to_string();
+        let resp = announce_only(state.clone())
+            .oneshot(announce_as(
+                &did,
+                &announce_body(&did, "https://node.localhost:7545"),
+            ))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let (status, error, message) = status_and_error(resp).await;
+        assert_eq!(status, StatusCode::BAD_REQUEST);
+        assert_eq!(error, "bad_request");
+        assert_eq!(
+            message,
+            "http_url must be a public http(s) URL (no loopback, private, localhost, .localhost, .internal, or .local hosts)"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            snapshot(&state.db, &did).await.is_none(),
+            "a rejected .localhost announce must leave no row behind"
+        );
+    }
+
     /// U4 scenario 1, and the first test the keyid branch has ever had: a caller
     /// who proved control of one DID must not announce another's. Kills
     /// neutralizing the handler's keyid comparison, and kills demoting this

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/replicas.rs

@@ -39,11 +39,11 @@ pub async fn register_replica(
 ) -> Result<(StatusCode, Json<serde_json::Value>)> {
     validate_replica_url(&req.url)?;
 
-    let record = state
-        .db
-        .get_repo(&owner, &repo)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::RepoNotFound(format!("{owner}/{repo}")))?;
+    // The mutation response carries repo metadata (name, replica count), so
+    // registration applies the same read-visibility decision as the listing:
+    // a caller who may not read the repo gets the same 404 as a missing one.
+    let (record, _rules) =
+        crate::api::authorize_repo_read(&state, &owner, &repo, Some(auth.0.as_str()), "/").await?;
 
     let replica_did = &auth.0;
 
@@ -93,11 +93,10 @@ pub async fn unregister_replica(
     Extension(auth): Extension<AuthenticatedDid>,
     Path((owner, repo)): Path<(String, String)>,
 ) -> Result<Json<serde_json::Value>> {
-    let record = state
-        .db
-        .get_repo(&owner, &repo)
-        .await?
-        .ok_or_else(|| AppError::RepoNotFound(format!("{owner}/{repo}")))?;
+    // Same gate as register_replica: removal mutates repo-scoped metadata and
+    // its response discloses the replica count.
+    let (record, _rules) =
+        crate::api::authorize_repo_read(&state, &owner, &repo, Some(auth.0.as_str()), "/").await?;
 
     let replica_did = &auth.0;
     state.db.unregister_replica(&record.id, replica_did).await?;

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/tasks.rs

@@ -30,6 +30,33 @@ fn forbidden(msg: &str) -> (StatusCode, Json<Value>) {
     )
 }
 
+/// This module's error shape with an opaque body: the real error is logged
+/// server-side and never serialized (#250), matching the envelope
+/// `AppError::Db` renders. Also mirrors its status split: pool-class failures
+/// are a retryable 503 `db_unavailable`, everything else the opaque 500
+/// `db_error`, so a transient outage is not reported as permanent.
+fn db_error(e: anyhow::Error) -> (StatusCode, Json<Value>) {
+    tracing::error!(error = %format!("{e:#}"), "task database error");
+    if let Some(sql) = e.chain().find_map(|c| c.downcast_ref::<sqlx::Error>()) {
+        if crate::error::db_unavailable(sql) {
+            return (
+                StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE,
+                Json(json!({
+                    "error": crate::error::DB_UNAVAILABLE_CODE,
+                    "message": crate::error::DB_UNAVAILABLE_MESSAGE,
+                })),
+            );
+        }
+    }
+    (
+        StatusCode::INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
+        Json(json!({
+            "error": "db_error",
+            "message": crate::error::DB_ERROR_MESSAGE,
+        })),
+    )
+}
+
 // ── Request / response types ──────────────────────────────────────────────────
 
 #[derive(Deserialize)]
@@ -101,6 +128,37 @@ pub async fn create_task(
     if !crate::api::did_matches(&auth.0, &body.delegator_did) {
         return Err(forbidden("delegator_did must be the authenticated signer"));
     }
+    // #496: a caller-supplied repo_id must name a repo the caller owns. Without
+    // this, any signed caller can plant a task — payload and UCAN included —
+    // under a foreign repo id, where the named assignee can claim it. Resolve
+    // the id against hosted repos: a hosted, non-quarantined repo admits tasks
+    // only from its owner (403 otherwise). An id naming no hosted repo
+    // (unknown, or quarantined — which is hidden as if it did not exist, so
+    // 403ing it would confirm a real id) is stored verbatim as an opaque
+    // label: this is a write gate and does not bind an unresolved id to a
+    // repo. Task reads are caller-independent on this base (the list endpoints
+    // are not repo-scoped), before and after this change. The 403-vs-201 split
+    // between a hosted repo id and an unknown one is itself a one-bit oracle —
+    // a stranger holding a private repo's id learns it is hosted here — but
+    // denying foreign repos requires drawing exactly that line, and repo ids
+    // already surface via the task list on this base. Repo-less tasks are
+    // unaffected.
+    if let Some(repo_id) = body.repo_id.as_deref() {
+        let record = state.db.get_repo_by_id(repo_id).await.map_err(db_error)?;
+        if let Some(record) = record {
+            let quarantined = state
+                .db
+                .is_repo_quarantined(&record.id)
+                .await
+                .map_err(db_error)?;
+            if !quarantined && crate::api::require_repo_owner(&record, &auth.0).is_err() {
+                // Same denial text the GraphQL copy relays from
+                // `require_repo_owner`, so the two copies of this gate do not
+                // disagree in observable output.
+                return Err(forbidden(crate::api::REPO_OWNER_ONLY_MESSAGE));
+            }
+        }
+    }
     let now = Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
     let task = AgentTask {
         id: Uuid::new_v4().to_string(),
@@ -117,12 +175,7 @@ pub async fn create_task(
         updated_at: now,
         deadline: body.deadline,
     };
-    state.db.create_task(&task).await.map_err(|e| {
-        (
-            StatusCode::INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR,
-            Json(json!({ "error": e.to_string() })),
-        )
-    })?;
+    let task = state.db.create_task(&task).await.map_err(db_error)?;
     Ok((StatusCode::CREATED, Json(task_to_json(&task))))
 }
 
@@ -175,16 +228,28 @@ pub async fn claim_task(
         return Err(forbidden("assignee_did must be the authenticated signer"));
     }
     let task = state.db.claim_task(&id, &auth.0).await.map_err(|e| {
+        if e.downcast_ref::<crate::db::TaskReservedForOtherAssignee>()
+            .is_some()
+        {
+            return forbidden("task not claimable: reserved for another assignee");
+        }
         (
             StatusCode::CONFLICT,
             Json(json!({ "error": e.to_string() })),
         )
     })?;
+    let by_did = task
+        .assignee_did
+        .as_deref()
+        .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+        .filter(|s| !s.is_empty())
+        .map(str::to_string)
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| auth.0.clone());
     let _ = state.task_event_tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
         task_id: id,
         old_status: "pending".to_string(),
         new_status: "claimed".to_string(),
-        by_did: auth.0,
+        by_did,
         at: Utc::now().to_rfc3339(),
     });
     Ok(Json(task_to_json(&task)))
@@ -219,14 +284,14 @@ pub async fn complete_task(
         })?;
     if !crate::api::did_matches(
         &auth.0,
-        existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default(),
+        crate::db::trim_assignee_did(existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
     ) {
         return Err(forbidden("only the task assignee can complete it"));
     }
     let by_did = auth.0;
     let task = state
         .db
-        .finish_task(&id, "completed", body.result.as_deref())
+        .finish_task(&id, "completed", body.result.as_deref(), &by_did)
         .await
         .map_err(|e| {
             (
@@ -234,6 +299,13 @@ pub async fn complete_task(
                 Json(json!({ "error": e.to_string() })),
             )
         })?;
+    let by_did = task
+        .assignee_did
+        .as_deref()
+        .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+        .filter(|s| !s.is_empty())
+        .map(str::to_string)
+        .unwrap_or(by_did);
     let _ = state.task_event_tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
         task_id: id,
         old_status: "claimed".to_string(),
@@ -272,7 +344,7 @@ pub async fn fail_task(
         })?;
     if !crate::api::did_matches(
         &auth.0,
-        existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default(),
+        crate::db::trim_assignee_did(existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
     ) {
         return Err(forbidden("only the task assignee can fail it"));
     }
@@ -280,7 +352,7 @@ pub async fn fail_task(
     let reason = body.reason.unwrap_or_default();
     let task = state
         .db
-        .finish_task(&id, "failed", Some(&reason))
+        .finish_task(&id, "failed", Some(&reason), &by_did)
         .await
         .map_err(|e| {
             (
@@ -288,6 +360,13 @@ pub async fn fail_task(
                 Json(json!({ "error": e.to_string() })),
             )
         })?;
+    let by_did = task
+        .assignee_did
+        .as_deref()
+        .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+        .filter(|s| !s.is_empty())
+        .map(str::to_string)
+        .unwrap_or(by_did);
     let _ = state.task_event_tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
         task_id: id,
         old_status: "claimed".to_string(),
@@ -297,3 +376,36 @@ pub async fn fail_task(
     });
     Ok(Json(task_to_json(&task)))
 }
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    /// The gate's DB helper must mirror `AppError::Db`: a pool-level failure is
+    /// the retryable 503 `db_unavailable`, a query fault the opaque 500.
+    #[test]
+    fn db_error_matches_app_error_status_split() {
+        let unavailable = db_error(anyhow::Error::from(sqlx::Error::PoolTimedOut));
+        assert_eq!(unavailable.0, StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE);
+        assert_eq!(unavailable.1 .0["error"], crate::error::DB_UNAVAILABLE_CODE);
+        assert_eq!(
+            unavailable.1 .0["message"],
+            crate::error::DB_UNAVAILABLE_MESSAGE
+        );
+
+        let query = db_error(anyhow::Error::from(sqlx::Error::Protocol(
+            "column \"machine_id\" does not exist".into(),
+        )));
+        assert_eq!(query.0, StatusCode::INTERNAL_SERVER_ERROR);
+        assert_eq!(query.1 .0["error"], "db_error");
+        assert_eq!(query.1 .0["message"], crate::error::DB_ERROR_MESSAGE);
+        assert!(!query.1 .0.to_string().contains("machine_id"));
+    }
+
+    /// `.context()` layers must not hide the sqlx error from the status split.
+    #[test]
+    fn db_error_sees_sqlx_through_context() {
+        let wrapped = anyhow::Error::from(sqlx::Error::PoolClosed).context("repo lookup failed");
+        assert_eq!(db_error(wrapped).0, StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE);
+    }
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/src/api/webhooks.rs

@@ -46,9 +46,10 @@ pub async fn create_webhook(
     // endpoints (SSRF). Delivery runs on the shared no-redirect client
     // (main.rs), which closes the 3xx-to-internal bounce.
     if !crate::api::peers::is_public_http_url(&req.url) {
-        return Err(AppError::BadRequest(
-            "webhook URL must be a public http(s) URL (no loopback, private, or .internal/.local hosts)".into(),
-        ));
+        return Err(AppError::BadRequest(format!(
+            "webhook URL {}",
+            crate::api::peers::PUBLIC_HTTP_URL_REQUIREMENT
+        )));
     }
 
     let events = req.events.unwrap_or_else(|| vec!["*".into()]);
@@ -141,7 +142,19 @@ pub async fn delete_webhook(
 
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
-    use crate::api::peers::is_public_http_url;
+    use axum::extract::{Extension, Path, State};
+    use axum::Json;
+    use chrono::Utc;
+    use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+    use sqlx::PgPool;
+    use uuid::Uuid;
+
+    use super::{create_webhook, CreateWebhookRequest};
+    use crate::api::peers::{is_public_http_url, PUBLIC_HTTP_URL_REQUIREMENT};
+    use crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid;
+    use crate::db::RepoRecord;
+    use crate::error::AppError;
+    use crate::test_support::test_state;
 
     // create_webhook gates req.url through is_public_http_url. Pin the exact
     // SSRF targets from issue #81 so the webhook path can never regress to the
@@ -152,6 +165,7 @@ mod tests {
             "http://127.0.0.1:5432/",
             "http://169.254.169.254/latest/meta-data/",
             "http://localhost/",
+            "http://node.localhost/",
             "http://10.0.0.5/",
             "http://[::1]/",
             // IPv6 transition encodings smuggling loopback v4 (6to4 / NAT64).
@@ -169,4 +183,53 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(is_public_http_url("https://hooks.example.com/gitlawb"));
         assert!(is_public_http_url("http://203.0.113.10:7545/"));
     }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn webhook_localhost_rejection_uses_shared_public_url_contract(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+        let owner = Keypair::generate().did().to_string();
+        let repo_id = Uuid::new_v4().to_string();
+        state
+            .db
+            .create_repo(&RepoRecord {
+                id: repo_id.clone(),
+                name: "webhook-contract".to_string(),
+                owner_did: owner.clone(),
+                description: None,
+                is_public: true,
+                default_branch: "main".to_string(),
+                created_at: Utc::now(),
+                updated_at: Utc::now(),
+                disk_path: "/tmp/webhook-contract.git".to_string(),
+                forked_from: None,
+                machine_id: None,
+            })
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let result = create_webhook(
+            State(state.clone()),
+            Extension(AuthenticatedDid(owner.clone())),
+            Path((owner, "webhook-contract".to_string())),
+            Json(CreateWebhookRequest {
+                url: "https://node.localhost/hook".to_string(),
+                secret: None,
+                events: None,
+            }),
+        )
+        .await;
+
+        match result {
+            Err(AppError::BadRequest(message)) => assert_eq!(
+                message,
+                format!("webhook URL {PUBLIC_HTTP_URL_REQUIREMENT}")
+            ),
+            Err(error) => panic!("unexpected webhook rejection: {error}"),
+            Ok(_) => panic!("a .localhost webhook must be rejected"),
+        }
+        assert!(
+            state.db.list_webhooks(&repo_id).await.unwrap().is_empty(),
+            "a rejected .localhost webhook must leave no row behind"
+        );
+    }
 }

crates/gitlawb-node/src/arweave_v2.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,62 @@
+//! #26 Split PR 2 — three-outcome recovery policy types.
+//!
+//! This module owns the recovery classification policy the reviewer
+//! demanded: only a trustworthy, protocol-defined absence authorizes
+//! a paid re-upload. Everything else stays non-terminal.
+//!
+//! Deliberately narrow: the ANS-104 codec lives in `ans104`, and the
+//! gateway probe, the `verify_anchor` path, and the public verify
+//! endpoint are deferred until the uploader, retrieval proof, and
+//! recovery consumer can be proven as one vertical slice (reviewer 2,
+//! round 5). A probe against a real provider contract — same-network
+//! upload/read pair, redirect-safe client, envelope-supplying read
+//! API, provider-documented absence evidence — belongs in that slice,
+//! not here. What ships here is the policy type plus the rule that
+//! only `DefinitivelyAbsent` permits spending another upload.
+
+/// Outcome of a gateway probe for a persisted `item_id`.
+// Policy surface for the recovery slice: no construction on this
+// head (the probe arrives with the provider contract); the unit
+// test pins the rule meanwhile.
+#[allow(dead_code)]
+#[derive(Debug, Clone, Copy, PartialEq, Eq)]
+pub enum ProbeOutcome {
+    /// The persisted item was served back with a verifiable envelope
+    /// bound to the requested id. No re-upload allowed.
+    Present,
+    /// Trustworthy, protocol-defined proof the item was never
+    /// accepted. Authorizes re-upload. The exact evidence that
+    /// establishes this is defined by the provider contract in the
+    /// vertical slice that introduces the probe — never by a
+    /// mock-only body shape.
+    DefinitivelyAbsent,
+    /// Anything else: transport failure, oversized body, bad
+    /// signature, id mismatch, ambiguous gateway response. The
+    /// outbox stays non-terminal.
+    Indeterminate,
+}
+
+impl ProbeOutcome {
+    /// True iff the recovery code is allowed to spend another paid
+    /// upload request. Only `DefinitivelyAbsent` qualifies.
+    #[allow(dead_code)] // the recovery consumer lives in a later slice
+    pub fn permits_reupload(self) -> bool {
+        matches!(self, ProbeOutcome::DefinitivelyAbsent)
+    }
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+
+    /// Only `DefinitivelyAbsent` authorizes a paid re-upload. This is
+    /// the policy the reviewer named: collapsing any ambiguous outcome
+    /// to absent spends a second immutable upload for the same
+    /// transition.
+    #[test]
+    fn only_definitively_absent_authorizes_reupload() {
+        assert!(!ProbeOutcome::Present.permits_reupload());
+        assert!(ProbeOutcome::DefinitivelyAbsent.permits_reupload());
+        assert!(!ProbeOutcome::Indeterminate.permits_reupload());
+    }
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/src/auth/mod.rs

@@ -34,6 +34,38 @@ use gitlawb_core::http_sig::{
 };
 use gitlawb_core::identity::verify;
 
+/// Per-route-group ceiling on how much request body [`require_signature`] will
+/// buffer BEFORE it has authenticated anything.
+///
+/// This is middleware state rather than a constant because a single number cannot
+/// serve both a 2 GB git push and a 2 MB profile update: the git write group
+/// passes `GITLAWB_MAX_PACK_BYTES`, every other signed group passes
+/// [`crate::server::SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT`]. Making it a required piece of state means
+/// a new signed route group cannot be wired up without choosing a limit.
+#[derive(Clone, Copy, Debug)]
+pub struct SignatureBodyLimit(pub usize);
+
+/// The hint for an unresolvable DID, chosen by method. The hint is only true
+/// for a method we have no resolver for: a did:key that parsed and then failed
+/// on its key material (a small-order key, wrong multicodec, wrong length)
+/// would be sent looking for the wrong problem by the alpha-support wording.
+fn unresolvable_did_hint(key_id: &Did) -> &'static str {
+    if key_id.is_did_key() {
+        "the DID is a did:key whose key material did not resolve"
+    } else {
+        "only did:key is supported in alpha"
+    }
+}
+
+/// Bound the echoed keyid in the unresolvable-DID message. `key_id` is
+/// unauthenticated request input, so reflecting it back at whatever length the
+/// caller chose would amplify attacker input into the response body. The bound
+/// is slack (a did:key method-id is a fixed 48 characters) and only defends
+/// the echo, not the resolution.
+fn bounded_did_echo(key_id: &str) -> String {
+    key_id.chars().take(96).collect()
+}
+
 /// Axum middleware that enforces HTTP Signature authentication (RFC 9421).
 ///
 /// Every write request must carry:
@@ -48,20 +80,52 @@ use gitlawb_core::identity::verify;
 ///   4. Resolves the did:key to an Ed25519 VerifyingKey
 ///   5. Rebuilds the signing string and verifies the Ed25519 signature
 ///   6. Verifies Content-Digest matches the request body
-pub async fn require_signature(request: Request, next: Next) -> Response {
-    // Buffer the body so we can verify content-digest and pass it downstream
+pub async fn require_signature(
+    State(SignatureBodyLimit(limit)): State<SignatureBodyLimit>,
+    request: Request,
+    next: Next,
+) -> Response {
+    verify_signature(limit, request, next).await
+}
+
+/// The signature check itself, shared by [`require_signature`] and the optional
+/// variant. `limit` bounds the pre-auth buffer; see [`SignatureBodyLimit`].
+async fn verify_signature(limit: usize, request: Request, next: Next) -> Response {
+    // Buffer the body so we can verify content-digest and pass it downstream.
+    //
+    // The buffer is bounded, because this runs BEFORE any identity check: an
+    // unauthenticated caller with no DID, no signature and no repo reaches this
+    // line. Nothing upstream supplies the bound. On the git write routes
+    // `RequestBodyLimitLayer` sits on the inner router, and a later `.layer()` is
+    // the OUTER service, so this middleware runs first and sees the raw body. On
+    // every other signed group axum's 2 MB `DefaultBodyLimit` is enforced by the
+    // `Bytes`/`Json` extractors through a request extension, which collecting the
+    // body here bypasses. `Limited` stops reading at the limit rather than reading
+    // everything and then measuring it, which is the property that matters.
     let (parts, body) = request.into_parts();
-    let body_bytes =
-        match body.collect().await {
-            Ok(collected) => collected.to_bytes(),
-            Err(_) => return (
+    let body_bytes = match http_body_util::Limited::new(body, limit).collect().await {
+        Ok(collected) => collected.to_bytes(),
+        // Over the limit: a distinct status from the 401 an unsigned request gets
+        // and the 400 below, so a client can tell "too big" from "not authenticated"
+        // and from "your body did not arrive".
+        Err(e) if e.is::<http_body_util::LengthLimitError>() => return (
+            StatusCode::PAYLOAD_TOO_LARGE,
+            Json(json!({
+                "error": "body_too_large",
+                "message": format!("request body exceeds the {limit}-byte limit for this route"),
+            })),
+        )
+            .into_response(),
+        Err(_) => {
+            return (
                 StatusCode::BAD_REQUEST,
                 Json(
                     json!({ "error": "unreadable_body", "message": "could not read request body" }),
                 ),
             )
-                .into_response(),
-        };
+                .into_response()
+        }
+    };
 
     let sig_input = parts
         .headers
@@ -145,11 +209,14 @@ pub async fn require_signature(request: Request, next: Next) -> Response {
                 StatusCode::BAD_REQUEST,
                 Json(json!({
                     "error": "unresolvable_did",
-                    "message": format!("cannot resolve DID '{}': {e}", sig.key_id),
-                    "hint": "only did:key is supported in alpha",
+                    "message": format!(
+                        "cannot resolve DID '{}': {e}",
+                        bounded_did_echo(&sig.key_id.to_string())
+                    ),
+                    "hint": unresolvable_did_hint(&sig.key_id),
                 })),
             )
-                .into_response()
+                .into_response();
         }
     };
 
@@ -260,11 +327,17 @@ pub async fn require_signature(request: Request, next: Next) -> Response {
 /// Optional variant for rolling upgrades: verify and inject `AuthenticatedDid` when
 /// RFC 9421 signature headers are present, but allow legacy unsigned requests to
 /// continue when no signature attempt was made.
-pub async fn optional_signature(request: Request, next: Next) -> Response {
+pub async fn optional_signature(
+    State(SignatureBodyLimit(limit)): State<SignatureBodyLimit>,
+    request: Request,
+    next: Next,
+) -> Response {
     let has_signature_headers = request.headers().contains_key("signature-input")
         || request.headers().contains_key("signature");
     if has_signature_headers {
-        return require_signature(request, next).await;
+        // Same pre-auth buffer, same bound: presenting signature headers is not
+        // authentication, so this path is as reachable as the required one.
+        return verify_signature(limit, request, next).await;
     }
     next.run(request).await
 }
@@ -435,6 +508,58 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(validate_ucan_chain(&token, &node_did, &agent_did).is_ok());
     }
 
+    /// The two-branch hint selection is the point of the unresolvable-DID
+    /// change: a did:key that failed on its key material must be told the key
+    /// material did not resolve, and any other method must be told only did:key
+    /// is supported. A regression that drops the is_did_key() check would send
+    /// a did:key caller after the wrong problem, so both branches are pinned.
+    #[test]
+    fn unresolvable_did_hint_distinguishes_key_material_from_method() {
+        // A real did:key whose key material fails to resolve (small-order):
+        // key-material hint.
+        let mut weak = [0u8; 32];
+        weak[0] = 1; // compressed identity point
+        let weak_vk = ed25519_dalek::VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&weak).unwrap();
+        let weak_did = Did::from_verifying_key(&weak_vk);
+        assert!(
+            weak_did.to_verifying_key().is_err(),
+            "fixture precondition: small-order did:key must not resolve"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            unresolvable_did_hint(&weak_did),
+            "the DID is a did:key whose key material did not resolve"
+        );
+
+        // A method with no resolver: alpha-support hint.
+        let web = Did::web("example.com");
+        assert!(
+            web.to_verifying_key().is_err(),
+            "fixture precondition: did:web must not resolve locally"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            unresolvable_did_hint(&web),
+            "only did:key is supported in alpha"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The unresolvable-DID message echoes the keyid, which is unauthenticated
+    /// request input. The echoed value must be bounded so a hostile caller
+    /// cannot amplify arbitrary-length input into the response body.
+    #[test]
+    fn unresolvable_did_message_bounds_the_echoed_keyid() {
+        let long_keyid = format!("did:key:z{}", "A".repeat(2000));
+        let shown = bounded_did_echo(&long_keyid);
+        assert!(
+            shown.len() <= 96,
+            "echoed keyid must be bounded, got {} chars",
+            shown.len()
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !shown.contains(&"A".repeat(1000)),
+            "the full keyid must not survive into the message"
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn validate_ucan_chain_wrong_issuer() {
         let node = Keypair::generate();
@@ -543,6 +668,7 @@ mod tests {
             push_limiter_trust: crate::rate_limit::TrustedProxy::None,
             sync_trigger_rate_limiter: RateLimiter::new(60, Duration::from_secs(3600)),
             peer_write_rate_limiter: RateLimiter::new(600, Duration::from_secs(3600)),
+            federated_rate_limiter: RateLimiter::new_bounded(12, Duration::from_secs(60), 10_000),
             shutdown_tx: tokio::sync::watch::channel(false).0,
             git_read_semaphore: Arc::new(tokio::sync::Semaphore::new(64)),
             git_write_semaphore: Arc::new(tokio::sync::Semaphore::new(64)),
@@ -693,7 +819,10 @@ mod tests {
                     StatusCode::OK
                 }),
             )
-            .layer(middleware::from_fn(require_signature));
+            .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+                SignatureBodyLimit(crate::server::SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+                require_signature,
+            ));
 
         let req = Request::builder()
             .method("POST")

crates/gitlawb-node/src/cert.rs

@@ -11,6 +11,74 @@ use uuid::Uuid;
 use crate::db::RefCertificate;
 use crate::state::AppState;
 
+/// Build the v1 signing payload — the EXACT bytes the node signs and
+/// gl's `verify_signature` reconstructs. This is the single source
+/// of truth shared by `issue_ref_certificate` and the frozen
+/// canonical-form tests below; drift here is what would break every
+/// existing cert.
+///
+/// Field order and key set are fixed: a default `serde_json::Value`
+/// serializes `Map<String, Value>` with sorted keys, so any change to
+/// the literal is observable as a different byte sequence on the
+/// wire.
+///
+/// v1 is the unversioned legacy shape: no `version` key in the signed
+/// JSON. From v2 onward the version belongs INSIDE the signed bytes
+/// (see `v2_signing_payload`): leaving it as an unsigned sibling
+/// would let a future v2 cert be downgraded to v1 and still verify
+/// cleanly, since the bytes would be identical.
+pub(crate) fn v1_signing_payload(
+    repo_id: &str,
+    ref_name: &str,
+    old_sha: &str,
+    new_sha: &str,
+    pusher_did: &str,
+    node_did: &str,
+    issued_at: &str,
+) -> serde_json::Value {
+    serde_json::json!({
+        "repo_id": repo_id,
+        "ref":     ref_name,
+        "old":     old_sha,
+        "new":     new_sha,
+        "pusher":  pusher_did,
+        "node":    node_did,
+        "ts":      issued_at,
+    })
+}
+
+/// Build the v2 signing payload — the future shape for versioned
+/// certs. Identical to v1 except the wire `version` is part of the
+/// signed bytes, so stripping or flipping the `version` column
+/// invalidates the signature instead of verifying cleanly under the
+/// other version's path.
+///
+/// NOT yet issued: `issue_ref_certificate` still stamps v1 because
+/// the shipped `gl` verifier only supports v1. This builder exists
+/// to pin the downgrade-resistant shape now, before any v2 cert is
+/// ever signed.
+#[allow(dead_code)]
+pub(crate) fn v2_signing_payload(
+    repo_id: &str,
+    ref_name: &str,
+    old_sha: &str,
+    new_sha: &str,
+    pusher_did: &str,
+    node_did: &str,
+    issued_at: &str,
+) -> serde_json::Value {
+    serde_json::json!({
+        "repo_id": repo_id,
+        "ref":     ref_name,
+        "old":     old_sha,
+        "new":     new_sha,
+        "pusher":  pusher_did,
+        "node":    node_did,
+        "ts":      issued_at,
+        "version": 2,
+    })
+}
+
 /// Issue a signed ref-update certificate for a successful push.
 ///
 /// Builds a canonical JSON payload, signs it with the node's Ed25519 key,
@@ -26,16 +94,12 @@ pub async fn issue_ref_certificate(
     let node_did = state.node_did.to_string();
     let issued_at = Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
 
-    // Build the canonical signing payload.
-    let payload = serde_json::json!({
-        "repo_id": repo_id,
-        "ref":     ref_name,
-        "old":     old_sha,
-        "new":     new_sha,
-        "pusher":  pusher_did,
-        "node":    node_did,
-        "ts":      issued_at,
-    });
+    // Build the canonical signing payload via the shared builder so
+    // the frozen-vector test below and the live signer cannot drift
+    // apart — a regression in either side fails both.
+    let payload = v1_signing_payload(
+        repo_id, ref_name, old_sha, new_sha, pusher_did, &node_did, &issued_at,
+    );
     let payload_bytes = serde_json::to_vec(&payload)?;
 
     let signature = state.node_keypair.sign_b64(&payload_bytes);
@@ -50,9 +114,351 @@ pub async fn issue_ref_certificate(
         node_did,
         signature,
         issued_at,
+        // #26 Split PR 3: the wire-format version. New certs stamp
+        // v1 — the pre-versioning 7-field payload with no `version`
+        // key in the signed JSON — because the shipped `gl`
+        // verifier only supports v1. Stamping v2 here would issue
+        // certificates the shipped client refuses (round-3
+        // finding: node pinned `version == 2` while gl pinned
+        // "2 is refused", with nothing exercising the
+        // composition). v2 is reserved for the future shape
+        // defined by `v2_signing_payload`, which carries the
+        // version INSIDE the signed bytes; land the v2 verify
+        // path before stamping v2.
+        version: 1,
     };
 
     // Persist and return the row as it exists in the database (on a
     // conflict the existing row survives when it is newer).
     state.db.insert_ref_certificate(&cert).await
 }
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod v1_payload_tests {
+    //! #26 Split PR 3 — cert payload version compat.
+    //!
+    //! The v1 cert payload is the frozen canonical byte form the
+    //! node signs. gl's `verify_signature` reconstructs the same
+    //! payload and verifies. Any drift in field order, key set, or
+    //! whitespace breaks every existing cert. The tests here pin
+    //! the v1 payload shape, the round-trip, the cert id
+    //! determinism per the v1 version, and the v2 read forward
+    //! compat (an unknown version refuses to verify rather than
+    //! guessing).
+    //!
+    //! Reviewer 1 finding: the live signer (`issue_ref_certificate`)
+    //! and the frozen-vector test (`v1_payload_matches_frozen_canonical_form`)
+    //! previously held two separate `serde_json::json!` literals,
+    //! so a regression in the signer could not fail this test.
+    //! Both now go through the shared `v1_signing_payload` builder.
+    use super::{v1_signing_payload, v2_signing_payload};
+    use crate::db::RefCertificate;
+    use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+    /// v1 payload is the same shape the legacy code signed, byte
+    /// for byte. Reverting this assertion to the v2 shape (which
+    /// includes a `version` key) is what the versioned format
+    /// forbids: an old client reading a v1 cert must not see a
+    /// `version` key in the signed JSON.
+    ///
+    /// The literal is built via the shared `v1_signing_payload`
+    /// helper that `issue_ref_certificate` also uses, so the live
+    /// signer and the frozen vector share one source of truth.
+    #[test]
+    fn v1_payload_matches_frozen_canonical_form() {
+        let payload = v1_signing_payload(
+            "repo-1",
+            "refs/heads/main",
+            &"0".repeat(40),
+            &"a".repeat(40),
+            "did:key:z6MkPusher",
+            "did:key:z6MkNode",
+            "2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00",
+        );
+        let frozen = format!(
+            r#"{{"new":"{}","node":"did:key:z6MkNode","old":"{}","pusher":"did:key:z6MkPusher","ref":"refs/heads/main","repo_id":"repo-1","ts":"2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00"}}"#,
+            "a".repeat(40),
+            "0".repeat(40),
+        );
+        assert_eq!(serde_json::to_string(&payload).unwrap(), frozen);
+    }
+
+    /// Round-trip: sign the v1 payload with a keypair, build a
+    /// RefCertificate with version: 1, and verify the structure.
+    /// This is the construction the live code does on every push.
+    ///
+    /// Uses the shared builder for both halves so a regression in
+    /// the live signer (adding/removing/renaming a field) cannot
+    /// pass this test by accident.
+    #[test]
+    fn v1_ref_certificate_structure_is_well_formed() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let node_did = kp.did().as_str().to_string();
+        let payload = v1_signing_payload(
+            "repo-1",
+            "refs/heads/main",
+            &"0".repeat(40),
+            &"a".repeat(40),
+            "did:key:z6MkPusher",
+            &node_did,
+            "2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00",
+        );
+        let payload_bytes = serde_json::to_vec(&payload).unwrap();
+        let sig = kp.sign_b64(&payload_bytes);
+        let cert = RefCertificate {
+            id: "cert-id".into(),
+            repo_id: "repo-1".into(),
+            ref_name: "refs/heads/main".into(),
+            old_sha: "0".repeat(40),
+            new_sha: "a".repeat(40),
+            pusher_did: "did:key:z6MkPusher".into(),
+            node_did: node_did.clone(),
+            signature: sig.clone(),
+            issued_at: "2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00".into(),
+            version: 1,
+        };
+        assert_eq!(cert.version, 1, "new certs carry version: 1");
+        // The signed payload reconstructs identically: gl's
+        // verify_signature would build the same JSON, hash the
+        // same bytes, and verify the same signature.
+        let reconstructed = v1_signing_payload(
+            &cert.repo_id,
+            &cert.ref_name,
+            &cert.old_sha,
+            &cert.new_sha,
+            &cert.pusher_did,
+            &cert.node_did,
+            &cert.issued_at,
+        );
+        let reconstructed_bytes = serde_json::to_vec(&reconstructed).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            reconstructed_bytes, payload_bytes,
+            "the round-trip serialization must be byte-identical; \
+             this is what makes gl's verify_signature succeed"
+        );
+        // Round 3 (P3 reviewer): byte-equality alone never calls
+        // `identity::verify`, so a bad signature helper would pass.
+        // Verify the computed signature against the reconstructed
+        // bytes — the same check gl performs.
+        let vk = node_did
+            .parse::<gitlawb_core::did::Did>()
+            .unwrap()
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .unwrap();
+        use base64::{engine::general_purpose::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD, Engine};
+        let sig_bytes: [u8; 64] = URL_SAFE_NO_PAD
+            .decode(&cert.signature)
+            .unwrap()
+            .try_into()
+            .unwrap();
+        gitlawb_core::identity::verify(&vk, &reconstructed_bytes, &sig_bytes)
+            .expect("well-formed v1 cert signature must verify");
+    }
+
+    /// Reviewer 1 finding: the live signer must share the
+    /// canonical-form literal so a regression in either side
+    /// fails both. This test pins the shared builder's output
+    /// against the literal a future v2 byte stream would have
+    /// to break — if someone adds a `version` key to
+    /// `v1_signing_payload`, every existing cert breaks verify,
+    /// and this test is one of the canaries that fires.
+    #[test]
+    fn v1_signing_payload_has_no_version_key() {
+        let payload = v1_signing_payload(
+            "repo-1",
+            "refs/heads/main",
+            "oldsha",
+            "newsha",
+            "did:key:z6MkPusher",
+            "did:key:z6MkNode",
+            "2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00",
+        );
+        let obj = payload.as_object().expect("payload is a JSON object");
+        assert!(
+            !obj.contains_key("version"),
+            "v1 signing payload must not carry a `version` key — adding \
+             one changes the bytes and breaks every existing cert's \
+             signature. v2 certs build a different payload, not this one"
+        );
+        // Pin the exact set so a future field addition is caught.
+        let expected: std::collections::BTreeSet<&str> =
+            ["new", "node", "old", "pusher", "ref", "repo_id", "ts"]
+                .into_iter()
+                .collect();
+        let actual: std::collections::BTreeSet<&str> = obj.keys().map(String::as_str).collect();
+        assert_eq!(actual, expected, "v1 payload key set is frozen");
+    }
+
+    /// Round 3 (P2 reviewer): from v2 onward the version belongs
+    /// INSIDE the signed bytes. v1 stays the unversioned legacy
+    /// shape; v2 carries `"version": 2` in the payload so a
+    /// version flip without re-signing invalidates the signature
+    /// instead of verifying cleanly under the other path.
+    #[test]
+    fn v2_signing_payload_binds_version_and_resists_downgrade() {
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let node_did = kp.did().as_str().to_string();
+        let ts = "2026-07-22T00:00:00+00:00";
+        let v1 = v1_signing_payload(
+            "repo-1",
+            "refs/heads/main",
+            "oldsha",
+            "newsha",
+            "did:key:z6MkPusher",
+            &node_did,
+            ts,
+        );
+        let v2 = v2_signing_payload(
+            "repo-1",
+            "refs/heads/main",
+            "oldsha",
+            "newsha",
+            "did:key:z6MkPusher",
+            &node_did,
+            ts,
+        );
+        let v2_obj = v2.as_object().expect("v2 payload is a JSON object");
+        assert_eq!(
+            v2_obj.get("version"),
+            Some(&serde_json::json!(2)),
+            "v2 payload must carry the version inside the signed bytes"
+        );
+        let v1_bytes = serde_json::to_vec(&v1).unwrap();
+        let v2_bytes = serde_json::to_vec(&v2).unwrap();
+        assert_ne!(
+            v1_bytes, v2_bytes,
+            "v1 and v2 payloads must differ, otherwise a version flip is cryptographically invisible"
+        );
+
+        // A signature over v1 must NOT verify as v2 and vice versa.
+        let vk = node_did
+            .parse::<gitlawb_core::did::Did>()
+            .unwrap()
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .unwrap();
+        use base64::{engine::general_purpose::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD, Engine};
+        let sig_v1 = kp.sign_b64(&v1_bytes);
+        let sig_v1_bytes: [u8; 64] = URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.decode(&sig_v1).unwrap().try_into().unwrap();
+        assert!(
+            gitlawb_core::identity::verify(&vk, &v1_bytes, &sig_v1_bytes).is_ok(),
+            "v1 signature must verify under v1 bytes"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            gitlawb_core::identity::verify(&vk, &v2_bytes, &sig_v1_bytes).is_err(),
+            "a v1 signature presented as v2 (downgrade/upgrade flip) must not verify"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The live issuer stamps the version the shipped client can
+    /// verify. The gl client refuses to verify v2 certs explicitly;
+    /// this test pins that the version the ISSUING PATH claims
+    /// agrees with the payload shape it actually signs.
+    ///
+    /// Round 2: the prior form built a `RefCertificate` literal with
+    /// `version: 1` and asserted `version == 1` — true no matter what the
+    /// signer does, so flipping the issuer's version (or its payload shape)
+    /// left it green. This one drives the actual
+    /// `issue_ref_certificate` so a regression in the issuer flips the test.
+    /// The DB row is created against `test_support::test_state`, which
+    /// gives us a real `AppState` with a real node keypair.
+    ///
+    /// Round 3: the issuer stamps v1 because the shipped `gl`
+    /// verifier only supports v1 (stamping v2 shipped certs the
+    /// client refuses). The binding to the live issuer is kept —
+    /// flipping the stamp still turns this test red — without
+    /// changing what production issues.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    #[allow(clippy::async_yields_async)]
+    async fn issuer_stamps_v1_over_v1_payload(pool: sqlx::PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool.clone()).await;
+        let repo_id = "repo-issuer-observe";
+        let ref_name = "refs/heads/main";
+        let old = "0".repeat(40);
+        let new = "a".repeat(40);
+        let pusher = "did:key:z6MkPusher";
+
+        // Drive the live issuer and read the persisted row back by
+        // id, so the test covers the stored `version` column and
+        // not just the in-process return value.
+        let cert =
+            crate::cert::issue_ref_certificate(&state, repo_id, ref_name, &old, &new, pusher)
+                .await
+                .expect("issue_ref_certificate must succeed");
+
+        // The cert returned by the issuer is the source of truth
+        // for both the version claim and the signed bytes.
+        assert_eq!(cert.repo_id, repo_id);
+        assert_eq!(cert.ref_name, ref_name);
+
+        // Cross-check 1: the issuer's claimed version must match
+        // what the live function stamps. This assertion is bound
+        // to the live function, not a hand-built literal:
+        // flipping the stamp in `issue_ref_certificate` breaks it
+        // through the actual call path.
+        assert_eq!(
+            cert.version, 1,
+            "the live issuer must stamp v1 until a v2 verifier ships; \
+             flipping the stamp breaks this assertion through the actual call path"
+        );
+
+        // Cross-check 1b: the persisted row carries the same stamp.
+        let stored = state
+            .db
+            .get_ref_certificate(&cert.id)
+            .await
+            .expect("persisted cert must be readable")
+            .expect("persisted cert must exist");
+        assert_eq!(
+            stored.version, cert.version,
+            "the stored version column must match the issued claim"
+        );
+
+        // Cross-check 2: the signature on the cert must verify
+        // against the v1 payload builder's bytes, not against some
+        // other shape the issuer might have introduced. This is
+        // what gl's `verify_signature` does for a v1 cert: rebuild
+        // the payload from the cert's own fields and verify the
+        // signature. If the issuer ever signs a different shape
+        // while still claiming v1, every shipped client breaks —
+        // and so does this.
+        let rebuilt = v1_signing_payload(
+            &cert.repo_id,
+            &cert.ref_name,
+            &cert.old_sha,
+            &cert.new_sha,
+            &cert.pusher_did,
+            &cert.node_did,
+            &cert.issued_at,
+        );
+        let vk = cert
+            .node_did
+            .parse::<gitlawb_core::did::Did>()
+            .unwrap()
+            .to_verifying_key()
+            .unwrap();
+        use base64::{engine::general_purpose::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD, Engine};
+        let sig_bytes: [u8; 64] = URL_SAFE_NO_PAD
+            .decode(&cert.signature)
+            .unwrap()
+            .try_into()
+            .unwrap();
+        gitlawb_core::identity::verify(&vk, &serde_json::to_vec(&rebuilt).unwrap(), &sig_bytes)
+            .expect("a v1 cert's signature must verify against the v1 payload shape");
+
+        // Cross-check 3: the v1 signed payload must NOT contain a
+        // version key — v2 is the future shape that adds one inside
+        // the signed bytes (see `v2_signing_payload`). The v1
+        // payload (which the cert is signed over) is frozen at 7
+        // fields. A change that adds `version` to the v1 payload
+        // breaks every existing cert and this test.
+        let obj = rebuilt
+            .as_object()
+            .expect("rebuilt v1 payload is a JSON object");
+        assert!(
+            !obj.contains_key("version"),
+            "the v1 signing payload must not carry a version key — \
+             adding one changes the bytes and breaks every existing \
+             cert's signature"
+        );
+    }
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/src/config.rs

@@ -55,7 +55,10 @@ pub struct Config {
     #[arg(long, env = "GITLAWB_KEY", default_value = "~/.gitlawb/identity.pem")]
     pub key_path: String,
 
-    /// Reserved for private-read mode; per-repo read enforcement is not wired in alpha
+    /// Reserved and currently inert: read access is enforced per repository
+    /// through `is_public` and path-scoped visibility rules, not this flag.
+    /// Setting it to false changes nothing; make a repo private through its
+    /// own visibility instead.
     #[arg(long, env = "GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ", default_value_t = true)]
     pub public_read: bool,
 
@@ -63,6 +66,12 @@ pub struct Config {
     #[arg(long, env = "GITLAWB_PUBLIC_URL")]
     pub public_url: Option<String>,
 
+    /// Base URL for the web view of repos on this node (e.g. https://gitlawb.com).
+    /// When set, `GET /` advertises it as `web_url` so the CLI can print a
+    /// working `View:` link.  Omit for nodes that have no web front-end.
+    #[arg(long, env = "GITLAWB_WEB_URL")]
+    pub web_url: Option<String>,
+
     /// Comma-separated list of bootstrap peer URLs to announce to on startup
     #[arg(long, env = "GITLAWB_BOOTSTRAP_PEERS", value_delimiter = ',')]
     pub bootstrap_peers: Vec<String>,
@@ -800,7 +809,13 @@ impl Config {
     /// Cross-field boot validation. Single-field ranges are enforced by clap; this
     /// catches combinations that ship a denial-of-service under otherwise-valid
     /// values. Call once at startup and fail fast on `Err`.
-    pub fn validate(&self) -> Result<(), String> {
+    ///
+    /// `&mut self` is required so the validator can normalize `web_url` to
+    /// its canonical form after validation: the configured value is
+    /// advertised on public `GET /`, and any consumer reading
+    /// `config.web_url` later must see the same string that was actually
+    /// validated.
+    pub fn validate(&mut self) -> Result<(), String> {
         // Concurrent git writes pin the dedicated lock pool for their whole
         // duration (connection-affine advisory lock in acquire_write). The main
         // pool no longer carries that occupancy.
@@ -917,10 +932,101 @@ impl Config {
                 .map_err(|e| e.to_string())?;
         }
 
+        // GITLAWB_WEB_URL is advertised in GET / so the CLI can print a working
+        // View: link. Clap maps "" to Some("") which would produce a broken URL;
+        // reject early instead of serving a malformed link. Non-blank values must
+        // additionally parse as an absolute http(s) URL — the CLI appends
+        // `/{owner}/{repo}` to it, so scheme-less hosts ("gitlawb.com") and other
+        // garbage would render links no browser can follow.
+        if let Some(raw) = &self.web_url {
+            match validate_web_url(raw) {
+                Ok(()) => {}
+                Err(reason) => {
+                    return Err(format!(
+                        "GITLAWB_WEB_URL {reason} — \
+                         set it to an absolute URL like https://gitlawb.com or leave it unset."
+                    ));
+                }
+            }
+            // Normalize to one canonical form so every consumer (the regular
+            // and degraded `GET /` handlers, anyone who reads
+            // `config.web_url` directly) sees the same string that was
+            // actually validated. The CLI's own defensive trim would paper
+            // over the divergence on the `View:` line, but that hides the
+            // bug from any other consumer that parses the value verbatim.
+            let canonical = raw
+                .trim()
+                .parse::<url::Url>()
+                .map(|u| u.to_string())
+                .map_err(|_| "is not a valid absolute URL".to_string())?;
+            if canonical != *raw {
+                self.web_url = Some(canonical);
+            }
+        }
+
         Ok(())
     }
 }
 
+/// Validate a `web_url` value for use as a browser-reachable base URL.
+/// Blank values are rejected (clap maps `--web-url ""` to `Some("")`), and
+/// non-blank values must parse as absolute `http`/`https` URLs with no
+/// query, fragment, or userinfo — the CLI treats this as a string prefix
+/// to append paths to, so anything else produces links no browser can
+/// follow (`?a=1/owner/repo` puts the repo path inside the query string);
+/// and userinfo is rejected outright because the configured value is
+/// published on public `GET /` and reprinted on the CLI's `View:` line,
+/// so an accidentally configured password would land in public metadata,
+/// terminal scrollback, and CI logs.
+pub(crate) fn validate_web_url(raw: &str) -> Result<(), String> {
+    if raw.trim().is_empty() {
+        return Err("must not be empty or whitespace-only".into());
+    }
+    let parsed: url::Url = raw
+        .trim()
+        .parse()
+        .map_err(|_| "is not a valid absolute URL".to_string())?;
+    match parsed.scheme() {
+        "http" | "https" => {}
+        other => return Err(format!("must use http or https, got '{other}:'")),
+    }
+    // url::Url cannot represent a URL without a host for http/https schemes, so
+    // reaching here guarantees an absolute browser-usable base.
+    if parsed.query().is_some() {
+        return Err(
+            "must not contain a query string — it is used as a path prefix for View links".into(),
+        );
+    }
+    if parsed.fragment().is_some() {
+        return Err(
+            "must not contain a fragment — it is used as a path prefix for View links".into(),
+        );
+    }
+    if !parsed.username().is_empty() || parsed.password().is_some() {
+        return Err(
+            "must not contain a username or password — it is advertised publicly and printed on the View: line"
+                .into(),
+        );
+    }
+    // Bidi/control bytes can hide behind percent-encoding: a literal scan of
+    // the wire form misses `.../%E2%80%AE` even though a browser decodes it
+    // into a reordering character on the rendered View: link. Check the
+    // decoded host and path before the value is advertised on GET / (INV-6).
+    let host = parsed.host_str().unwrap_or("");
+    let decoded_path = percent_encoding::percent_decode_str(parsed.path()).decode_utf8_lossy();
+    if host
+        .chars()
+        .chain(decoded_path.chars())
+        .any(|c| c.is_control() || gitlawb_core::sanitize::is_bidi_format(c))
+    {
+        return Err(
+            "must not contain control or bidi characters, even percent-encoded — the View: line is terminal output"
+                .into(),
+        );
+    }
+    Ok(())
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
@@ -1563,7 +1669,7 @@ mod tests {
             .expect("default config must validate");
 
         // An under-sized lock pool relative to the push cap is rejected.
-        let under_lock = Config::parse_from([
+        let mut under_lock = Config::parse_from([
             "gitlawb-node",
             "--db-lock-pool-max-connections",
             "16",
@@ -1576,7 +1682,7 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         // Exactly at the push cap without non-push headroom is rejected.
-        let push_only = Config::parse_from([
+        let mut push_only = Config::parse_from([
             "gitlawb-node",
             "--db-lock-pool-max-connections",
             "32",
@@ -1589,7 +1695,7 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         // Main pool can be smaller than pushes + headroom when the lock pool carries writes.
-        let split = Config::parse_from([
+        let mut split = Config::parse_from([
             "gitlawb-node",
             "--db-max-connections",
             "16",
@@ -1604,13 +1710,153 @@ mod tests {
         );
 
         // Main pool still needs the app headroom floor.
-        let under_main = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node", "--db-max-connections", "4"]);
+        let mut under_main = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node", "--db-max-connections", "4"]);
         assert!(
             under_main.validate().is_err(),
             "db_max_connections below DB_POOL_APP_HEADROOM must be rejected"
         );
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn web_url_rejects_empty_and_whitespace() {
+        // Unset is fine.
+        Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"])
+            .validate()
+            .expect("no web_url must validate");
+
+        // A real URL validates.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("https://gitlawb.com".into());
+        assert!(cfg.validate().is_ok());
+
+        // Empty string is rejected.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("".into());
+        assert!(cfg.validate().is_err(), "empty web_url must be rejected");
+
+        // Whitespace-only is rejected.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("   ".into());
+        assert!(
+            cfg.validate().is_err(),
+            "whitespace-only web_url must be rejected"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn web_url_rejects_non_absolute_or_non_browser_urls() {
+        // Scheme-less host: parses nowhere, renders a broken View: link.
+        for bad in [
+            "gitlawb.com",
+            "not a url",
+            "ftp://files.example.com",
+            "javascript:alert(1)",
+            "https://", // no host
+        ] {
+            let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+            cfg.web_url = Some(bad.into());
+            assert!(cfg.validate().is_err(), "web_url {bad:?} must be rejected");
+        }
+
+        // Query strings and fragments corrupt the appended repo path, since
+        // web_url is used as a raw string prefix (`?a=1` would swallow
+        // `/{owner}/{repo}` into the query).
+        for bad in [
+            "https://gitlawb.com?a=1",
+            "https://gitlawb.com/?utm_source=docs",
+            "https://gitlawb.com#section",
+            "https://gitlawb.com/#faq",
+        ] {
+            let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+            cfg.web_url = Some(bad.into());
+            assert!(
+                cfg.validate().is_err(),
+                "web_url {bad:?} (query or fragment) must be rejected"
+            );
+        }
+
+        // Surrounding whitespace around a valid URL is tolerated.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("  https://gitlawb.com  ".into());
+        assert!(
+            cfg.validate().is_ok(),
+            "padded-but-valid web_url must validate"
+        );
+
+        // Percent-encoded bidi must not boot: the wire form carries no Cf
+        // code point, but a browser decodes %E2%80%AE into a reordering
+        // character on the rendered View: link (INV-6). Literal bidi and
+        // control bytes are rejected the same way.
+        for bad in [
+            "https://example.com/%E2%80%AE",
+            "https://example.com/\u{202e}spoof",
+            "https://example.com/%1b[31m",
+        ] {
+            let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+            cfg.web_url = Some(bad.into());
+            assert!(
+                cfg.validate().is_err(),
+                "web_url {bad:?} (control or bidi, even encoded) must be rejected"
+            );
+        }
+
+        // Non-default ports and paths are fine.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("http://localhost:8080/ui".into());
+        assert!(cfg.validate().is_ok(), "port+path web_url must validate");
+
+        // Userinfo must be rejected: `web_url` is published on public
+        // `GET /` and reprinted on the CLI's `View:` line, so an
+        // accidentally configured password would land in public metadata,
+        // terminal scrollback, and CI logs. Reject username-only and
+        // user+password forms.
+        for bad in [
+            "https://[email protected]",
+            "https://user:[email protected]",
+            "https://:[email protected]",
+        ] {
+            let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+            cfg.web_url = Some(bad.into());
+            assert!(
+                cfg.validate().is_err(),
+                "web_url {bad:?} (userinfo) must be rejected"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// `validate()` accepts whitespace-padded input but the stored value
+    /// must match the canonical form actually validated, so every consumer
+    /// (the regular and degraded `GET /` handlers, anyone who reads
+    /// `config.web_url` directly) sees the same string. Without this, an
+    /// operator that sets `GITLAWB_WEB_URL="  https://git.example  "` boots
+    /// a node that advertises `"  https://git.example  "` on public
+    /// metadata — different from what was validated, different from what
+    /// any other consumer would parse.
+    #[test]
+    fn web_url_is_normalized_to_canonical_form_after_validation() {
+        // Padded input is rewritten to the canonical form. `url::Url`'s
+        // own `to_string` is what we use for the canonicalization, and
+        // it always appends a path-separator slash to a bare-host URL,
+        // so the stored value is `https://git.example/` (which is also
+        // what every browser would normalize the operator-typed form to).
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("  https://git.example  ".into());
+        cfg.validate().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            cfg.web_url.as_deref(),
+            Some("https://git.example/"),
+            "stored web_url must be the canonical form, not the operator-typed one"
+        );
+
+        // Already-canonical input is left alone after a no-op
+        // re-normalization — same form comes back out, so any consumer
+        // reading the stored value sees a stable string across calls.
+        let mut cfg = Config::parse_from(["gitlawb-node"]);
+        cfg.web_url = Some("https://git.example/".into());
+        cfg.validate().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(cfg.web_url.as_deref(), Some("https://git.example/"));
+    }
+
     /// The DECLARED default, read off the parser rather than out of a parse.
     ///
     /// `Config::parse_from` consults the process environment, so on a host that
@@ -1634,6 +1880,28 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    /// #338: GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ is inert, so its help must not claim read
+    /// enforcement is missing; it must tell the operator the flag changes
+    /// nothing and where the real control lives.
+    #[test]
+    fn public_read_help_describes_the_flag_as_inert() {
+        use clap::CommandFactory;
+        let cmd = Config::command();
+        let arg = cmd
+            .get_arguments()
+            .find(|a| a.get_id() == "public_read")
+            .expect("the argument must exist");
+        let help = arg.get_help().map(|h| h.to_string()).unwrap_or_default();
+        assert!(
+            !help.contains("not wired"),
+            "the help still claims read enforcement is unwired: {help}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            help.contains("inert"),
+            "the help must say the flag is inert so an operator does not rely on it: {help}"
+        );
+    }
+
     /// The flip must not strand an operator mid-upgrade.
     ///
     /// Turning the gate on is a breaking change for any deployment whose pushers are
@@ -1853,7 +2121,7 @@ mod tests {
         std::os::unix::fs::symlink(&target, &link).unwrap();
         let key_path = link.join("p2p.key");
 
-        let config = Config::parse_from([
+        let mut config = Config::parse_from([
             "gitlawb-node",
             "--p2p-port",
             "0",
@@ -1948,7 +2216,7 @@ mod tests {
             let key_path = build(base.path());
             let before = snapshot(base.path());
 
-            let config = Config::parse_from([
+            let mut config = Config::parse_from([
                 "gitlawb-node",
                 "--p2p-port",
                 "7546",

crates/gitlawb-node/src/encrypted_pin.rs

@@ -69,6 +69,12 @@ fn resolve_all_recipients(dids: &BTreeSet<String>) -> Result<Vec<VerifyingKey>,
 enum SealPlan {
     /// An existing envelope already covers exactly this recipient set; nothing to do.
     SkipUnchanged,
+    /// The stored tag matches, but the stored reader set contains a DID that
+    /// must not resolve (e.g. a small-order did:key sealed before the choke
+    /// point landed). The old envelope is already public and cannot be
+    /// withdrawn, but it must be surfaced for operator action rather than
+    /// silently skipped as unchanged.
+    SkipUnresolvableStored(Vec<String>),
     /// No recipient DID resolved to a key, so there is nothing to seal to.
     SkipNoRecipients,
     /// At least one recipient DID is unresolvable. Fail closed: never seal to a
@@ -90,15 +96,30 @@ enum SealPlan {
 /// recover the blob; reader removal is not retroactive (the old envelope is
 /// already public). The comparison is on the opaque node-keyed tag, never the
 /// DID list.
+///
+/// A matching stored tag is normally a skip, but the set is still resolved
+/// before skipping: a reader that used to resolve and now must not (a
+/// small-order did:key sealed before the choke point landed) is surfaced as
+/// [`SealPlan::SkipUnresolvableStored`] instead of being silently treated as
+/// unchanged. The old envelope is already public and cannot be withdrawn, but
+/// the operator must be able to see that a persisted envelope was sealed to a
+/// weak recipient.
 fn plan_seal(node_seed: &[u8; 32], dids: &BTreeSet<String>, stored_tag: Option<&str>) -> SealPlan {
     let tag = recipients_tag(node_seed, dids);
     if stored_tag == Some(tag.as_str()) {
-        return SealPlan::SkipUnchanged;
-    }
-    match resolve_all_recipients(dids) {
-        Ok(keys) if keys.is_empty() => SealPlan::SkipNoRecipients,
-        Ok(keys) => SealPlan::Seal { keys, tag },
-        Err(unresolved) => SealPlan::SkipUnresolvable(unresolved),
+        // The stored envelope already covers exactly this set, so there is
+        // nothing to re-seal. Resolve anyway so a now-unresolvable reader in an
+        // unchanged set is surfaced rather than hidden by the tag match.
+        match resolve_all_recipients(dids) {
+            Ok(_) => SealPlan::SkipUnchanged,
+            Err(unresolved) => SealPlan::SkipUnresolvableStored(unresolved),
+        }
+    } else {
+        match resolve_all_recipients(dids) {
+            Ok(keys) if keys.is_empty() => SealPlan::SkipNoRecipients,
+            Ok(keys) => SealPlan::Seal { keys, tag },
+            Err(unresolved) => SealPlan::SkipUnresolvable(unresolved),
+        }
     }
 }
 
@@ -131,6 +152,21 @@ pub async fn encrypt_and_pin(
         // covered (which would permanently lock out the dropped readers, #47).
         let (keys, tag) = match plan_seal(node_seed, dids, stored_tag.as_deref()) {
             SealPlan::SkipUnchanged => continue,
+            SealPlan::SkipUnresolvableStored(unresolved) => {
+                // A stored envelope already covers this exact reader set, and
+                // the set now contains a DID that must not resolve (a
+                // small-order did:key sealed before the choke point landed).
+                // The old envelope is already public and cannot be withdrawn
+                // or re-sealed; surface it so the operator can act.
+                let sample: Vec<&String> = unresolved.iter().take(3).collect();
+                tracing::warn!(
+                    oid = %oid,
+                    unresolved_count = unresolved.len(),
+                    unresolved_sample = ?sample,
+                    "stored envelope was sealed to a recipient that must not resolve; operator action may be required"
+                );
+                continue;
+            }
             SealPlan::SkipNoRecipients => {
                 tracing::warn!(oid = %oid, "no resolvable recipient keys; skipping encrypted pin");
                 continue;
@@ -206,6 +242,49 @@ mod tests {
     use super::*;
     use ed25519_dalek::SigningKey;
 
+    /// A did:key encoding a small-order point. Well-formed, indistinguishable
+    /// from a real one by eye, and refused at resolution since the choke-point
+    /// guard landed.
+    fn weak_did_key() -> String {
+        let mut weak = [0u8; 32];
+        weak[0] = 1; // compressed identity point
+        let vk = ed25519_dalek::VerifyingKey::from_bytes(&weak).expect("decompresses");
+        Did::from_verifying_key(&vk).to_string()
+    }
+
+    /// The #47 fail-closed arm already refuses to seal to a partial recipient
+    /// set. Because a small-order did:key no longer RESOLVES, it lands in the
+    /// unresolved set and that existing arm catches it: nothing is sealed, and
+    /// no new code path was added to make that happen.
+    #[test]
+    fn weak_recipient_falls_into_the_existing_fail_closed_arm() {
+        let weak = weak_did_key();
+        let mut dids = BTreeSet::new();
+        dids.insert(did_key(9));
+        dids.insert(weak.clone());
+
+        match plan_seal(&[0u8; 32], &dids, None) {
+            SealPlan::SkipUnresolvable(unresolved) => assert!(
+                unresolved.contains(&weak),
+                "the weak DID must be named in the unresolved set, got {unresolved:?}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected SkipUnresolvable, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Must-not-over-reject control: an all-legitimate recipient set still seals.
+    #[test]
+    fn legitimate_recipient_set_still_seals() {
+        let mut dids = BTreeSet::new();
+        dids.insert(did_key(9));
+        dids.insert(did_key(11));
+
+        match plan_seal(&[0u8; 32], &dids, None) {
+            SealPlan::Seal { keys, .. } => assert_eq!(keys.len(), 2, "both recipients resolve"),
+            other => panic!("expected Seal, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
     fn did_key(seed: u8) -> String {
         let vk = SigningKey::from_bytes(&[seed; 32]).verifying_key();
         Did::from_verifying_key(&vk).to_string()
@@ -348,6 +427,43 @@ mod tests {
         ));
     }
 
+    /// P1 remediation (review): an unchanged reader set is normally a skip, but
+    /// the skip must not hide a recipient that now fails to resolve. A blob
+    /// sealed to a small-order did:key before the choke-point guard landed keeps
+    /// its old CID and stays decryptable-without-a-private-key unless the
+    /// matching-tag path surfaces it. This pins that the stored-tag match still
+    /// resolves the set instead of short-circuiting.
+    #[test]
+    fn plan_seal_surfaces_unresolvable_recipient_in_unchanged_reader_set() {
+        let weak = weak_did_key();
+        let mut dids = BTreeSet::new();
+        dids.insert(did_key(9));
+        dids.insert(weak.clone());
+        let stored = recipients_tag(&SEED, &dids);
+
+        match plan_seal(&SEED, &dids, Some(&stored)) {
+            SealPlan::SkipUnresolvableStored(unresolved) => assert!(
+                unresolved.contains(&weak),
+                "the weak DID must be named in the unresolved set, got {unresolved:?}"
+            ),
+            other => panic!("expected SkipUnresolvableStored, got {other:?}"),
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Degenerate control: an empty set with a matching stored tag stays a
+    /// silent skip. The state is unreachable in practice (a seal is never
+    /// recorded for an empty reader set), so this pins only that the
+    /// resolve-on-match path must not turn it into a re-seal or a warning.
+    #[test]
+    fn plan_seal_unchanged_empty_set_still_skips() {
+        let empty = BTreeSet::new();
+        let empty_tag = recipients_tag(&SEED, &empty);
+        assert!(matches!(
+            plan_seal(&SEED, &empty, Some(&empty_tag)),
+            SealPlan::SkipUnchanged
+        ));
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn plan_seal_reseals_when_recipient_set_changed() {
         // A stored tag for a DIFFERENT set is a miss: a newly added reader must

crates/gitlawb-node/src/error.rs

@@ -101,7 +101,7 @@ pub const DB_ERROR_MESSAGE: &str = "a database error occurred";
 
 /// Connection-level sqlx failures that mean the database is unreachable right
 /// now (retryable, 503), as opposed to server-reported query errors.
-fn db_unavailable(e: &sqlx::Error) -> bool {
+pub(crate) fn db_unavailable(e: &sqlx::Error) -> bool {
     matches!(
         e,
         sqlx::Error::PoolTimedOut

crates/gitlawb-node/src/git/issues.rs

@@ -129,19 +129,22 @@ pub fn list_issues(repo_path: &Path) -> Result<Vec<String>> {
 /// Returns Ok(Some(full_id)) on unique match, Ok(None) if not found,
 /// Err if the prefix is ambiguous (matches more than one issue).
 pub fn resolve_issue_id(repo_path: &Path, id_or_prefix: &str) -> Result<Option<String>> {
-    // Try exact match first — fast path for callers passing the full UUID.
-    let exact_ref = format!("refs/gitlawb/issues/{id_or_prefix}");
-    let check = Command::new("git")
-        .args(["cat-file", "-e", &exact_ref])
-        .current_dir(repo_path)
-        .output()
-        .context("failed to run git cat-file -e")?;
-    if check.status.success() {
-        return Ok(Some(id_or_prefix.to_string()));
+    // The id comes from the request path and is spliced into a git revision and a
+    // for-each-ref pattern below. Issue ids are UUIDs, so accept only ASCII
+    // alphanumerics and '-': anything else (`^{blob}`, `@{0}`, `*`, `/`, `..`) is
+    // revision or glob syntax, never an issue id, and is reported as not found.
+    if id_or_prefix.is_empty()
+        || !id_or_prefix
+            .bytes()
+            .all(|b| b.is_ascii_alphanumeric() || b == b'-')
+    {
+        return Ok(None);
     }
 
-    // Prefix search: list all refs that start with the given string.
-    let prefix_glob = format!("refs/gitlawb/issues/{id_or_prefix}*");
+    // List all refs that start with the given string; the glob also matches the exact
+    // ref. The id handed back is always git's own refname, never the request input.
+    let exact_ref = format!("refs/gitlawb/issues/{id_or_prefix}");
+    let prefix_glob = format!("{exact_ref}*");
     let list = Command::new("git")
         .args(["for-each-ref", "--format=%(refname)", &prefix_glob])
         .current_dir(repo_path)
@@ -153,25 +156,44 @@ pub fn resolve_issue_id(repo_path: &Path, id_or_prefix: &str) -> Result<Option<S
     }
 
     let output = String::from_utf8_lossy(&list.stdout);
-    let matches: Vec<&str> = output.lines().filter(|l| !l.trim().is_empty()).collect();
+    let matches: Vec<&str> = output
+        .lines()
+        .map(str::trim)
+        .filter(|l| !l.is_empty())
+        .collect();
 
-    match matches.len() {
-        0 => Ok(None),
-        1 => {
-            // Strip the "refs/gitlawb/issues/" prefix to get the bare ID.
-            let full_id = matches[0]
-                .trim()
-                .strip_prefix("refs/gitlawb/issues/")
-                .unwrap_or(matches[0].trim())
-                .to_string();
-            Ok(Some(full_id))
+    // An exact id wins over longer ids that share it as a prefix, but only if its
+    // object exists: for-each-ref also lists a ref whose blob is missing, so a
+    // dangling exact ref falls through to the prefix rules below.
+    let exact = match matches.iter().find(|m| **m == exact_ref) {
+        Some(m) => {
+            let check = Command::new("git")
+                .args(["cat-file", "-e", m])
+                .current_dir(repo_path)
+                .output()
+                .context("failed to run git cat-file -e")?;
+            check.status.success().then_some(*m)
         }
-        _ => anyhow::bail!(
-            "ambiguous issue prefix '{}': matches {} issues",
-            id_or_prefix,
-            matches.len()
-        ),
-    }
+        None => None,
+    };
+    let found = match exact {
+        Some(m) => m,
+        None => match matches.as_slice() {
+            [] => return Ok(None),
+            [m] => *m,
+            _ => anyhow::bail!(
+                "ambiguous issue prefix '{}': matches {} issues",
+                id_or_prefix,
+                matches.len()
+            ),
+        },
+    };
+    // Strip the "refs/gitlawb/issues/" prefix to get the bare ID.
+    let full_id = found
+        .strip_prefix("refs/gitlawb/issues/")
+        .unwrap_or(found)
+        .to_string();
+    Ok(Some(full_id))
 }
 
 /// Close an issue by updating its status to "closed" in the git ref.
@@ -255,6 +277,43 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(resolved, Some(full_id.to_string()));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_resolve_exact_id_wins_over_longer_id() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        init_repo(&dir);
+        create_issue(dir.path(), "abc12345", r#"{"status":"open"}"#).unwrap();
+        create_issue(dir.path(), "abc12345-0000", r#"{"status":"open"}"#).unwrap();
+        let resolved = resolve_issue_id(dir.path(), "abc12345").unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(resolved, Some("abc12345".to_string()));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn test_resolve_dangling_exact_id_does_not_win_over_longer_id() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        init_repo(&dir);
+        create_issue(dir.path(), "abc12345", r#"{"status":"open","n":1}"#).unwrap();
+        create_issue(dir.path(), "abc12345-0000", r#"{"status":"open","n":2}"#).unwrap();
+        // Dangle the exact ref: the ref stays listed by for-each-ref, but its blob is gone.
+        let out = Command::new("git")
+            .args(["rev-parse", "refs/gitlawb/issues/abc12345"])
+            .current_dir(dir.path())
+            .output()
+            .unwrap();
+        let hash = String::from_utf8(out.stdout).unwrap();
+        let hash = hash.trim();
+        std::fs::remove_file(
+            dir.path()
+                .join(".git/objects")
+                .join(&hash[..2])
+                .join(&hash[2..]),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let result = resolve_issue_id(dir.path(), "abc12345");
+        assert!(result.unwrap_err().to_string().contains("ambiguous"));
+        assert!(close_issue(dir.path(), "abc12345").is_err());
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_resolve_prefix_matches_unique() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
@@ -270,6 +329,35 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(resolved, Some(full_id.to_string()));
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn test_resolve_rejects_revision_syntax() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        init_repo(&dir);
+        let full_id = "abc12345-0000-0000-0000-000000000000";
+        create_issue(
+            dir.path(),
+            full_id,
+            r#"{"id":"abc12345-0000-0000-0000-000000000000","status":"open"}"#,
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        // Each of these resolves to (or globs over) the issue blob in git, but none
+        // is an issue id, so the lookup must not accept it.
+        for crafted in [
+            "abc12345-0000-0000-0000-000000000000^{blob}",
+            "abc12345-0000-0000-0000-000000000000^{}",
+            "abc12345-0000-0000-0000-000000000000~0",
+            "*",
+            "",
+        ] {
+            assert_eq!(
+                resolve_issue_id(dir.path(), crafted).unwrap(),
+                None,
+                "{crafted:?}"
+            );
+            assert_eq!(get_issue(dir.path(), crafted).unwrap(), None, "{crafted:?}");
+        }
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_resolve_prefix_not_found() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();

crates/gitlawb-node/src/git/repo_store.rs

@@ -118,7 +118,7 @@ impl RepoStore {
     /// Test-only: every guard from this store parks in `release` right before the
     /// `pg_advisory_unlock` await, until `gate` is notified. Dropping the future
     /// while it is parked reproduces a client disconnect inside `release`.
-    #[cfg(test)]
+    #[cfg(all(test, unix))]
     pub fn with_pre_unlock_gate(mut self, gate: Arc<tokio::sync::Notify>) -> Self {
         self.pre_unlock_gate = Some(gate);
         self
@@ -126,7 +126,7 @@ impl RepoStore {
 
     /// Test-only: how many write guards from this store have reached the Tigris upload
     /// site. See [`RepoWriteGuard::release`].
-    #[cfg(test)]
+    #[cfg(all(test, unix))]
     pub fn tigris_upload_site_reached(&self) -> usize {
         self.upload_site_reached
             .load(std::sync::atomic::Ordering::SeqCst)
@@ -1717,8 +1717,11 @@ fn validate_repo_name(repo_name: &str) -> Result<()> {
     if repo_name.is_empty() {
         anyhow::bail!("repo_name is empty");
     }
-    if repo_name.len() > 100 {
-        anyhow::bail!("repo_name exceeds 100 chars");
+    // Byte bound shared with the API-side validator via `MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN`:
+    // the two validators differ on charset by design, but must not drift on
+    // length, or an API-admitted name fails here after the proof is spent.
+    if repo_name.len() > crate::db::MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN {
+        anyhow::bail!("repo_name exceeds {} chars", crate::db::MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN);
     }
     // Repo names are `[A-Za-z0-9._-]+` minus path-traversal traps.
     if repo_name.contains("..") {

crates/gitlawb-node/src/git/smart_http.rs

@@ -106,7 +106,7 @@ pub async fn info_refs(
 
     let mut command = Command::new(git_bin);
     command
-        .arg(service_to_command(service))
+        .arg(service_to_command(service)?)
         .arg("--stateless-rpc")
         .arg("--advertise-refs")
         .arg(repo_path);
@@ -426,7 +426,7 @@ async fn run_git_service(
 ) -> Result<Vec<u8>> {
     let mut command = Command::new(git_bin);
     command
-        .arg(service_to_command(service))
+        .arg(service_to_command(service)?)
         .arg("--stateless-rpc")
         .arg(repo_path);
     let (out, admission) = drive_git_child(command, input, timeout, service, admission).await?;
@@ -578,11 +578,13 @@ async fn drive_git_child(
     Ok((out, admission))
 }
 
-fn service_to_command(service: &str) -> &str {
+/// Map a validated service name to its git subcommand. Only the two fixed
+/// subcommands can come out, so an unrecognized service can never reach git's argv.
+fn service_to_command(service: &str) -> Result<&'static str> {
     match service {
-        "git-upload-pack" => "upload-pack",
-        "git-receive-pack" => "receive-pack",
-        _ => service,
+        "git-upload-pack" => Ok("upload-pack"),
+        "git-receive-pack" => Ok("receive-pack"),
+        other => bail!("unknown git service: {other}"),
     }
 }
 
@@ -866,6 +868,24 @@ mod tests {
     use std::process::Command;
     use tempfile::TempDir;
 
+    #[test]
+    fn service_to_command_maps_allowlist_and_rejects_passthrough() {
+        assert_eq!(
+            service_to_command("git-upload-pack").unwrap(),
+            "upload-pack"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            service_to_command("git-receive-pack").unwrap(),
+            "receive-pack"
+        );
+        for bad in ["git-fetch-pack", "--version", "upload-pack", ""] {
+            assert!(
+                service_to_command(bad).is_err(),
+                "must reject passthrough for {bad:?}"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
     /// List OIDs in a pack by writing it to a temp dir and running verify-pack.
     pub(super) fn pack_object_ids(pack: &[u8]) -> std::collections::HashSet<String> {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();

crates/gitlawb-node/src/git/store.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,5 @@
 use anyhow::{bail, Context, Result};
-use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+use std::path::Path;
 use std::process::Command;
 
 /// Initialize a new bare git repository with SHA-1 object format (default).
@@ -1091,8 +1091,19 @@ pub fn merge_branch(
 }
 
 /// Resolve a repo disk path: {repos_dir}/{owner_slug}/{repo_name}.git
-#[allow(dead_code)] // exercised from test_support and state tests; production uses validated_repo_disk_path
-pub fn repo_disk_path(repos_dir: &Path, owner_did: &str, repo_name: &str) -> PathBuf {
+///
+/// UNVALIDATED, and test-only for that reason. It performs the bare join with no
+/// allowlist, no containment check and no component walk, so it accepts an empty
+/// or traversal-bearing name. Production code must use
+/// `git::repo_store::validated_repo_disk_path`; the last production caller was
+/// `fork_repo`, which used this and turned a `{"name":""}` request into a repo
+/// row at `<repos_dir>/<owner_slug>/.git`. The `cfg(test)` is the guard: a new
+/// production caller fails to compile rather than silently skipping the barrier.
+///
+/// Tests keep it because a fixture that must escape `repos_dir` cannot be built
+/// with the validated form.
+#[cfg(test)]
+pub fn repo_disk_path(repos_dir: &Path, owner_did: &str, repo_name: &str) -> std::path::PathBuf {
     // Sanitize the DID for use as a directory name
     let owner_slug = owner_did.replace([':', '/'], "_");
     repos_dir.join(owner_slug).join(format!("{repo_name}.git"))

crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/mod.rs

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ pub mod query;
 pub mod subscription;
 pub mod types;
 
-use async_graphql::Schema;
+use async_graphql::{Schema, SchemaBuilder};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
 use crate::db::Db;
@@ -14,6 +14,22 @@ use subscription::SubscriptionRoot;
 
 pub type GitlawbSchema = Schema<QueryRoot, MutationRoot, SubscriptionRoot>;
 
+// Keep ordinary schema discovery and application queries usable while
+// bounding validation work and the number of resolver selections per request.
+const GRAPHQL_MAX_COMPLEXITY: usize = 400;
+// The current public schema is shallow; this leaves headroom for composed
+// clients and the canonical getIntrospectionQuery without allowing
+// recursively nested documents to grow unchecked.
+const GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH: usize = 14;
+
+fn apply_query_limits<Query, Mutation, Subscription>(
+    builder: SchemaBuilder<Query, Mutation, Subscription>,
+) -> SchemaBuilder<Query, Mutation, Subscription> {
+    builder
+        .limit_complexity(GRAPHQL_MAX_COMPLEXITY)
+        .limit_depth(GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH)
+}
+
 /// Client-facing message for GraphQL resolver failures that wrap a real
 /// `sqlx::Error`. The real error is logged server-side; never put sqlx/Postgres
 /// detail in the GraphQL `errors` array (#250).
@@ -81,7 +97,7 @@ pub fn build_schema(
     ref_update_tx: tokio::sync::broadcast::Sender<RefUpdateBroadcast>,
     task_event_tx: tokio::sync::broadcast::Sender<TaskEventBroadcast>,
 ) -> GitlawbSchema {
-    Schema::build(QueryRoot, MutationRoot, SubscriptionRoot)
+    apply_query_limits(Schema::build(QueryRoot, MutationRoot, SubscriptionRoot))
         .data(db)
         .data(ref_update_tx)
         .data(task_event_tx)
@@ -91,6 +107,10 @@ pub fn build_schema(
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
+    use crate::api::events::MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES;
+    use crate::db::{MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE, MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE};
+    use async_graphql::{EmptyMutation, EmptySubscription, Object, Value};
+    use std::sync::atomic::{AtomicUsize, Ordering};
 
     #[test]
     fn graphql_db_err_opaques_sqlx_chain() {
@@ -160,6 +180,668 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(!err.message.contains("failed to open"));
     }
 
+    fn production_test_schema() -> GitlawbSchema {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        production_test_schema_with_db(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)))
+    }
+
+    fn production_test_schema_with_db(db: Arc<Db>) -> GitlawbSchema {
+        build_schema(
+            db,
+            tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(1).0,
+            tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(1).0,
+        )
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn ref_update_subscription_alias_budget() {
+        assert_subscription_alias_budget("refUpdates { repo }").await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn task_event_subscription_alias_budget() {
+        assert_subscription_alias_budget("taskEvents { taskId }").await;
+    }
+
+    async fn assert_subscription_alias_budget(field: &str) {
+        use futures::StreamExt;
+        use std::time::Duration;
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let (ref_tx, _) = tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(16);
+        let (task_tx, _) = tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(16);
+        let schema = build_schema(
+            Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)),
+            ref_tx.clone(),
+            task_tx.clone(),
+        );
+        for count in [7, 8] {
+            let fields = (0..count)
+                .map(|n| format!("r{n}: {field}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(" ");
+            let query = format!("subscription {{ {fields} }}");
+            let mut responses = Box::pin(schema.execute_stream(query));
+            if count == 8 {
+                let response = tokio::time::timeout(Duration::from_secs(1), responses.next())
+                    .await
+                    .expect("over-budget subscriptions must reject before waiting for events")
+                    .expect("the validation error must be returned");
+                assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+                assert_eq!(ref_tx.receiver_count() + task_tx.receiver_count(), 0);
+                continue;
+            }
+            // Poll the accepted operation far enough to register its receivers.
+            assert!(
+                tokio::time::timeout(Duration::from_millis(30), responses.next())
+                    .await
+                    .is_err()
+            );
+            assert_eq!(ref_tx.receiver_count() + task_tx.receiver_count(), 7);
+            let _ = ref_tx.send(RefUpdateBroadcast {
+                repo: "owner/repo".into(),
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/main".into(),
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(40),
+                new_sha: "1".repeat(40),
+                pusher_did: "did:key:test".into(),
+                node_did: "did:key:node".into(),
+                timestamp: "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z".into(),
+                owner_did: "did:key:test".into(),
+            });
+            let _ = task_tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
+                task_id: "task".into(),
+                old_status: "pending".into(),
+                new_status: "claimed".into(),
+                by_did: "did:key:test".into(),
+                at: "2026-01-01T00:00:00Z".into(),
+            });
+            let response = tokio::time::timeout(Duration::from_secs(1), responses.next())
+                .await
+                .unwrap()
+                .unwrap();
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+            assert_ne!(response.data, Value::Null);
+            drop(responses);
+            assert_eq!(ref_tx.receiver_count() + task_tx.receiver_count(), 0);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn production_mutation_budget_accepts_seven_and_rejects_eight(pool: sqlx::PgPool) {
+        let db = Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool));
+        db.run_migrations().await.unwrap();
+        let caller = "did:key:reviewer";
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
+        for index in 0..8 {
+            db.create_task(&crate::db::AgentTask {
+                id: format!("task-{index}"),
+                repo_id: None,
+                kind: "test".into(),
+                status: "pending".into(),
+                delegator_did: caller.into(),
+                assignee_did: None,
+                capability: "test".into(),
+                ucan_token: None,
+                payload: None,
+                result: None,
+                created_at: now.clone(),
+                updated_at: now.clone(),
+                deadline: None,
+            })
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        }
+        let schema = production_test_schema_with_db(db.clone());
+        for count in [8, 7] {
+            let fields = (0..count)
+                .map(|n| {
+                    format!("r{n}: claimTask(id: \"task-{n}\", assigneeDid: \"{caller}\") {{ id }}")
+                })
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(" ");
+            let response = schema
+                .execute(
+                    async_graphql::Request::new(format!("mutation {{ {fields} }}"))
+                        .data(crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid(caller.into())),
+                )
+                .await;
+            if count == 8 {
+                assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+                assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+                assert_eq!(
+                    db.list_tasks(Some("pending"), None, 8).await.unwrap().len(),
+                    8
+                );
+                continue;
+            }
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+            assert_eq!(
+                response
+                    .data
+                    .into_json()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .as_object()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .len(),
+                7
+            );
+            assert_eq!(
+                db.list_tasks(Some("claimed"), Some(caller), 8)
+                    .await
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .len(),
+                7
+            );
+            assert_eq!(
+                db.get_task("task-7").await.unwrap().unwrap().status,
+                "pending"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn production_list_cost_scales_with_the_same_alias_count(pool: sqlx::PgPool) {
+        let db = Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool));
+        db.run_migrations().await.unwrap();
+        let schema = production_test_schema_with_db(db);
+        // Bounds are per-root named constants so the cases move with the
+        // documented maximums instead of going stale as literals.
+        for (field, selection, max) in [
+            ("refUpdates", "repo", MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES),
+            ("tasks", "id", MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE),
+            (
+                "reposPage",
+                "nodes { name }",
+                MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE as i64,
+            ),
+        ] {
+            // Two aliases at the maximum always exceed the budget.
+            let fields = (0..2)
+                .map(|n| format!("r{n}: {field}(limit: {max}) {{ {selection} }}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(" ");
+            let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+            assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+            assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+
+            // At limit 1 two aliases fit for the row-priced roots; reposPage
+            // prices the full corpus scan, so a single alias is the most that
+            // fits under the budget.
+            let aliases = if field == "reposPage" { 1 } else { 2 };
+            let fields = (0..aliases)
+                .map(|n| format!("r{n}: {field}(limit: 1) {{ {selection} }}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(" ");
+            let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{field}: {:?}", response.errors);
+            assert_eq!(
+                response
+                    .data
+                    .into_json()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .as_object()
+                    .unwrap()
+                    .len(),
+                aliases
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn production_limits_reject_mutation_aliases_and_large_lists() {
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        // Limits are derived from the MAX_* constants so the boundaries move
+        // with the documented maximums instead of going stale as literals.
+        for (prefix, count, field) in [
+            ("mutation", 8, "claimTask(id: \"missing\", assigneeDid: \"did:key:test\") { id }".to_owned()),
+            ("mutation", 8, "createTask(delegatorDid: \"did:key:test\", input: { kind: \"test\", capability: \"test\" }) { id }".to_owned()),
+            ("mutation", 8, "completeTask(id: \"missing\", byDid: \"did:key:test\", input: {}) { id }".to_owned()),
+            ("mutation", 8, "failTask(id: \"missing\", byDid: \"did:key:test\", input: {}) { id }".to_owned()),
+            ("query", 8, "task(id: \"missing\") { id }".to_owned()),
+            ("query", 2, format!("refUpdates(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES}) {{ repo }}")),
+            ("query", 2, format!("tasks(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE}) {{ id }}")),
+            ("query", 2, format!("reposPage(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE}) {{ nodes {{ name }} }}")),
+            ("query", 8, "reposPage(limit: 1) { nodes { name } }".to_owned()),
+        ] {
+            let fields = (0..count)
+                .map(|n| format!("r{n}: {field}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+                .join(" ");
+            let response = schema.execute(format!("{prefix} {{ {fields} }}")).await;
+            assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1, "{:?}", response.errors);
+            assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn production_repos_page_serves_the_documented_maximum(pool: sqlx::PgPool) {
+        let db = Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool));
+        db.run_migrations().await.unwrap();
+        let schema = production_test_schema_with_db(db);
+        for selection in [
+            "nodes { name }",
+            "nodes { name ownerDid } hasNextPage endCursor",
+        ] {
+            let response = schema
+                .execute(format!(
+                    "{{ reposPage(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE}) {{ {selection} }} }}"
+                ))
+                .await;
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+            assert_eq!(
+                response.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"]["nodes"],
+                serde_json::json!([])
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn seven_root_aliases_are_accepted() {
+        struct Root(Arc<AtomicUsize>);
+        #[Object]
+        impl Root {
+            #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
+            async fn repos(&self) -> Vec<Nested> {
+                self.0.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
+                vec![Nested]
+            }
+        }
+        let calls = Arc::new(AtomicUsize::new(0));
+        let schema = apply_query_limits(Schema::build(
+            Root(calls.clone()),
+            EmptyMutation,
+            EmptySubscription,
+        ))
+        .finish();
+        let fields = (0..7)
+            .map(|n| format!("r{n}: repos {{ value }}"))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+            .join(" ");
+        let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+        assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+        assert_eq!(calls.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 7);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn expensive_root_aliases_are_rejected_before_database_access() {
+        // Use the production builder with a lazy pool: rejection must precede DB access.
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        let fields = (0..8)
+            .map(|n| format!("r{n}: repos {{ name }}"))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+            .join(" ");
+
+        let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+
+        assert_eq!(response.data, Value::Null);
+        assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn ordinary_schema_introspection_remains_available() {
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        let canonical_introspection = r#"
+            query IntrospectionQuery {
+              __schema {
+                queryType { name }
+                mutationType { name }
+                subscriptionType { name }
+                types {
+                  ...FullType
+                }
+                directives {
+                  name
+                  description
+                  locations
+                  args {
+                    ...InputValue
+                  }
+                }
+              }
+            }
+
+            fragment FullType on __Type {
+              kind
+              name
+              description
+              fields(includeDeprecated: true) {
+                name
+                description
+                args {
+                  ...InputValue
+                }
+                type {
+                  ...TypeRef
+                }
+                isDeprecated
+                deprecationReason
+              }
+              inputFields {
+                ...InputValue
+              }
+              interfaces {
+                ...TypeRef
+              }
+              enumValues(includeDeprecated: true) {
+                name
+                description
+                isDeprecated
+                deprecationReason
+              }
+              possibleTypes {
+                ...TypeRef
+              }
+            }
+
+            fragment InputValue on __InputValue {
+              name
+              description
+              type { ...TypeRef }
+              defaultValue
+            }
+
+            fragment TypeRef on __Type {
+              kind
+              name
+              ofType {
+                kind
+                name
+                ofType {
+                  kind
+                  name
+                  ofType {
+                    kind
+                    name
+                    ofType {
+                      kind
+                      name
+                      ofType {
+                        kind
+                        name
+                        ofType {
+                          kind
+                          name
+                          ofType {
+                            kind
+                            name
+                          }
+                        }
+                      }
+                    }
+                  }
+                }
+              }
+            }
+        "#;
+        let response = schema.execute(canonical_introspection).await;
+        assert!(
+            response.errors.is_empty(),
+            "canonical introspection query failed against production schema: {:?}",
+            response.errors
+        );
+        assert_ne!(response.data, Value::Null);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn ref_updates_and_tasks_single_alias_max_limit_complexity_contract() {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        pool.close().await;
+        let (ref_tx, _) = tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(16);
+        let (task_tx, _) = tokio::sync::broadcast::channel(16);
+        let schema = build_schema(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)), ref_tx, task_tx);
+
+        // refUpdates(limit: MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES):
+        // Single-field selection has child_complexity 1 -> cost 100 + 200 + 1 = 301 <= 400.
+        // It passes validation and reaches the resolver (which yields db error on lazy pool).
+        let single_ref = schema
+            .execute(format!(
+                "{{ refUpdates(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES}) {{ repo }} }}"
+            ))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            !single_ref
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == "Query is too complex."),
+            "single-field refUpdates at max limit must pass complexity validation: {:?}",
+            single_ref.errors
+        );
+        assert!(
+            single_ref
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+            "single-field refUpdates at max limit must reach the resolver: {:?}",
+            single_ref.errors
+        );
+
+        // Two-field selection has child_complexity 2 -> cost 100 + 200 + 2 = 302 <= 400.
+        // The documented max-200 request stays reachable with multiple fields
+        // (the old multiplicative price rejected it at 450); it passes
+        // validation and reaches the resolver like the single-field case.
+        let multi_ref = schema
+            .execute(format!(
+                "{{ refUpdates(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES}) {{ repo refName }} }}"
+            ))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            !multi_ref
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == "Query is too complex."),
+            "two-field refUpdates at max limit must pass complexity validation: {:?}",
+            multi_ref.errors
+        );
+        assert!(
+            multi_ref
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+            "two-field refUpdates at max limit must reach the resolver: {:?}",
+            multi_ref.errors
+        );
+
+        // tasks(limit: MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE):
+        // Single-field selection has child_complexity 1, so the cost is
+        // 50 + MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE + 1 <= 400.
+        // It passes validation and reaches the resolver.
+        let single_task = schema
+            .execute(format!(
+                "{{ tasks(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE}) {{ id }} }}"
+            ))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            !single_task
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == "Query is too complex."),
+            "single-field tasks at the maximum page size must pass complexity validation: {:?}",
+            single_task.errors
+        );
+        assert!(
+            single_task
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+            "single-field tasks at the maximum page size must reach the resolver: {:?}",
+            single_task.errors
+        );
+
+        // Two-field selection has child_complexity 2, so the cost is
+        // 50 + MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE + 2 <= 400.
+        // A request at the documented maximum stays reachable with multiple
+        // fields (the old multiplicative price rejected it at 450); it passes
+        // validation and reaches the resolver like the single-field case.
+        let multi_task = schema
+            .execute(format!(
+                "{{ tasks(limit: {MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE}) {{ id status }} }}"
+            ))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            !multi_task
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == "Query is too complex."),
+            "two-field tasks at the maximum page size must pass complexity validation: {:?}",
+            multi_task.errors
+        );
+        assert!(
+            multi_task
+                .errors
+                .iter()
+                .any(|e| e.message == GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+            "two-field tasks at the maximum page size must reach the resolver: {:?}",
+            multi_task.errors
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn two_repos_aliases_exceed_the_budget() {
+        // `repos` is priced as the full page it scans
+        // (50 + MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + child), so two `repos { name }`
+        // aliases cost 2 * 251 = 502 > 400 and the document is rejected before
+        // any resolver runs. If the price reverts to `50 + child_complexity`
+        // the aliases cost 2 * 51 = 102, validation passes, and the failure
+        // mode changes (resolver DB errors on the lazy pool): this test goes
+        // red on revert.
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        let response = schema
+            .execute("{ r0: repos { name } r1: repos { name } }")
+            .await;
+        assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1, "{:?}", response.errors);
+        assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn seven_repos_page_aliases_exceed_the_budget() {
+        // `reposPage` is priced as the full corpus scan
+        // (50 + MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + child_complexity), so seven
+        // `reposPage(limit: 1) { nodes { name } }` aliases cost
+        // 7 * (50 + 200 + 2) = 1764 > 400 and the document is rejected
+        // before any resolver runs. Under the previous row-priced formula
+        // the same aliases cost 7 * (50 + 1 + 2) = 371, validation passes,
+        // and the failure mode changes (resolver DB errors on the lazy
+        // pool): this test goes red on revert. Eight aliases are rejected
+        // under both formulas, so seven is the load-bearing boundary.
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        let fields = (0..7)
+            .map(|n| format!("r{n}: reposPage(limit: 1) {{ nodes {{ name }} }}"))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+            .join(" ");
+        let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+        assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1, "{:?}", response.errors);
+        assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn ref_updates_fixed_base_is_charged() {
+        // The 100 base in the refUpdates complexity formula charges for the
+        // collector's fixed work (loading the deduped repo set, the
+        // quarantined set, and the visibility rules, then walking up to 16
+        // keyset pages) even at limit: 1. Four aliases at limit: 1 cost
+        // 4 * (100 + 1 + 1) = 408 > 400 and must be rejected. If the base
+        // disappears, the cost drops to 4 * (1 + 1) = 8 and this test fails.
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        let fields = (0..4)
+            .map(|n| format!("r{n}: refUpdates(limit: 1) {{ repo }}"))
+            .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+            .join(" ");
+        let response = schema.execute(format!("{{ {fields} }}")).await;
+        assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1, "{:?}", response.errors);
+        assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "Query is too complex.");
+    }
+
+    #[derive(Clone, Copy)]
+    struct Nested;
+
+    #[Object]
+    impl Nested {
+        async fn child(&self) -> Nested {
+            Nested
+        }
+
+        async fn value(&self) -> i32 {
+            1
+        }
+    }
+
+    struct CountingQuery(Arc<AtomicUsize>);
+
+    #[Object]
+    impl CountingQuery {
+        async fn nested(&self) -> Nested {
+            self.0.fetch_add(1, Ordering::Relaxed);
+            Nested
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn query_depth_limit_accepts_fourteen_and_rejects_fifteen() {
+        let calls = Arc::new(AtomicUsize::new(0));
+        let schema = apply_query_limits(Schema::build(
+            CountingQuery(Arc::clone(&calls)),
+            EmptyMutation,
+            EmptySubscription,
+        ))
+        .finish();
+        let query_at_depth = |depth: usize| {
+            let selection = (2..depth).fold("value".to_string(), |selection, _| {
+                format!("child {{ {selection} }}")
+            });
+            format!("{{ nested {{ {selection} }} }}")
+        };
+
+        let accepted = schema.execute(query_at_depth(GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH)).await;
+
+        assert!(
+            accepted.errors.is_empty(),
+            "depth {GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH} should be accepted: {:?}",
+            accepted.errors
+        );
+        assert_eq!(calls.swap(0, Ordering::Relaxed), 1);
+
+        let rejected = schema.execute(query_at_depth(GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH + 1)).await;
+
+        assert_eq!(rejected.data, Value::Null);
+        assert_eq!(rejected.errors.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(rejected.errors[0].message, "Query is nested too deep.");
+        assert_eq!(calls.load(Ordering::Relaxed), 0);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn production_schema_enforces_depth_limit() {
+        let schema = production_test_schema();
+        // Depth 14 is accepted through the production build_schema path.
+        let of_types_14 = (0..9).fold("name".to_string(), |acc, _| format!("ofType {{ {acc} }}"));
+        let query_14 =
+            format!("{{ __schema {{ types {{ fields {{ type {{ {of_types_14} }} }} }} }} }}");
+        let accepted = schema.execute(&query_14).await;
+        assert!(accepted.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", accepted.errors);
+
+        // Construct an introspection query of depth 15 using __schema.
+        // 1: __schema
+        // 2: types
+        // 3: fields
+        // 4: type
+        // 5..14: ofType (10 times)
+        // 15: name
+        // Total depth = 15 > GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH (14).
+        let of_types = (0..10).fold("name".to_string(), |acc, _| format!("ofType {{ {acc} }}"));
+        let query = format!("{{ __schema {{ types {{ fields {{ type {{ {of_types} }} }} }} }} }}");
+
+        let rejected = schema.execute(&query).await;
+        assert_eq!(rejected.data, async_graphql::Value::Null);
+        assert_eq!(rejected.errors.len(), 1);
+        assert_eq!(rejected.errors[0].message, "Query is nested too deep.");
+    }
+
     /// Every `.map_err(` in the GraphQL query/mutation resolvers must route
     /// through the opaque helpers, or discard the error (`|_|`). Same source-
     /// scrape pattern as `api::authz_guard` (#255 review).

crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/mutation.rs

@@ -22,6 +22,7 @@ pub struct MutationRoot;
 
 #[Object]
 impl MutationRoot {
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn create_task(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -36,6 +37,33 @@ impl MutationRoot {
         }
         let delegator_did = caller.to_string();
         let db = ctx.data_unchecked::<Arc<Db>>();
+        // #496: same write gate as the REST handler — a repo_id naming a
+        // hosted, non-quarantined repo admits tasks only from its owner, so a
+        // stranger cannot file under a foreign repo id. An id naming no hosted
+        // repo (unknown, or quarantined — hidden as if it did not exist) is
+        // stored verbatim as an opaque label; the gate does not bind an
+        // unresolved id to a repo. Task reads are caller-independent on this
+        // base (the tasks resolver is not repo-scoped), before and after this
+        // change. As in tasks.rs, the success-vs-denial split between a hosted
+        // repo id and an unknown one is itself a one-bit oracle — a stranger
+        // holding a private repo's id learns it is hosted here — but denying
+        // foreign repos requires drawing exactly that line.
+        if let Some(repo_id) = input.repo_id.as_deref() {
+            let record = db
+                .get_repo_by_id(repo_id)
+                .await
+                .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+            if let Some(record) = record {
+                let quarantined = db
+                    .is_repo_quarantined(&record.id)
+                    .await
+                    .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+                if !quarantined {
+                    crate::api::require_repo_owner(&record, caller)
+                        .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_app_err)?;
+                }
+            }
+        }
         let now = Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
         let task = AgentTask {
             id: Uuid::new_v4().to_string(),
@@ -52,12 +80,17 @@ impl MutationRoot {
             updated_at: now,
             deadline: input.deadline,
         };
-        db.create_task(&task)
+        // Return the stored row, not the pre-insert input: create_task
+        // normalizes the assignee (whitespace-only becomes NULL/open), and a
+        // response that shows the raw input lies about the reservation.
+        let stored = db
+            .create_task(&task)
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
-        Ok(AgentTaskType::from(task))
+        Ok(AgentTaskType::from(stored))
     }
 
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn claim_task(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -77,16 +110,25 @@ impl MutationRoot {
             .claim_task(&id, &assignee_did)
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+        // Report the stored assignee form like REST, so subscribers see the
+        // same identity whichever API surface ran the transition.
+        let by_did = task
+            .assignee_did
+            .as_deref()
+            .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+            .unwrap_or(assignee_did.as_str())
+            .to_string();
         let _ = tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
             task_id: id,
             old_status: "pending".to_string(),
             new_status: "claimed".to_string(),
-            by_did: assignee_did,
+            by_did,
             at: Utc::now().to_rfc3339(),
         });
         Ok(AgentTaskType::from(task))
     }
 
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn complete_task(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -110,15 +152,24 @@ impl MutationRoot {
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?
             .ok_or_else(|| async_graphql::Error::new("task not found"))?;
-        if !crate::api::did_matches(caller, existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()) {
+        if !crate::api::did_matches(
+            caller,
+            crate::db::trim_assignee_did(existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
+        ) {
             return Err(async_graphql::Error::new(
                 "only the task assignee can complete it",
             ));
         }
         let task = db
-            .finish_task(&id, "completed", input.result.as_deref())
+            .finish_task(&id, "completed", input.result.as_deref(), caller)
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+        let by_did = task
+            .assignee_did
+            .as_deref()
+            .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+            .unwrap_or(by_did.as_str())
+            .to_string();
         let _ = tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
             task_id: id,
             old_status: "claimed".to_string(),
@@ -129,6 +180,7 @@ impl MutationRoot {
         Ok(AgentTaskType::from(task))
     }
 
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn fail_task(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -151,16 +203,25 @@ impl MutationRoot {
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?
             .ok_or_else(|| async_graphql::Error::new("task not found"))?;
-        if !crate::api::did_matches(caller, existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()) {
+        if !crate::api::did_matches(
+            caller,
+            crate::db::trim_assignee_did(existing.assignee_did.as_deref().unwrap_or_default()),
+        ) {
             return Err(async_graphql::Error::new(
                 "only the task assignee can fail it",
             ));
         }
         let reason = input.reason.unwrap_or_default();
         let task = db
-            .finish_task(&id, "failed", Some(&reason))
+            .finish_task(&id, "failed", Some(&reason), caller)
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+        let by_did = task
+            .assignee_did
+            .as_deref()
+            .map(crate::db::trim_assignee_did)
+            .unwrap_or(by_did.as_str())
+            .to_string();
         let _ = tx.send(TaskEventBroadcast {
             task_id: id,
             old_status: "claimed".to_string(),
@@ -186,57 +247,94 @@ mod tests {
             .join("; ")
     }
 
-    /// N2: GraphQL mutations require a verified signer and bind the acting DID to
-    /// it. Unsigned is rejected; a signer other than the claimed actor is
+    /// The `id` scalar returned by a successful `createTask` mutation.
+    fn created_id(resp: &Response) -> String {
+        assert!(resp.errors.is_empty(), "graphql errors: {:?}", resp.errors);
+        let async_graphql::Value::Object(obj) = &resp.data else {
+            panic!("data not an object: {:?}", resp.data);
+        };
+        let async_graphql::Value::Object(task) = obj.get("createTask").expect("createTask key")
+        else {
+            panic!("createTask not an object");
+        };
+        let async_graphql::Value::String(id) = task.get("id").expect("id key") else {
+            panic!("id not a string");
+        };
+        id.clone()
+    }
+
+    /// N2: every GraphQL mutation requires a verified signer and binds the acting
+    /// DID to it. Unsigned is rejected; a signer other than the claimed actor is
     /// rejected; the matching signer passes the auth gate.
     #[sqlx::test]
-    async fn mutation_requires_and_binds_signer(pool: PgPool) {
+    async fn each_mutation_requires_and_binds_signer(pool: PgPool) {
         let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool).await;
         let schema = state.graphql_schema.as_ref();
-        let assignee = "did:key:zASSIGNEEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
-        let q = format!(
-            r#"mutation {{ claimTask(id: "no-such-task", assigneeDid: "{assignee}") {{ id }} }}"#
-        );
+        let actor = "did:key:zGQLACTORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let other = "did:key:zGQLOTHERBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB";
+        let cases: Vec<(&str, String)> = vec![
+            (
+                "createTask",
+                format!(
+                    r#"mutation {{ createTask(delegatorDid: "{actor}", input: {{ kind: "build", capability: "repo:write" }}) {{ id }} }}"#
+                ),
+            ),
+            (
+                "claimTask",
+                format!(
+                    r#"mutation {{ claimTask(id: "no-such-task", assigneeDid: "{actor}") {{ id }} }}"#
+                ),
+            ),
+            (
+                "completeTask",
+                format!(
+                    r#"mutation {{ completeTask(id: "no-such-task", byDid: "{actor}", input: {{}}) {{ id }} }}"#
+                ),
+            ),
+            (
+                "failTask",
+                format!(
+                    r#"mutation {{ failTask(id: "no-such-task", byDid: "{actor}", input: {{}}) {{ id }} }}"#
+                ),
+            ),
+        ];
 
-        // 1. Unsigned → rejected before any DB work.
-        let resp = schema.execute(Request::new(&q)).await;
-        assert!(
-            errors(&resp).contains("authentication required"),
-            "unsigned mutation must be rejected: {}",
-            errors(&resp)
-        );
+        for (name, q) in &cases {
+            let resp = schema.execute(Request::new(q.as_str())).await;
+            assert!(
+                errors(&resp).contains("authentication required"),
+                "{name}: unsigned mutation must be rejected: {}",
+                errors(&resp)
+            );
 
-        // 2. Signed as someone other than the claimed assignee → rejected.
-        let resp = schema
-            .execute(Request::new(&q).data(AuthenticatedDid(
-                "did:key:zOTHERBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB".into(),
-            )))
-            .await;
-        assert!(
-            errors(&resp).contains("authenticated signer"),
-            "DID mismatch must be rejected: {}",
-            errors(&resp)
-        );
+            let resp = schema
+                .execute(Request::new(q.as_str()).data(AuthenticatedDid(other.into())))
+                .await;
+            assert!(
+                errors(&resp).contains("authenticated signer"),
+                "{name}: DID mismatch must be rejected: {}",
+                errors(&resp)
+            );
 
-        // 3. Signed as the claimed assignee → passes the auth gate. The missing
-        //    task is a business error from claim_task, not a sqlx fault, so the
-        //    actionable message must survive (not the opaque DB string) (#250).
-        let resp = schema
-            .execute(Request::new(&q).data(AuthenticatedDid(assignee.into())))
-            .await;
-        let errs = errors(&resp);
-        assert!(
-            !errs.contains("authentication required") && !errs.contains("authenticated signer"),
-            "matching signer must pass the auth gate: {errs}"
-        );
-        assert!(
-            errs.contains("task not claimable"),
-            "claim race / missing task must keep its business message: {errs}"
-        );
-        assert!(
-            !errs.contains(crate::graphql::GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
-            "business error must not be rewritten as opaque DB error: {errs}"
-        );
+            let resp = schema
+                .execute(Request::new(q.as_str()).data(AuthenticatedDid(actor.into())))
+                .await;
+            let errs = errors(&resp);
+            assert!(
+                !errs.contains("authentication required") && !errs.contains("authenticated signer"),
+                "{name}: matching signer must pass the auth gate: {errs}"
+            );
+            if *name == "claimTask" {
+                assert!(
+                    errs.contains("task not claimable"),
+                    "claim race / missing task must keep its business message: {errs}"
+                );
+                assert!(
+                    !errs.contains(crate::graphql::GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+                    "business error must not be rewritten as opaque DB error: {errs}"
+                );
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     /// #250: mutation DB faults must be opaque; create_task hits agent_tasks.
@@ -332,4 +430,339 @@ mod tests {
             errors(&resp)
         );
     }
+
+    /// #496 (GraphQL): createTask applies the same repo-ownership gate as the
+    /// REST handler — a stranger naming a hosted repo is rejected without
+    /// persisting anything, while the owner files. The quarantined and
+    /// unknown-id arms are pinned too, including that each accepted write
+    /// stores the supplied id verbatim, so this copy of the gate cannot regress
+    /// silently.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn create_task_rejects_foreign_repo_id(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool).await;
+        let owner = "did:key:zGQLTASKOWNERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let stranger = "did:key:zGQLTASKSTRANGERBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB";
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now();
+        let repo = crate::db::RepoRecord {
+            id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4().to_string(),
+            name: "gql-task-gate-repo".to_string(),
+            owner_did: owner.to_string(),
+            description: None,
+            is_public: true,
+            default_branch: "main".to_string(),
+            created_at: now,
+            updated_at: now,
+            disk_path: "/tmp/gql-task-gate-repo".to_string(),
+            forked_from: None,
+            machine_id: None,
+        };
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        let schema = state.graphql_schema.as_ref();
+
+        let q = |actor: &str| {
+            format!(
+                r#"mutation {{ createTask(delegatorDid: "{actor}", input: {{ kind: "build", capability: "repo:write", repoId: "{}" }}) {{ id }} }}"#,
+                repo.id
+            )
+        };
+
+        // Stranger signs as themselves (so the signer binding passes) but
+        // names the victim's repo → rejected by the ownership gate, leaking
+        // nothing about the repo.
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q(stranger)).data(AuthenticatedDid(stranger.into())))
+            .await;
+        let errs = errors(&resp);
+        assert!(
+            errs.contains(crate::api::REPO_OWNER_ONLY_MESSAGE),
+            "a non-owner must not file under a foreign repo id (shared denial text): {errs}"
+        );
+
+        // The denial must not persist: no task row may carry the victim's
+        // repo id afterwards.
+        let stored = state
+            .db
+            .list_tasks(None, None, 50)
+            .await
+            .expect("list tasks");
+        assert!(
+            stored
+                .iter()
+                .all(|t| t.repo_id.as_deref() != Some(repo.id.as_str())),
+            "a denied write must not leave a task under the foreign repo id"
+        );
+
+        // The owner files under their own repo id.
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q(owner)).data(AuthenticatedDid(owner.into())))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            errors(&resp).is_empty(),
+            "the owner should file against their repo: {}",
+            errors(&resp)
+        );
+
+        // Unknown repo ids stay accepted as opaque labels.
+        let q_unknown = format!(
+            r#"mutation {{ createTask(delegatorDid: "{stranger}", input: {{ kind: "build", capability: "repo:write", repoId: "no-such-repo-id" }}) {{ id }} }}"#
+        );
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q_unknown).data(AuthenticatedDid(stranger.into())))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            errors(&resp).is_empty(),
+            "an id naming no hosted repo stays an opaque label: {}",
+            errors(&resp)
+        );
+        // Read back the row: the unresolved id must be stored verbatim, not
+        // dropped or rewritten to a repo it never named.
+        let stored = state
+            .db
+            .get_task(&created_id(&resp))
+            .await
+            .expect("get task")
+            .expect("task must be stored");
+        assert_eq!(
+            stored.repo_id.as_deref(),
+            Some("no-such-repo-id"),
+            "an unresolved id must be stored verbatim as a label"
+        );
+
+        // A quarantined repo id is treated as unknown (accepted, never a 403
+        // that would confirm the id names a real repo). This pins the
+        // `!quarantined` arm on this copy of the gate.
+        state
+            .db
+            .set_repo_quarantine(&repo.id, true)
+            .await
+            .expect("quarantine");
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q(stranger)).data(AuthenticatedDid(stranger.into())))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            errors(&resp).is_empty(),
+            "a quarantined repo id must not 403 (existence oracle): {}",
+            errors(&resp)
+        );
+        // Read back the row: the quarantined id is stored verbatim as a label
+        // too, so the accepted write is not silently dropped.
+        let stored = state
+            .db
+            .get_task(&created_id(&resp))
+            .await
+            .expect("get task")
+            .expect("task must be stored");
+        assert_eq!(
+            stored.repo_id.as_deref(),
+            Some(repo.id.as_str()),
+            "a quarantined id must be stored verbatim as a label"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// #496 (GraphQL): a repo-lookup fault in createTask's gate must stay
+    /// opaque. Dropping a column `get_repo_by_id` selects faults that lookup;
+    /// the resolver must return the fixed DB message and leak no schema text
+    /// (#250), as `create_task_db_error_message_is_opaque` pins for the
+    /// agent_tasks fault.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn create_task_gate_repo_lookup_fault_is_opaque(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool.clone()).await;
+        let owner = "did:key:zGQLTASKFAULTOWNERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now();
+        let repo = crate::db::RepoRecord {
+            id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4().to_string(),
+            name: "gql-task-gate-fault-repo".to_string(),
+            owner_did: owner.to_string(),
+            description: None,
+            is_public: true,
+            default_branch: "main".to_string(),
+            created_at: now,
+            updated_at: now,
+            disk_path: "/tmp/gql-task-gate-fault-repo".to_string(),
+            forked_from: None,
+            machine_id: None,
+        };
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+
+        sqlx::query("ALTER TABLE repos DROP COLUMN machine_id")
+            .execute(&pool)
+            .await
+            .expect("drop machine_id");
+
+        let q = format!(
+            r#"mutation {{ createTask(delegatorDid: "{owner}", input: {{ kind: "build", capability: "repo:write", repoId: "{}" }}) {{ id }} }}"#,
+            repo.id
+        );
+        let resp = state
+            .graphql_schema
+            .execute(Request::new(&q).data(AuthenticatedDid(owner.into())))
+            .await;
+        let errs = errors(&resp);
+        assert!(
+            errs.contains(crate::graphql::GRAPHQL_DB_ERROR_MESSAGE),
+            "gate sqlx fault must be opaque: {errs}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !errs.contains("machine_id") && !errs.contains("column"),
+            "schema text leaked through the gate: {errs}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Pre-assigned GraphQL claimTask must reject a stranger (no UCAN leak)
+    /// and admit the reserved assignee.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn claim_task_honors_preassigned_assignee(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool).await;
+        let reserved = "did:key:zGQLRESERVEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let thief = "did:key:zGQLTHIEFBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBBB";
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
+        let task = crate::db::AgentTask {
+            id: "task-gql-reserved".into(),
+            repo_id: None,
+            kind: "build".into(),
+            status: "pending".into(),
+            delegator_did: "did:key:zGQLDELEGATORCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCCC".into(),
+            assignee_did: Some(reserved.into()),
+            capability: "repo:write".into(),
+            ucan_token: Some("gql-ucan-secret".into()),
+            payload: None,
+            result: None,
+            created_at: now.clone(),
+            updated_at: now,
+            deadline: None,
+        };
+        state.db.create_task(&task).await.expect("seed");
+        let schema = state.graphql_schema.as_ref();
+
+        let q = |actor: &str| {
+            format!(
+                r#"mutation {{ claimTask(id: "task-gql-reserved", assigneeDid: "{actor}") {{ id status ucanToken }} }}"#
+            )
+        };
+
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q(thief)).data(AuthenticatedDid(thief.into())))
+            .await;
+        let errs = errors(&resp);
+        assert!(
+            errs.contains("reserved"),
+            "stranger claim must surface reserved deny distinctly: {errs}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !errs.contains("gql-ucan-secret"),
+            "UCAN must not leak in GraphQL errors: {errs}"
+        );
+        if let Ok(data) = resp.data.into_json() {
+            let s = data.to_string();
+            assert!(
+                !s.contains("gql-ucan-secret"),
+                "UCAN must not leak in GraphQL data on failed claim: {s}"
+            );
+        }
+        // Parity with REST: failed steal must leave the row untouched.
+        let still = state
+            .db
+            .get_task("task-gql-reserved")
+            .await
+            .expect("get")
+            .expect("task exists");
+        assert_eq!(
+            still.status, "pending",
+            "status must stay pending after steal"
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            still.assignee_did.as_deref(),
+            Some(reserved),
+            "assignee_did must stay reserved after steal"
+        );
+
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q(reserved)).data(AuthenticatedDid(reserved.into())))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            errors(&resp).is_empty(),
+            "reserved assignee must claim: {}",
+            errors(&resp)
+        );
+        let data = resp.data.into_json().expect("json data");
+        assert_eq!(data["claimTask"]["status"], "claimed");
+        assert_eq!(data["claimTask"]["ucanToken"], "gql-ucan-secret");
+    }
+
+    /// create_task normalizes a whitespace-only assignee to NULL (open task),
+    /// so the create response must show the stored row, not echo the input: a
+    /// client trusting the echoed "reservation" would believe a claimable task
+    /// is reserved. Before the fix the response was built from the pre-insert
+    /// struct and returned the padded input verbatim.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn create_task_reports_stored_assignee_not_input(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool).await;
+        let caller = "did:key:zGQLCREATORAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let schema = state.graphql_schema.as_ref();
+        let q = format!(
+            r#"mutation {{ createTask(delegatorDid: "{caller}", input: {{ kind: "build", capability: "repo:write", assigneeDid: "   " }}) {{ id assigneeDid }} }}"#
+        );
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(q).data(AuthenticatedDid(caller.into())))
+            .await;
+        let data = resp.data.into_json().expect("json data");
+        assert!(
+            data["createTask"]["assigneeDid"].is_null(),
+            "whitespace-only assigneeDid must come back null (stored shape): {data}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A task seeded with a whitespace-padded assignee must still be
+    /// completable by that assignee over GraphQL: REST and Db::finish_task
+    /// trim the stored value before comparing, and the GraphQL gate must do
+    /// the same or padded reservations finish only through REST.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn graphql_finish_accepts_padded_stored_assignee(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = crate::test_support::test_state(pool).await;
+        let assignee = "did:key:zGQLPADDEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
+        let task = crate::db::AgentTask {
+            id: "task-gql-padded".into(),
+            repo_id: None,
+            kind: "build".into(),
+            status: "pending".into(),
+            delegator_did: "did:key:zGQLDELEGATORDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD".into(),
+            assignee_did: Some(format!("\t{assignee}\n")),
+            capability: "repo:write".into(),
+            ucan_token: None,
+            payload: None,
+            result: None,
+            created_at: now.clone(),
+            updated_at: now,
+            deadline: None,
+        };
+        state.db.create_task(&task).await.expect("seed");
+        let schema = state.graphql_schema.as_ref();
+
+        let claim = format!(
+            r#"mutation {{ claimTask(id: "task-gql-padded", assigneeDid: "{assignee}") {{ id status }} }}"#
+        );
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(claim).data(AuthenticatedDid(assignee.into())))
+            .await;
+        assert!(
+            errors(&resp).is_empty(),
+            "reserved assignee must claim a padded reservation: {}",
+            errors(&resp)
+        );
+
+        let finish = format!(
+            r#"mutation {{ completeTask(id: "task-gql-padded", byDid: "{assignee}", input: {{}}) {{ id status }} }}"#
+        );
+        let resp = schema
+            .execute(Request::new(finish).data(AuthenticatedDid(assignee.into())))
+            .await;
+        let errs = errors(&resp);
+        assert!(
+            errs.is_empty(),
+            "assignee must complete a padded reservation: {errs}"
+        );
+        let data = resp.data.into_json().expect("json data");
+        assert_eq!(data["completeTask"]["status"], "completed");
+    }
 }

crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/query.rs

@@ -1,57 +1,154 @@
 use async_graphql::{Context, Object, Result};
+use base64::{engine::general_purpose::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD, Engine};
 use std::sync::Arc;
 
-use crate::db::Db;
+use crate::api::events::MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES;
+use crate::db::{Db, RepoRecord, MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE, MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE};
 
-use super::types::{AgentTaskType, RefUpdateType, RepoType};
+use super::types::{AgentTaskType, RefUpdateType, RepoPageType, RepoType};
+
+fn repo_type(repo: RepoRecord) -> RepoType {
+    RepoType {
+        name: repo.name,
+        owner_did: repo.owner_did,
+        description: repo.description,
+        default_branch: repo.default_branch,
+        created_at: repo.created_at.to_rfc3339(),
+    }
+}
+
+fn repo_cursor(repo: &RepoRecord) -> String {
+    URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.encode(
+        serde_json::to_vec(&(&repo.owner_did, &repo.name))
+            .expect("a pair of strings is JSON serializable"),
+    )
+}
+
+fn parse_repo_cursor(cursor: &str) -> Result<(String, String)> {
+    // A position contains only public response fields, not a database id or
+    // authority. Every page re-evaluates visibility for the current caller.
+    if cursor.len() > 4096 {
+        return Err(async_graphql::Error::new("invalid repository cursor"));
+    }
+    let bytes = URL_SAFE_NO_PAD
+        .decode(cursor)
+        .map_err(|_| async_graphql::Error::new("invalid repository cursor"))?;
+    let position: (String, String) = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes)
+        .map_err(|_| async_graphql::Error::new("invalid repository cursor"))?;
+    // PostgreSQL text cannot contain NUL. Reject it as malformed input before
+    // binding either cursor component, rather than reporting a database error.
+    if position.0.contains('\0') || position.1.contains('\0') {
+        return Err(async_graphql::Error::new("invalid repository cursor"));
+    }
+    Ok(position)
+}
 
 pub struct QueryRoot;
 
 #[Object]
 impl QueryRoot {
+    // DB-backed roots carry a base cost so aliases consume the request budget
+    // even when each alias selects only one inexpensive response field.
+    // `repos` performs the same full corpus scan as a max-size `reposPage`
+    // (list_visible_repos_page with MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + 1), so it
+    // is priced as the full page it is, not as a cheap alias.
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + child_complexity")]
+    /// Complete visible repository list, up to the documented maximum number
+    /// of entries. Larger lists must use reposPage; this field returns an
+    /// error instead of truncating silently.
     async fn repos(&self, ctx: &Context<'_>) -> Result<Vec<RepoType>> {
         let db = ctx.data_unchecked::<Arc<Db>>();
-        let repos = db
-            .list_all_repos_deduped()
-            .await
-            .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
-
-        // Apply the same "/" visibility gate the REST/per-repo endpoints use so
-        // this surface does not enumerate private repos (#97). The caller DID is
-        // threaded onto the context by optional_signature; absent = anonymous.
         let caller = ctx
             .data::<crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid>()
             .ok()
             .map(|d| d.0.as_str());
-        let ids: Vec<String> = repos.iter().map(|r| r.id.clone()).collect();
-        let rules_by_repo = db
-            .list_visibility_rules_for_repos(&ids)
+        let mut repos = db
+            .list_visible_repos_page(caller, None, MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + 1)
             .await
             .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
-
-        Ok(repos
-            .into_iter()
-            .filter(|r| {
-                let rules = rules_by_repo.get(&r.id).map(Vec::as_slice).unwrap_or(&[]);
-                crate::visibility::listable_at_root(rules, r.is_public, &r.owner_did, caller)
-            })
-            .map(|r| RepoType {
-                name: r.name,
-                owner_did: r.owner_did,
-                description: r.description,
-                default_branch: r.default_branch,
-                created_at: r.created_at.to_rfc3339(),
-            })
-            .collect())
+        if repos.len() > MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE {
+            return Err(async_graphql::Error::new(format!(
+                "repository list exceeds {} entries; use reposPage with limit and after",
+                MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE
+            )));
+        }
+        // Preserve the legacy activity ordering for complete, small lists.
+        repos.sort_by_key(|repo| std::cmp::Reverse(repo.updated_at));
+        Ok(repos.into_iter().map(repo_type).collect())
     }
 
+    /// Bounded visible repositories ordered by owner and name. Continue with
+    /// endCursor while hasNextPage is true. Pages are not a database snapshot.
+    // Every page sorts the full deduplicated corpus under COLLATE "C"
+    // (list_visible_repos_page documents the accepted O(total repos) bound),
+    // so the price charges the scan, not the emitted rows: a limit:1 page
+    // costs the same as a max-size page, the way `repos` is priced.
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + child_complexity")]
+    async fn repos_page(
+        &self,
+        ctx: &Context<'_>,
+        #[graphql(
+            default = 50,
+            desc = "Page size from 1 to the documented maximum; other values are rejected."
+        )]
+        limit: i64,
+        after: Option<String>,
+    ) -> Result<RepoPageType> {
+        if !(1..=MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE as i64).contains(&limit) {
+            return Err(async_graphql::Error::new(format!(
+                "limit must be between 1 and {}",
+                MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE
+            )));
+        }
+        let after = after.as_deref().map(parse_repo_cursor).transpose()?;
+        let caller = ctx
+            .data::<crate::auth::AuthenticatedDid>()
+            .ok()
+            .map(|d| d.0.as_str());
+        let db = ctx.data_unchecked::<Arc<Db>>();
+        let mut repos = db
+            .list_visible_repos_page(
+                caller,
+                after
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .map(|(owner, name)| (owner.as_str(), name.as_str())),
+                limit as usize + 1,
+            )
+            .await
+            .map_err(crate::graphql::graphql_db_err)?;
+        let has_next_page = repos.len() > limit as usize;
+        repos.truncate(limit as usize);
+        let end_cursor = repos.last().map(repo_cursor);
+        Ok(RepoPageType {
+            nodes: repos.into_iter().map(repo_type).collect(),
+            has_next_page,
+            end_cursor,
+        })
+    }
+
+    // Complexity is additive with a base reflecting the collector's fixed scan:
+    // every request loads the full deduped repo set, the quarantined set, and
+    // the visibility rules, then walks up to max(limit, 2048) event rows past
+    // withheld ones, regardless of `limit`. A multiplicative price both
+    // undercharged limit:1 (51 for that fixed work) and made a request at the
+    // documented maximum unreachable (two fields at max limit cost 450 > 400).
+    //
+    // Decision on the collector floor (review #465, 3rd round): the up-to-2048
+    // walk is bounded constant overhead that does not scale with `limit`, so
+    // it is priced in the fixed base, not the limit term; the limit term
+    // prices only the emitted rows. Pricing the walk at face value in the base
+    // would put every refUpdates query over the 400 budget and make the field
+    // unusable, so the base prices that fixed scan as a lump sum instead.
+    #[graphql(
+        complexity = "100 + (limit.clamp(0, MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES) as usize) + child_complexity"
+    )]
     async fn ref_updates(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
         repo: Option<String>,
         #[graphql(
             default = 20,
-            desc = "Max 200; larger requests return the newest 200 rows (no continuation cursor)."
+            desc = "Requests above the documented maximum return the newest rows up to that maximum (no continuation cursor)."
         )]
         limit: i64,
     ) -> Result<Vec<RefUpdateType>> {
@@ -105,6 +202,14 @@ impl QueryRoot {
         Ok(resolved)
     }
 
+    // Complexity is additive: list_tasks is a single LIMIT-bounded query whose
+    // cost does not scale with the selected fields, so the price is the base
+    // plus the clamped limit plus the child fields. A multiplicative price
+    // made a request at the documented maximum unreachable (two fields at max
+    // limit cost 450 > 400).
+    #[graphql(
+        complexity = "50 + (limit.clamp(0, MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE) as usize) + child_complexity"
+    )]
     async fn tasks(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -112,7 +217,7 @@ impl QueryRoot {
         assignee_did: Option<String>,
         #[graphql(
             default = 50,
-            desc = "Max 200; larger requests are clamped to 200 (no error). Negative values clamp to 0."
+            desc = "Requests above the documented maximum are clamped to it (no error). Negative values clamp to 0."
         )]
         limit: i64,
     ) -> Result<Vec<AgentTaskType>> {
@@ -120,7 +225,7 @@ impl QueryRoot {
         // Clamp before SQL: a negative LIMIT is a client fault that Postgres
         // rejects with 2201W, which would otherwise trip the opaque DB path
         // and write an error-level log on every probe (#250 review).
-        let limit = limit.clamp(0, 200);
+        let limit = limit.clamp(0, MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE);
         let tasks = db
             .list_tasks(status.as_deref(), assignee_did.as_deref(), limit)
             .await
@@ -128,6 +233,7 @@ impl QueryRoot {
         Ok(tasks.into_iter().map(AgentTaskType::from).collect())
     }
 
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn task(&self, ctx: &Context<'_>, id: String) -> Result<Option<AgentTaskType>> {
         let db = ctx.data_unchecked::<Arc<Db>>();
         let t = db
@@ -141,12 +247,642 @@ impl QueryRoot {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use crate::db::{Db, ReceivedRefUpdate, RepoRecord};
+    use base64::Engine;
     use chrono::Utc;
     use sqlx::PgPool;
     use std::sync::Arc;
 
     const OWNER: &str = "did:key:z6MkOwner";
 
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_legacy_rejects_overflow_and_pages_reach_every_visible_repo(pool: PgPool) {
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let total = crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + 5;
+        for index in 0..total {
+            let name = format!("repo-{index:03}");
+            db.create_repo(&repo(&name, OWNER, &name, true))
+                .await
+                .unwrap();
+        }
+        // The SQL helper itself must bound materialization, even for a caller
+        // accidentally requesting an unlimited page.
+        assert_eq!(
+            db.list_visible_repos_page(None, None, usize::MAX)
+                .await
+                .unwrap()
+                .len(),
+            crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + 1
+        );
+        let schema = schema(db);
+        let legacy = anon(&schema, "{ repos { name } }").await;
+        assert_eq!(legacy.errors.len(), 1);
+        assert!(legacy.errors[0].message.contains("use reposPage"));
+        assert_eq!(legacy.data, async_graphql::Value::Null);
+
+        let mut cursor = None;
+        let mut names = Vec::new();
+        loop {
+            let response = schema.execute(
+                async_graphql::Request::new(
+                    "query($after: String) { reposPage(limit: 50, after: $after) { nodes { name } hasNextPage endCursor } }",
+                ).variables(async_graphql::Variables::from_json(serde_json::json!({"after": cursor}))),
+            ).await;
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+            let json = response.data.into_json().unwrap();
+            let page = &json["reposPage"];
+            let rows = page["nodes"].as_array().unwrap();
+            assert!(rows.len() <= 50);
+            names.extend(
+                rows.iter()
+                    .map(|row| row["name"].as_str().unwrap().to_owned()),
+            );
+            if !page["hasNextPage"].as_bool().unwrap() {
+                break;
+            }
+            let next = page["endCursor"].as_str().unwrap().to_owned();
+            assert_ne!(cursor.as_ref(), Some(&next));
+            cursor = Some(next);
+            assert!(names.len() <= crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE);
+        }
+        assert_eq!(
+            names,
+            (0..total)
+                .map(|index| format!("repo-{index:03}"))
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>()
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_legacy_accepts_exactly_the_visible_bound(pool: PgPool) {
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let base_time = Utc::now();
+        let total = crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE;
+        for index in 0..total {
+            let name = format!("repo-{index:03}");
+            let mut r = repo(&name, OWNER, &name, true);
+            // Anti-correlate updated_at with name, creation order, and index
+            // so only ordering by updated_at DESC can satisfy the expectation.
+            let offset = (index * 37) % total;
+            r.updated_at = base_time + chrono::Duration::seconds(offset as i64);
+            db.create_repo(&r).await.unwrap();
+        }
+        db.create_repo(&repo("hidden", OWNER, "hidden", false))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let response = anon(&schema(db), "{ repos { name } }").await;
+        assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+        let repos = response.data.into_json().unwrap()["repos"]
+            .as_array()
+            .unwrap()
+            .clone();
+        assert_eq!(repos.len(), total);
+        let names: Vec<_> = repos.iter().filter_map(|r| r["name"].as_str()).collect();
+        assert!(
+            !names.contains(&"hidden"),
+            "hidden repo must be excluded from legacy repos response"
+        );
+        let mut expected_indices = (0..total).collect::<Vec<_>>();
+        expected_indices.sort_by_key(|&idx| std::cmp::Reverse((idx * 37) % total));
+        let expected_names: Vec<String> = expected_indices
+            .into_iter()
+            .map(|index| format!("repo-{index:03}"))
+            .collect();
+        assert_eq!(
+            names,
+            expected_names
+                .iter()
+                .map(|s| s.as_str())
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>(),
+            "legacy repos must retain activity ordering (most recently updated first)"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_page_pagination_crosses_owner_boundary(pool: PgPool) {
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let owner1 = "did:key:z6MkaOwner1";
+        let owner2 = "did:key:z6MkbOwner2";
+        let earlier_owner = "did:web:example.com";
+        // This owner sorts first only after did:key normalization. Its name
+        // sorts past the first cursor, so an unqualified OR name predicate
+        // would incorrectly serve it again on the next page.
+        //
+        // Rows are inserted out of order and not in reverse asserted order.
+        // Assigned IDs do not track name order, and owner2 contains both
+        // "B-repo" and "a-repo" whose byte order (B < a) differs from their
+        // case-folded order (a < b), ensuring lower(d.name) cannot satisfy
+        // the keyset query. Sized to 6 entries so the last page is full-sized
+        // (limit 2), proving hasNextPage distinguishes a full terminal page.
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r5", owner2, "c-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r9", earlier_owner, "zz-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r3", owner2, "B-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r8", owner1, "z-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r2", owner1, "b-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r1", owner2, "a-repo", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let schema = schema(db);
+        let page1_resp = anon(
+            &schema,
+            "{ reposPage(limit: 2) { nodes { name ownerDid } hasNextPage endCursor } }",
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(page1_resp.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", page1_resp.errors);
+        let p1 = page1_resp.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"].clone();
+        assert_eq!(p1["hasNextPage"], true);
+        assert_eq!(
+            p1["nodes"],
+            serde_json::json!([
+                {"name": "zz-repo", "ownerDid": earlier_owner},
+                {"name": "b-repo", "ownerDid": owner1},
+            ])
+        );
+        let cursor = p1["endCursor"].as_str().unwrap();
+
+        let page2_query = format!(
+            "{{ reposPage(limit: 2, after: \"{cursor}\") {{ nodes {{ name ownerDid }} hasNextPage endCursor }} }}"
+        );
+        let page2_resp = anon(&schema, &page2_query).await;
+        assert!(page2_resp.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", page2_resp.errors);
+        let p2 = page2_resp.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"].clone();
+        assert_eq!(p2["hasNextPage"], true);
+        assert_eq!(
+            p2["nodes"],
+            serde_json::json!([
+                {"name": "z-repo", "ownerDid": owner1},
+                {"name": "B-repo", "ownerDid": owner2},
+            ])
+        );
+        let cursor = p2["endCursor"].as_str().unwrap();
+        let page3_query = format!(
+            "{{ reposPage(limit: 2, after: \"{cursor}\") {{ nodes {{ name ownerDid }} hasNextPage endCursor }} }}"
+        );
+        let page3_resp = anon(&schema, &page3_query).await;
+        assert!(page3_resp.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", page3_resp.errors);
+        let p3 = page3_resp.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"].clone();
+        assert_eq!(p3["hasNextPage"], false);
+        assert_eq!(
+            p3["nodes"],
+            serde_json::json!([
+                {"name": "a-repo", "ownerDid": owner2},
+                {"name": "c-repo", "ownerDid": owner2},
+            ])
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_page_at_documented_maximum_distinguishes_terminal_page(pool: PgPool) {
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let total = crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE;
+        for index in 0..total {
+            let name = format!("repo-{index:03}");
+            db.create_repo(&repo(&name, OWNER, &name, true))
+                .await
+                .unwrap();
+        }
+        let schema = schema(db.clone());
+        let query =
+            format!("{{ reposPage(limit: {total}) {{ nodes {{ name }} hasNextPage endCursor }} }}");
+        let resp200 = anon(&schema, &query).await;
+        assert!(resp200.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", resp200.errors);
+        let p200 = resp200.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"].clone();
+        assert_eq!(p200["hasNextPage"], false);
+        let nodes200 = p200["nodes"].as_array().unwrap().clone();
+        assert_eq!(nodes200.len(), total);
+
+        // Adding row 201 keeps page 1 content identical while flipping hasNextPage to true.
+        let name201 = format!("repo-{total:03}");
+        db.create_repo(&repo(&name201, OWNER, &name201, true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let resp201 = anon(&schema, &query).await;
+        assert!(resp201.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", resp201.errors);
+        let p201 = resp201.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"].clone();
+        assert_eq!(p201["hasNextPage"], true);
+        assert_eq!(p201["nodes"], p200["nodes"]);
+        assert_eq!(p201["endCursor"], p200["endCursor"]);
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_page_visibility_matches_the_shared_gate(pool: PgPool) {
+        use crate::db::VisibilityMode;
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let reader = "did:key:zReader";
+        for (id, public) in [
+            ("open", true),
+            ("private", false),
+            ("root-deny", true),
+            ("root-reader", false),
+            ("subtree", true),
+            ("root-tie", true),
+            ("odd-star", true),
+            ("malformed-readers", true),
+            ("non-array-readers", true),
+            ("non-string-reader", true),
+            ("quarantined", true),
+        ] {
+            db.create_repo(&repo(id, OWNER, id, public)).await.unwrap();
+        }
+        // Canonical and mirror copies must still collapse before pagination.
+        db.create_repo(&repo("z6MkOwner/open", "z6MkOwner", "open", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo(
+            "other-method",
+            "did:web:z6MkOwner",
+            "other-method",
+            false,
+        ))
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+        db.set_repo_quarantine("quarantined", true).await.unwrap();
+        for (id, glob, readers) in [
+            ("root-deny", "/", vec![]),
+            ("root-reader", "/**", vec![reader.to_owned()]),
+            ("subtree", "/secret/**", vec![]),
+            ("root-tie", "/", vec![reader.to_owned()]),
+            ("root-tie", "/**", vec![]),
+            ("odd-star", "/*", vec![]),
+            ("malformed-readers", "/", vec![]),
+            ("non-array-readers", "/", vec![]),
+            ("non-string-reader", "/", vec![]),
+        ] {
+            db.set_visibility_rule(id, glob, VisibilityMode::B, &readers, OWNER)
+                .await
+                .unwrap();
+        }
+        // The typed setter cannot create malformed JSON, but existing TEXT rows
+        // can contain it. Such a rule must deny this repo, not abort the page.
+        // All three deny arms of the reader_dids predicate are pinned here:
+        // (a) invalid JSON, (b) valid JSON that is not an array, (c) an array
+        // containing a non-string member. The Rust gate parses reader_dids as
+        // Vec<String> with unwrap_or_default(), so (b) and (c) also fail to
+        // parse and deny; the SQL CASE must agree on every shape.
+        let rows = sqlx::query("UPDATE visibility_rules SET reader_dids = $1 WHERE repo_id = $2")
+            .bind("not JSON")
+            .bind("malformed-readers")
+            .execute(db.pool())
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(rows.rows_affected(), 1);
+        let rows = sqlx::query("UPDATE visibility_rules SET reader_dids = $1 WHERE repo_id = $2")
+            .bind("\"just-a-string\"")
+            .bind("non-array-readers")
+            .execute(db.pool())
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(rows.rows_affected(), 1);
+        // The named reader is listed, but the non-string member poisons the
+        // whole list: both sides must still deny them.
+        let rows = sqlx::query("UPDATE visibility_rules SET reader_dids = $1 WHERE repo_id = $2")
+            .bind("[\"did:key:zReader\", 42]")
+            .bind("non-string-reader")
+            .execute(db.pool())
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(rows.rows_affected(), 1);
+        let all = db.list_all_repos_deduped().await.unwrap();
+        for caller in [
+            None,
+            Some(OWNER),
+            Some("z6MkOwner"),
+            Some(reader),
+            Some("zReader"),
+            Some("did:web:z6MkOwner"),
+        ] {
+            let mut expected = Vec::new();
+            for record in &all {
+                let rules = db.list_visibility_rules(&record.id).await.unwrap();
+                if crate::visibility::listable_at_root(
+                    &rules,
+                    record.is_public,
+                    &record.owner_did,
+                    caller,
+                ) {
+                    expected.push(record.id.clone());
+                }
+            }
+            expected.sort();
+            let mut actual = db
+                .list_visible_repos_page(caller, None, usize::MAX)
+                .await
+                .unwrap()
+                .into_iter()
+                .map(|record| record.id)
+                .collect::<Vec<_>>();
+            actual.sort();
+            assert_eq!(actual, expected, "caller {caller:?}");
+        }
+        let schema = schema(db);
+        for caller in [None, Some("did:key:zUnauthorized")] {
+            let query = "{ repos { name } }";
+            let response = match caller {
+                None => anon(&schema, query).await,
+                Some(caller) => authed(&schema, query, caller).await,
+            };
+            assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+            let mut names: Vec<String> = response.data.into_json().unwrap()["repos"]
+                .as_array()
+                .unwrap()
+                .iter()
+                .map(|repo| repo["name"].as_str().unwrap().to_owned())
+                .collect();
+            names.sort();
+            assert_eq!(names, ["odd-star", "open", "subtree"]);
+        }
+        let query = "{ reposPage(limit: 1) { nodes { name ownerDid } hasNextPage endCursor } }";
+        let response = anon(&schema, query).await;
+        assert!(response.errors.is_empty(), "{:?}", response.errors);
+        let json = response.data.into_json().unwrap();
+        let page = &json["reposPage"];
+        assert_eq!(
+            page["nodes"],
+            serde_json::json!([{"name": "odd-star", "ownerDid": OWNER}])
+        );
+        assert_eq!(page["hasNextPage"], true);
+        let cursor = super::parse_repo_cursor(page["endCursor"].as_str().unwrap()).unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(cursor, (OWNER.to_owned(), "odd-star".to_owned()));
+        assert!(!json.to_string().contains("private"));
+        assert!(!json.to_string().contains("quarantined"));
+
+        // Route-level check with unauthorized authenticated caller:
+        // Excludes private, quarantined, and root-deny repos, matching anonymous behavior.
+        let all_query = "{ reposPage(limit: 50) { nodes { name } hasNextPage } }";
+        let unauth_response = authed(&schema, all_query, "did:key:zUnauthorized").await;
+        assert!(
+            unauth_response.errors.is_empty(),
+            "{:?}",
+            unauth_response.errors
+        );
+        let unauth_json = unauth_response.data.into_json().unwrap();
+        let unauth_names: Vec<&str> = unauth_json["reposPage"]["nodes"]
+            .as_array()
+            .unwrap()
+            .iter()
+            .filter_map(|n| n["name"].as_str())
+            .collect();
+        assert_eq!(unauth_names, vec!["odd-star", "open", "subtree"]);
+        let unauth_str = unauth_json.to_string();
+        assert!(!unauth_str.contains("private"));
+        assert!(!unauth_str.contains("quarantined"));
+        assert!(!unauth_str.contains("root-deny"));
+        assert!(!unauth_str.contains("root-reader"));
+        assert!(!unauth_str.contains("root-tie"));
+
+        // Reader caller gets root-reader and root-tie, but still excludes private, quarantined, root-deny.
+        let reader_response = authed(&schema, all_query, reader).await;
+        assert!(
+            reader_response.errors.is_empty(),
+            "{:?}",
+            reader_response.errors
+        );
+        let reader_json = reader_response.data.into_json().unwrap();
+        let reader_names: Vec<&str> = reader_json["reposPage"]["nodes"]
+            .as_array()
+            .unwrap()
+            .iter()
+            .filter_map(|n| n["name"].as_str())
+            .collect();
+        assert_eq!(
+            reader_names,
+            vec!["odd-star", "open", "root-reader", "subtree"]
+        );
+        let reader_str = reader_json.to_string();
+        assert!(!reader_str.contains("private"));
+        assert!(!reader_str.contains("quarantined"));
+        assert!(!reader_str.contains("root-deny"));
+        assert!(!reader_str.contains("root-tie"));
+    }
+
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn repos_page_rechecks_cursor_authority_and_exact_boundary(pool: PgPool) {
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        let visible = repo("visible", OWNER, "a-visible", true);
+        db.create_repo(&visible).await.unwrap();
+        db.create_repo(&repo("hidden", OWNER, "z-private", false))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let schema = schema(db);
+        let first = anon(
+            &schema,
+            "{ reposPage(limit: 1) { nodes { name } hasNextPage endCursor } }",
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(first.errors.is_empty());
+        let first = first.data.into_json().unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(first["reposPage"]["hasNextPage"], false);
+        let query = format!(
+            "{{ reposPage(limit: 1, after: \"{}\") {{ nodes {{ name }} hasNextPage endCursor }} }}",
+            super::repo_cursor(&visible)
+        );
+        let owner = authed(&schema, &query, OWNER).await;
+        assert!(owner.errors.is_empty());
+        assert_eq!(
+            owner.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"]["nodes"][0]["name"],
+            "z-private"
+        );
+        let anon = anon(&schema, &query).await;
+        assert!(anon.errors.is_empty());
+        assert_eq!(
+            anon.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"],
+            serde_json::json!({
+                "nodes": [], "hasNextPage": false, "endCursor": null
+            })
+        );
+        let unauth = authed(&schema, &query, "did:key:zUnauthorized").await;
+        assert!(unauth.errors.is_empty());
+        assert_eq!(
+            unauth.data.into_json().unwrap()["reposPage"],
+            serde_json::json!({
+                "nodes": [], "hasNextPage": false, "endCursor": null
+            })
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn repos_page_rejects_nul_cursors_before_database_access() {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let schema = schema(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)));
+        for position in [("did:key:zOwner\0", "repo"), ("did:key:zOwner", "repo\0")] {
+            let cursor = super::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.encode(serde_json::to_vec(&position).unwrap());
+            let query = format!("{{ reposPage(after: \"{cursor}\") {{ hasNextPage }} }}");
+            let response =
+                tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(1), anon(&schema, &query))
+                    .await
+                    .expect("invalid cursors must be rejected without accessing the database");
+            assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+            assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "invalid repository cursor");
+            assert_eq!(response.data, async_graphql::Value::Null);
+        }
+        let position = ("did:key:zOwner", "repo");
+        let cursor = super::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.encode(serde_json::to_vec(&position).unwrap());
+        assert_eq!(
+            super::parse_repo_cursor(&cursor).unwrap(),
+            (position.0.to_owned(), position.1.to_owned())
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn repos_page_rejects_invalid_inputs_before_database_access() {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let schema = schema(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)));
+        let over_max = crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE + 1;
+        let expected_limit_message = format!(
+            "limit must be between 1 and {}",
+            crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE
+        );
+        // Each input pins its own rejection message: the loop must not accept
+        // either message for every query, or a misattributed message (e.g. the
+        // limit arm returning "invalid repository cursor") stays invisible.
+        for (query, expected_message) in [
+            (
+                "{ reposPage(limit: 0) { hasNextPage } }".to_owned(),
+                expected_limit_message.clone(),
+            ),
+            (
+                "{ reposPage(limit: -1) { hasNextPage } }".to_owned(),
+                expected_limit_message.clone(),
+            ),
+            (
+                format!("{{ reposPage(limit: {over_max}) {{ hasNextPage }} }}"),
+                expected_limit_message.clone(),
+            ),
+            (
+                "{ reposPage(after: \"invalid!\") { hasNextPage } }".to_owned(),
+                "invalid repository cursor".to_owned(),
+            ),
+        ] {
+            let response =
+                tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(1), anon(&schema, &query))
+                    .await
+                    .unwrap();
+            assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+            assert_eq!(
+                response.errors[0].message, expected_message,
+                "wrong rejection message for query: {query}"
+            );
+        }
+        // Valid base64 and valid cursor JSON: only the length guard rejects it.
+        let oversized = super::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD
+            .encode(serde_json::to_vec(&("did:key:reader", "a".repeat(3100))).unwrap());
+        assert!(oversized.len() > 4096);
+        assert!(serde_json::from_slice::<(String, String)>(
+            &super::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.decode(&oversized).unwrap()
+        )
+        .is_ok());
+        assert!(super::parse_repo_cursor(&oversized).is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn parse_repo_cursor_rejects_wrong_shape_json() {
+        // Valid base64 and valid JSON, but not a (String, String) pair: the
+        // wrong-shape arm must report "invalid repository cursor", exactly,
+        // before any database access.
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let schema = schema(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)));
+        for payload in [
+            serde_json::json!(["only-one"]),
+            serde_json::json!(["a", "b", "c"]),
+            serde_json::json!({"owner": "x", "name": "y"}),
+            serde_json::json!(42),
+            serde_json::json!(["a", 1]),
+        ] {
+            let cursor = super::URL_SAFE_NO_PAD.encode(serde_json::to_vec(&payload).unwrap());
+            let err = super::parse_repo_cursor(&cursor).unwrap_err();
+            assert_eq!(err.message, "invalid repository cursor");
+            let query = format!("{{ reposPage(after: \"{cursor}\") {{ hasNextPage }} }}");
+            let response =
+                tokio::time::timeout(std::time::Duration::from_secs(1), anon(&schema, &query))
+                    .await
+                    .expect("wrong-shape cursors must be rejected without accessing the database");
+            assert_eq!(response.errors.len(), 1);
+            assert_eq!(response.errors[0].message, "invalid repository cursor");
+            assert_eq!(response.data, async_graphql::Value::Null);
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn longest_repo_name_cursor_round_trips() {
+        // #465 4th round: a cursor the server emits must always parse back.
+        // Repo names are bounded at the create/fork/mirror write paths, so the
+        // longest admissible name must produce a cursor under the 4096-byte
+        // parse limit.
+        let name = "a".repeat(crate::db::MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN);
+        let record = repo("long", OWNER, &name, true);
+        let cursor = super::repo_cursor(&record);
+        assert!(
+            cursor.len() <= 4096,
+            "emitted cursor must stay under the parse limit: {}",
+            cursor.len()
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            super::parse_repo_cursor(&cursor).unwrap(),
+            (OWNER.to_owned(), name)
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A negative refUpdates(limit) must be accepted and clamped to zero rows,
+    /// like tasks(limit: -1): the complexity formula's `limit.clamp(0, ...)`
+    /// prices it at the floor and the shared collector returns before any
+    /// database access. Mirrors tasks_negative_limit_clamped.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn ref_updates_negative_limit_clamped() {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let schema = schema(Arc::new(Db::for_testing(pool)));
+        let resp = tokio::time::timeout(
+            std::time::Duration::from_secs(1),
+            anon(&schema, "{ refUpdates(limit: -1) { repo } }"),
+        )
+        .await
+        .expect("negative limit must clamp without accessing the database");
+        assert!(
+            resp.errors.is_empty(),
+            "negative limit must clamp, not fail: {:?}",
+            resp.errors
+        );
+        assert_eq!(count(&resp), 0);
+    }
+
+    /// The mirror write path binds peer-supplied names verbatim, so it must
+    /// enforce the same bound as the local write paths: an overlong peer name
+    /// would otherwise make reposPage emit an unparseable cursor. The
+    /// rejection happens before any database access.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn mirror_repo_rejects_overlong_name() {
+        let pool = sqlx::postgres::PgPoolOptions::new()
+            .connect_lazy("postgres://localhost/unused")
+            .unwrap();
+        let db = Db::for_testing(pool);
+        let name = "b".repeat(crate::db::MAX_REPO_NAME_LEN + 1);
+        let err = db
+            .upsert_mirror_repo("z6MkLong", &name, "/tmp/long", None, false)
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("exceeds"),
+            "unexpected error: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
     async fn db(pool: PgPool) -> Arc<Db> {
         let db = Db::for_testing(pool);
         db.run_migrations().await.unwrap();
@@ -475,12 +1211,13 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(count_tasks(&resp), 0);
     }
 
-    /// #255: ceiling of the tasks(limit) clamp must be held (schema promises Max 200).
+    /// #255: ceiling of the tasks(limit) clamp must be held (schema promises the
+    /// documented maximum).
     #[sqlx::test]
-    async fn tasks_limit_ceiling_clamped_to_200(pool: PgPool) {
+    async fn tasks_limit_ceiling_clamped_to_max(pool: PgPool) {
         let db = db(pool).await;
         let now = Utc::now().to_rfc3339();
-        for i in 0..201 {
+        for i in 0..crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE + 1 {
             db.create_task(&crate::db::AgentTask {
                 id: format!("task-ceil-{i}"),
                 repo_id: None,
@@ -501,7 +1238,49 @@ mod tests {
         }
         let schema = schema(db);
         let resp = anon(&schema, "{ tasks(limit: 5000) { id } }").await;
-        assert_eq!(count_tasks(&resp), 200, "limit above 200 must clamp to 200");
+        assert_eq!(
+            count_tasks(&resp),
+            crate::db::MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE as usize,
+            "limit above the maximum must clamp to MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A limit above MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES must reach the resolver clamped,
+    /// not be rejected: the complexity formula clamps the priced limit (so the
+    /// document passes validation) and the shared collector clamps the rows
+    /// (so at most MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES come back). Removing the formula
+    /// clamp prices the raw limit and rejects the document; removing the
+    /// collector clamp returns unbounded rows. Mirrors
+    /// tasks_limit_ceiling_clamped_to_max.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn ref_updates_limit_ceiling_clamped_to_max(pool: PgPool) {
+        use crate::api::events::MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES;
+        let db = db(pool).await;
+        db.create_repo(&repo("r1", OWNER, "widget", true))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let total = MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES as usize + 1;
+        for i in 0..total {
+            let mut row = ref_row(&format!("ceil{i}"), "z6MkOwner/widget");
+            row.timestamp = format!("2026-07-01T10:{:02}:{:02}+00:00", i / 60, i % 60);
+            db.insert_ref_update(&row).await.unwrap();
+        }
+        let schema = schema(db);
+        let query = format!(
+            "{{ refUpdates(limit: {}) {{ repo }} }}",
+            MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES + 4800
+        );
+        let resp = anon(&schema, &query).await;
+        assert!(
+            resp.errors.is_empty(),
+            "limit above the maximum must clamp, not fail: {:?}",
+            resp.errors
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            count(&resp),
+            MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES as usize,
+            "limit above the maximum must clamp to MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES"
+        );
     }
 
     fn count_tasks(resp: &async_graphql::Response) -> usize {

crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/subscription.rs

@@ -20,6 +20,7 @@ impl SubscriptionRoot {
     /// `if announce` block, `api/repos.rs`). This is a single-point invariant —
     /// any new sender to `ref_update_tx` MUST be `announce`-gated, or private-repo
     /// ref metadata leaks here to unauthenticated subscribers (#112/#114 class).
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn ref_updates(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,
@@ -46,6 +47,7 @@ impl SubscriptionRoot {
         })
     }
 
+    #[graphql(complexity = "50 + child_complexity")]
     async fn task_events(
         &self,
         ctx: &Context<'_>,

crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/types.rs

@@ -11,6 +11,14 @@ pub struct RepoType {
     pub created_at: String,
 }
 
+#[derive(SimpleObject)]
+pub struct RepoPageType {
+    pub nodes: Vec<RepoType>,
+    pub has_next_page: bool,
+    /// Position after the last returned visible repository; null for an empty page.
+    pub end_cursor: Option<String>,
+}
+
 #[derive(SimpleObject, Clone)]
 pub struct AgentTaskType {
     pub id: String,

crates/gitlawb-node/src/ipfs_pin.rs

@@ -1508,9 +1508,6 @@ pub async fn pin_git_object(
         return Ok(String::new());
     }
 
-    // Compute the expected CIDv1 from the content bytes
-    let expected_cid = Cid::from_git_object_bytes(data).to_string();
-
     let url = format!(
         "{}/api/v0/add?cid-version=1&raw-leaves=true&pin=true",
         ipfs_api.trim_end_matches('/')
@@ -1557,6 +1554,10 @@ pub async fn pin_git_object(
         .text()
         .await
         .map_err(|e| anyhow::anyhow!("IPFS add response body read failed: {e}"))?;
+    // A 200 without a parseable Hash is not a successful pin. Fabricating the
+    // caller-computed CID would record an address the backend never confirmed;
+    // above its chunk threshold that raw CID is not even a stored block, so
+    // every later cat fails permanently.
     let cid = body
         .lines()
         .filter(|l| !l.trim().is_empty())
@@ -1565,7 +1566,17 @@ pub async fn pin_git_object(
             v["Hash"].as_str().map(|s| s.to_string())
         })
         .next_back()
-        .unwrap_or(expected_cid.clone());
+        .ok_or_else(|| {
+            anyhow::anyhow!(
+                "IPFS /api/v0/add returned 200 without a usable Hash: {:.200}",
+                body
+            )
+        })?;
+    // The string still has to be a CID. A garbage Hash would be recorded and
+    // later cat-ed the same way a missing one was, so reject it here.
+    Cid::from_str(&cid).map_err(|e| {
+        anyhow::anyhow!("IPFS /api/v0/add returned a Hash that is not a CID ({cid:.200}): {e}")
+    })?;
 
     tracing::debug!(sha256 = %sha256_hex, %cid, "pinned git object to IPFS");
     Ok(cid)
@@ -2223,16 +2234,16 @@ mod tests {
         endpoint
     }
 
-    /// A sleeping-but-live endpoint. Answers `200` with an empty body after
-    /// `delays[i]` for the i-th request it accepts (the last entry repeats), so
-    /// a test can make one add slow and the next fast. Drains the full request,
-    /// headers plus the declared `Content-Length` body, before sleeping: exactly
-    /// as in `rejecting_endpoint`, answering early and closing would surface as
-    /// a write failure on the client and turn a slow-but-healthy add into a
-    /// different failure shape.
+    /// A sleeping-but-live endpoint. Answers `200` with a conformant NDJSON add
+    /// response after `delays[i]` for the i-th request it accepts (the last
+    /// entry repeats), so a test can make one add slow and the next fast.
+    /// Drains the full request, headers plus the declared `Content-Length`
+    /// body, before sleeping: exactly as in `rejecting_endpoint`, answering
+    /// early and closing would surface as a write failure on the client and
+    /// turn a slow-but-healthy add into a different failure shape.
     ///
-    /// An empty body is a successful pin: `pin_git_object` falls back to the CID
-    /// it computed from the bytes when the response carries no `Hash`.
+    /// The Hash is a fixed, real CID: the timing tests assert on pin counts,
+    /// not on the recorded address.
     async fn delaying_endpoint(delays: Vec<Duration>) -> String {
         use tokio::io::{AsyncReadExt, AsyncWriteExt};
         let listener = tokio::net::TcpListener::bind("127.0.0.1:0").await.unwrap();
@@ -2269,9 +2280,14 @@ mod tests {
                         }
                     }
                     tokio::time::sleep(delay).await;
-                    let _ = sock
-                        .write_all(b"HTTP/1.1 200 OK\r\nContent-Length: 0\r\n\r\n")
-                        .await;
+                    let body = br#"{"Hash":"bafkreifjjcie6lypi6ny7amxnfftagclbuxndqonfipmb64f2km2devei4","Size":"12"}
+"#;
+                    let resp = format!(
+                        "HTTP/1.1 200 OK\r\nContent-Type: application/x-ndjson\r\nContent-Length: {}\r\n\r\n",
+                        body.len()
+                    );
+                    let _ = sock.write_all(resp.as_bytes()).await;
+                    let _ = sock.write_all(body).await;
                     let _ = sock.flush().await;
                 });
             }
@@ -2373,6 +2389,71 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    /// A 200 add response with no parseable Hash must surface as an add
+    /// failure. Falling back to the caller-computed CID records an
+    /// unverifiable address: above the backend's chunk threshold that raw
+    /// CID is not a stored block, so every later cat 500s.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn pin_git_object_rejects_a_200_without_a_hash() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v0/add".to_string()))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_body(r#"{"Name":"object","Size":"19"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = pin_git_object(&server.url(), "deadbeef", b"some object bytes\n", None).await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "a 200 without a Hash must be an add failure, not a fabricated CID: {result:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// A Hash that is a string but not a CID must also fail. It would be
+    /// recorded into `encrypted_blobs.cid` and every later cat would miss.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn pin_git_object_rejects_a_malformed_hash() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v0/add".to_string()))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_body(r#"{"Hash":"not-a-cid","Size":"19"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = pin_git_object(&server.url(), "deadbeef", b"some object bytes\n", None).await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "a Hash that is not a CID must be an add failure: {result:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The Hash text goes into the error and `encrypted_pin` logs that error,
+    /// so a backend answering with a huge invalid Hash must not produce an
+    /// unbounded log entry.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn pin_git_object_bounds_an_oversized_invalid_hash_in_the_error() {
+        let long = "x".repeat(5000);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v0/add".to_string()))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_body(format!(r#"{{"Hash":"{long}","Size":"19"}}"#))
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = pin_git_object(&server.url(), "deadbeef", b"some object bytes\n", None).await;
+        let err = result.expect_err("an invalid Hash must be an add failure");
+        let msg = err.to_string();
+        assert!(
+            msg.len() < 1000,
+            "the error must bound the echoed Hash, got {} bytes",
+            msg.len()
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !msg.contains(&long),
+            "the error must not carry the full invalid Hash"
+        );
+    }
+
     /// The permit-hold bound. `pin_new_objects` runs under a deferring
     /// `pin_semaphore`, so without a batch deadline the hold is O(N) with N
     /// chosen by the pusher. Five objects against an endpoint that takes 2s
@@ -2557,6 +2638,7 @@ mod tests {
     /// type probe carries its oid on stdin rather than in argv, so an oid appears in
     /// the log only once an object has already got past its probe, and a healthy
     /// object costs two invocations to a faulting one's one.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
     fn objects_attempted(log: &std::path::Path) -> usize {
         std::fs::read_to_string(log)
             .unwrap_or_default()

crates/gitlawb-node/src/main.rs

@@ -1,5 +1,7 @@
+mod ans104;
 mod api;
 mod arweave;
+mod arweave_v2;
 mod auth;
 mod bootstrap;
 mod cert;
@@ -49,6 +51,7 @@ use state::AppState;
 struct DegradedState {
     node_did: String,
     db_startup: Arc<DbStartupStatus>,
+    web_url: Option<String>,
 }
 
 /// Two independent counters with no cross-field invariant — atomics, not a
@@ -84,7 +87,7 @@ async fn main() -> Result<()> {
 
     if !config.public_read {
         warn!(
-            "GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ=false is reserved; per-repository private-read enforcement is not wired in alpha"
+            "GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ=false has no effect; reads are gated per repository by is_public and path-scoped visibility rules, not this flag"
         );
     }
 
@@ -157,6 +160,7 @@ async fn main() -> Result<()> {
         degraded_listener,
         node_did.to_string(),
         Arc::clone(&db_startup),
+        config.web_url.clone(),
         db_ready_rx,
         shutdown_tx.subscribe(),
     ));
@@ -427,6 +431,8 @@ async fn main() -> Result<()> {
         std::time::Duration::from_secs(3600),
         200_000,
     );
+    let federated_rate_limiter =
+        rate_limit::RateLimiter::new_bounded(12, std::time::Duration::from_secs(60), 10_000);
     if config.sync_trigger_rate_limit == 0 {
         tracing::warn!(
             "GITLAWB_SYNC_TRIGGER_RATE_LIMIT=0 — /sync/trigger IP rate limiting disabled"
@@ -465,6 +471,7 @@ async fn main() -> Result<()> {
         push_limiter_trust,
         sync_trigger_rate_limiter,
         peer_write_rate_limiter,
+        federated_rate_limiter,
         shutdown_tx: shutdown_tx.clone(),
         git_read_semaphore: Arc::new(tokio::sync::Semaphore::new(config.max_concurrent_git_ops)),
         git_write_semaphore: Arc::new(tokio::sync::Semaphore::new(
@@ -867,11 +874,12 @@ async fn run_degraded_server(
     listener: TcpListener,
     node_did: String,
     db_startup: Arc<DbStartupStatus>,
+    web_url: Option<String>,
     mut db_ready_rx: watch::Receiver<bool>,
     mut shutdown_rx: watch::Receiver<bool>,
 ) -> Result<()> {
     let addr = listener.local_addr().ok();
-    let router = build_degraded_router(node_did, db_startup);
+    let router = build_degraded_router(node_did, db_startup, web_url);
     info!(?addr, "degraded HTTP server ready");
 
     axum::serve(listener, router)
@@ -888,10 +896,15 @@ async fn run_degraded_server(
     Ok(())
 }
 
-fn build_degraded_router(node_did: String, db_startup: Arc<DbStartupStatus>) -> Router {
+fn build_degraded_router(
+    node_did: String,
+    db_startup: Arc<DbStartupStatus>,
+    web_url: Option<String>,
+) -> Router {
     let state = DegradedState {
         node_did,
         db_startup,
+        web_url,
     };
     // Everything answers 503 with the same body — including /health and
     // /ready, so peer readiness probes and uptime monitors correctly see a
@@ -923,6 +936,9 @@ async fn degraded_node_info(State(state): State<DegradedState>) -> impl IntoResp
         obj.insert("name".into(), "gitlawb-node".into());
         obj.insert("version".into(), env!("CARGO_PKG_VERSION").into());
         obj.insert("did".into(), state.node_did.clone().into());
+        if let Some(web_url) = &state.web_url {
+            obj.insert("web_url".into(), web_url.clone().into());
+        }
     }
     (StatusCode::SERVICE_UNAVAILABLE, Json(body))
 }
@@ -1169,6 +1185,7 @@ mod rate_limiter_sweep_tests {
         state.close_issue_rate_limiter = RateLimiter::new(10, window);
         state.sync_trigger_rate_limiter = RateLimiter::new(10, window);
         state.peer_write_rate_limiter = RateLimiter::new(10, window);
+        state.federated_rate_limiter = RateLimiter::new(10, window);
         state.ipfs_rate_limiter = RateLimiter::new(10, window);
 
         let limiters = |s: &crate::state::AppState| {
@@ -1179,6 +1196,7 @@ mod rate_limiter_sweep_tests {
                 s.close_issue_rate_limiter.clone(),
                 s.sync_trigger_rate_limiter.clone(),
                 s.peer_write_rate_limiter.clone(),
+                s.federated_rate_limiter.clone(),
                 s.ipfs_rate_limiter.clone(),
             ]
         };

crates/gitlawb-node/src/metrics.rs

@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@
 //!     `gitlawb_webhook_deliveries_total{result}`
 //!   * is inbound gossip being admitted or shed, and for which reason?
 //!     `gitlawb_gossip_ingest_events_total{outcome}`
+//!   * is the gossip replay seen-set full, and therefore admitting events it
+//!     cannot deduplicate?
+//!     `gitlawb_gossip_replay_guard_saturated_total`
 //!   * how big are the packs we're sending and receiving? —
 //!     `gitlawb_pack_size_bytes`
 //!   * a single `gitlawb_info{version, did}` gauge = 1, for joins/dashboards
@@ -35,8 +38,8 @@
 use std::sync::OnceLock;
 
 use prometheus::{
-    Encoder, Histogram, HistogramOpts, IntCounterVec, IntGauge, IntGaugeVec, Opts, Registry,
-    TextEncoder,
+    Encoder, Histogram, HistogramOpts, IntCounter, IntCounterVec, IntGauge, IntGaugeVec, Opts,
+    Registry, TextEncoder,
 };
 
 /// The single, process-wide metrics registry. Initialized by [`init`].
@@ -52,6 +55,7 @@ static AUTH_FAILURES: OnceLock<IntCounterVec> = OnceLock::new();
 static SYNC_PROCESSED: OnceLock<IntCounterVec> = OnceLock::new();
 static WEBHOOK_DELIVERIES: OnceLock<IntCounterVec> = OnceLock::new();
 static GOSSIP_INGEST: OnceLock<IntCounterVec> = OnceLock::new();
+static GOSSIP_REPLAY_GUARD_SATURATED: OnceLock<IntCounter> = OnceLock::new();
 static PACK_SIZE: OnceLock<Histogram> = OnceLock::new();
 static PEERS_CONNECTED: OnceLock<IntGauge> = OnceLock::new();
 /// 1 when the node started without its p2p identity because the key storage
@@ -191,6 +195,18 @@ fn init_inner(version: &str, node_did: &str) {
         .set(gossip_ingest)
         .expect("set GOSSIP_INGEST once");
 
+    let gossip_replay_guard_saturated = IntCounter::with_opts(Opts::new(
+        "gitlawb_gossip_replay_guard_saturated_total",
+        "Inbound gossip ref-updates admitted without being recorded because the replay seen-set was at capacity",
+    ))
+    .expect("gitlawb_gossip_replay_guard_saturated_total definition");
+    registry
+        .register(Box::new(gossip_replay_guard_saturated.clone()))
+        .expect("register gitlawb_gossip_replay_guard_saturated_total");
+    GOSSIP_REPLAY_GUARD_SATURATED
+        .set(gossip_replay_guard_saturated)
+        .expect("set GOSSIP_REPLAY_GUARD_SATURATED once");
+
     let pack_size = Histogram::with_opts(
         HistogramOpts::new(
             "gitlawb_pack_size_bytes",
@@ -298,7 +314,9 @@ pub fn record_sync_processed(status: &str) {
 }
 
 /// Record one webhook delivery attempt outcome. `result` ∈
-/// {ok, http_error, network_error, skipped}.
+/// {ok, http_error, network_error, skipped, invalid_url}.
+/// `invalid_url` is a policy skip: the stored hook URL failed the public-URL
+/// check at delivery time and the POST was never sent.
 pub fn record_webhook_delivery(result: &str) {
     if let Some(c) = WEBHOOK_DELIVERIES.get() {
         c.with_label_values(&[result]).inc();
@@ -307,7 +325,8 @@ pub fn record_webhook_delivery(result: &str) {
 
 /// Record what the gossip ingest path decided about one inbound ref-update.
 /// `outcome` ∈ {accepted, unsigned_admitted, write_failed, rejected,
-/// source_rate_limited, author_rate_limited, unsigned_source_rate_limited}.
+/// source_rate_limited, author_rate_limited, unsigned_source_rate_limited,
+/// replayed, stale_timestamp}.
 ///
 /// `accepted` is reserved for signature-verified events. An unsigned event that
 /// survives the rolling-upgrade window is `unsigned_admitted`, so the
@@ -332,6 +351,38 @@ pub fn record_gossip_ingest(outcome: &str) {
     }
 }
 
+/// Record one inbound gossip ref-update that the replay seen-set could not
+/// record because it was at capacity.
+///
+/// Label-less on purpose: there is one degradation mode and nothing about it
+/// varies per event, so a label would only add cardinality.
+///
+/// This is an alert-worthy signal, not a debug counter, and it is the ONLY way
+/// the degraded state is visible. At capacity the guard fails open, which means
+/// the event is admitted and `gitlawb_gossip_ingest_events_total{outcome=
+/// "accepted"}` counts it exactly as it counts a healthy admission. Fail-open is
+/// the right policy (a saturated set that dropped all fresh gossip would convert
+/// a loud resource attack into quiet mesh-wide censorship), but it is not a free
+/// one: while this counter is moving, a captured signature can again be replayed
+/// against the freshness window's full 10 minutes, spending a `peer_exists`
+/// round trip and a debit from the victim author's budget on every replay.
+pub fn record_gossip_replay_guard_saturated() {
+    if let Some(c) = GOSSIP_REPLAY_GUARD_SATURATED.get() {
+        c.inc();
+    }
+}
+
+/// Test-only: current `gitlawb_gossip_replay_guard_saturated_total` value (0 if
+/// the registry is not initialized). Lets the seen-set tests assert the
+/// saturation signal fires without scraping the encoded text.
+#[cfg(test)]
+pub fn replay_guard_saturated_count_for_test() -> u64 {
+    GOSSIP_REPLAY_GUARD_SATURATED
+        .get()
+        .map(|c| c.get())
+        .unwrap_or(0)
+}
+
 /// Record a pack body size observation (bytes).
 pub fn observe_pack_size(bytes: f64) {
     if let Some(h) = PACK_SIZE.get() {
@@ -434,6 +485,11 @@ mod tests {
         record_auth_failure("test/route", "test_reason");
         record_sync_processed("done");
         record_webhook_delivery("ok");
+        // `record_gossip_replay_guard_saturated` is deliberately NOT called
+        // here. It is a label-less process-wide counter and the seen-set test
+        // that asserts it asserts a before/after delta, so an increment from a
+        // second test running concurrently in this binary would be a flake with
+        // no diagnostic value.
         record_gossip_ingest("accepted");
         observe_pack_size(1024.0);
         set_peers_connected(0);

crates/gitlawb-node/src/pinata.rs

@@ -912,6 +912,7 @@ mod tests {
     /// probe carries its oid on stdin rather than in argv, so an oid appears in the log only
     /// once an object has already got past its probe, and a healthy object costs two
     /// invocations to a faulting one's one.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
     fn objects_attempted(log: &std::path::Path) -> usize {
         std::fs::read_to_string(log)
             .unwrap_or_default()

crates/gitlawb-node/src/server.rs

@@ -42,17 +42,37 @@ async fn graphql_playground() -> impl IntoResponse {
     ))
 }
 
+/// Pre-auth body-buffer ceiling for every signed route group except the git write
+/// routes. Deliberately equal to axum's `DefaultBodyLimit` (2 MB), which is what
+/// these groups' `Bytes`/`Json` extractors already enforce: that default works
+/// through a request extension the extractors consult, and `require_signature`
+/// collects the raw body itself, so it never saw the cap. Matching the number
+/// keeps this change behavior-preserving on the response path (nothing that used
+/// to be accepted starts failing) and purely a memory fix.
+pub const SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT: usize = 2 * 1024 * 1024;
+
 /// Applies the standard auth middleware pair to a router: HTTP Signature verification
 /// followed by UCAN chain validation. The two layers run in this order for every
 /// matched request: `require_signature` first (sets `AuthenticatedDid`), then
 /// `require_ucan_chain` (reads it).
-fn add_auth_layers(router: Router<AppState>, state: AppState) -> Router<AppState> {
+///
+/// `body_limit` bounds the request body `require_signature` buffers before it has
+/// authenticated anything (see [`auth::SignatureBodyLimit`]): `max_pack_bytes` for
+/// the git write group, [`SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT`] for every other group.
+fn add_auth_layers(
+    router: Router<AppState>,
+    state: AppState,
+    body_limit: usize,
+) -> Router<AppState> {
     router
         .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
             state,
             auth::require_ucan_chain,
         ))
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::require_signature))
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(body_limit),
+            auth::require_signature,
+        ))
 }
 
 pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
@@ -63,7 +83,10 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
         // Attach the verified DID to /graphql when a signature is present. The
         // layer covers only routes added before it, so /graphql/ws (added after,
         // read-only subscriptions) stays open.
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature))
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ))
         .route_service("/graphql/ws", GraphQLSubscription::new(schema));
 
     // ── Task routes (write — require HTTP Signature) ───────────────────────
@@ -74,6 +97,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
             .route("/api/v1/tasks/{id}/complete", post(tasks::complete_task))
             .route("/api/v1/tasks/{id}/fail", post(tasks::fail_task)),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     );
 
     // ── Task routes (read — open) ──────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -107,6 +131,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
             .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_did))
             .layer(axum::Extension(limiter)),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     )
     .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
     .layer(axum::Extension(create_ip_limiter));
@@ -181,6 +206,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
                 axum::routing::delete(agents::deregister_agent),
             ),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     );
 
     // Body limit is raised to GITLAWB_MAX_PACK_BYTES (default 2 GB) for git
@@ -205,33 +231,68 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
             .layer(DefaultBodyLimit::disable())
             .layer(RequestBodyLimitLayer::new(pack_limit)),
         state.clone(),
+        pack_limit,
     )
     .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
     .layer(axum::Extension(push_limiter));
 
     // ── IPFS content-addressed retrieval and pin listing ──────────────────
-    // `/ipfs/{cid}` carries `optional_signature` so `get_by_cid` sees the caller
-    // identity and can apply per-repo visibility (#110); anonymous callers stay
-    // anonymous and still read genuinely public content. `/api/v1/ipfs/pins`
-    // stays unsigned — gating the pin index is tracked separately (#121).
-    // `/ipfs/{cid}` also carries a per-IP flood brake: it is anon-reachable and each
-    // request can drive a full-history git walk, so the per-IP rate limiter is the
-    // outermost layer (rejects a flood before the walk-admission work), mirroring the
-    // push/create routers. The extension MUST be attached or rate_limit_by_ip is a
-    // silent no-op. `/api/v1/ipfs/pins` (no walk) is merged in unbraked, as before.
+    // Two independent sub-routers, then merged. They share a URL prefix family
+    // but have separate rate-limit policies and must not share a bucket.
+    //
+    // `/ipfs/{cid}` (CID resolver): carries `optional_signature` so `get_by_cid`
+    // sees the caller identity and can apply per-repo visibility (#110); anon
+    // callers stay anonymous and still read genuinely public content. The
+    // per-IP flood brake is layered on because the resolver is anon-reachable
+    // and each request can drive a full-history git walk — the brake is the
+    // outermost layer (rejects a flood before the walk-admission work), mirroring
+    // the push/create routers. The `IpRateLimiter` extension MUST be attached
+    // or `rate_limit_by_ip` is a silent no-op.
+    //
+    // `/api/v1/ipfs/pins` (pin listing): now carries `optional_signature` only
+    // (#121). The handler rejects requests without a verified `AuthenticatedDid`
+    // with 401. It does NOT carry the CID flood brake — `list_pins` is a single
+    // `list_pinned_cids()` call, no walk, and routing pins through the resolver's
+    // bucket would let `/ipfs/{cid}` traffic exhaust the bucket and 429 the
+    // pins endpoint, or let signed pin polling exhaust the bucket for legitimate
+    // CID reads. The two surfaces have separate availability contracts.
+    //
+    // Both sub-routers are built first with their own layer sets, then merged.
+    // This is the structure the prior routing guidance called for and the
+    // earlier 429 test for `/ipfs/{cid}` (test_support.rs) assumes.
     let ipfs_limiter = rate_limit::IpRateLimiter {
         limiter: state.ipfs_rate_limiter.clone(),
         trust: state.push_limiter_trust,
     };
-    let ipfs_routes = Router::new()
+    let ipfs_cid_routes = Router::new()
         .route("/ipfs/{cid}", get(ipfs::get_by_cid))
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature))
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ))
         .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
-        .layer(axum::Extension(ipfs_limiter))
-        .merge(Router::new().route("/api/v1/ipfs/pins", get(ipfs::list_pins)));
+        .layer(axum::Extension(ipfs_limiter));
+    let ipfs_pins_routes = Router::new()
+        .route("/api/v1/ipfs/pins", get(ipfs::list_pins))
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ));
+    let ipfs_routes = ipfs_cid_routes.merge(ipfs_pins_routes);
 
     // ── Arweave permanent anchors ──────────────────────────────────────────
-    let arweave_routes = Router::new().route("/api/v1/arweave/anchors", get(arweave::list_anchors));
+    // `list_anchors` rejects callers without a verified `AuthenticatedDid`, so
+    // unsigned enumeration is denied. The same `optional_signature` layer used
+    // on the other read surfaces is applied here, closing the anonymous
+    // anchor-listing gap alongside `/api/v1/ipfs/pins`. The verify endpoint
+    // and its probe are deferred to the vertical slice with the uploader and
+    // a real provider contract.
+    let arweave_routes = Router::new()
+        .route("/api/v1/arweave/anchors", get(arweave::list_anchors))
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ));
 
     // ── Bounty routes (write — require HTTP Signature) ─────────────────
     let bounty_write_routes = add_auth_layers(
@@ -258,6 +319,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
                 post(bounties::dispute_bounty),
             ),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     );
 
     // ── Bounty routes (read — open) ──────────────────────────────────────
@@ -273,12 +335,16 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
             "/api/v1/agents/{did}/bounties",
             get(bounties::agent_bounty_stats),
         )
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature));
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ));
 
     // ── Profile routes (write — require HTTP Signature) ─────────────────
     let profile_write_routes = add_auth_layers(
         Router::new().route("/api/v1/profile", axum::routing::put(profiles::set_profile)),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     );
 
     // ── Issue routes (write — require HTTP Signature, no rate limit) ─────
@@ -293,6 +359,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
                 post(issues::create_issue_comment),
             ),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     );
 
     // ── Peer discovery routes ─────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -311,6 +378,7 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
     let sync_trigger_routes = add_auth_layers(
         Router::new().route("/api/v1/sync/trigger", post(peers::trigger_sync)),
         state.clone(),
+        SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT,
     )
     .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
     .layer(axum::Extension(rate_limit::IpRateLimiter {
@@ -327,9 +395,12 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
         .route("/api/v1/peers/announce", post(peers::announce))
         .route("/api/v1/sync/notify", post(peers::notify_sync));
     peer_write_routes = if state.config.require_signed_peer_writes {
-        add_auth_layers(peer_write_routes, state.clone())
+        add_auth_layers(peer_write_routes, state.clone(), SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT)
     } else {
-        peer_write_routes.layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature))
+        peer_write_routes.layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ))
     };
     let peer_write_routes = peer_write_routes
         .layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
@@ -341,7 +412,15 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
     // ── Read routes — open for public repos ───────────────────────────────
     let read_routes = Router::new()
         .route("/api/v1/repos", get(repos::list_repos))
-        .route("/api/v1/repos/federated", get(repos::list_federated_repos))
+        .route(
+            "/api/v1/repos/federated",
+            get(repos::list_federated_repos)
+                .route_layer(middleware::from_fn(rate_limit::rate_limit_by_ip))
+                .route_layer(axum::Extension(rate_limit::IpRateLimiter {
+                    limiter: state.federated_rate_limiter.clone(),
+                    trust: state.push_limiter_trust,
+                })),
+        )
         .route("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}", get(repos::get_repo))
         .route(
             "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/commits",
@@ -428,7 +507,10 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
             "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/replicas",
             get(replicas::list_replicas),
         )
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature));
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ));
 
     // git-upload-pack (clone/fetch) — same raised body limit as receive-pack so
     // large pack responses from the server don't get truncated on the client side.
@@ -460,7 +542,13 @@ pub fn build_router(state: AppState) -> Router {
         )
         .layer(DefaultBodyLimit::disable())
         .layer(RequestBodyLimitLayer::new(pack_limit))
-        .layer(middleware::from_fn(auth::optional_signature));
+        // `pack_limit`, not SIGNED_BODY_LIMIT: git-upload-pack POSTs live here and
+        // the group has deliberately raised its ceiling, so the pre-auth buffer for
+        // a signed fetch negotiation must match rather than narrow it.
+        .layer(middleware::from_fn_with_state(
+            auth::SignatureBodyLimit(pack_limit),
+            auth::optional_signature,
+        ));
 
     // ── Meta ──────────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
     let meta_routes = Router::new()
@@ -531,7 +619,7 @@ async fn ready(State(state): State<AppState>) -> axum::response::Response {
 
 async fn node_info(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Json<serde_json::Value> {
     let p2p_peer_id = state.p2p.as_ref().map(|h| h.local_peer_id.to_string());
-    Json(json!({
+    let mut body = json!({
         "name": "gitlawb-node",
         "version": env!("CARGO_PKG_VERSION"),
         "did": state.node_did.to_string(),
@@ -540,7 +628,11 @@ async fn node_info(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Json<serde_json::Value> {
         "auth": "http-signature-rfc9421",
         "identity": "ed25519",
         "p2p_peer_id": p2p_peer_id,
-    }))
+    });
+    if let Some(web_url) = &state.config.web_url {
+        body["web_url"] = json!(web_url);
+    }
+    Json(body)
 }
 
 pub(crate) async fn stats(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Json<serde_json::Value> {
@@ -619,3 +711,667 @@ async fn p2p_info(State(state): State<AppState>) -> Json<serde_json::Value> {
         None => Json(json!({ "enabled": false })),
     }
 }
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::*;
+    use axum::body::Body;
+    use axum::http::{Request, StatusCode};
+    use sqlx::PgPool;
+    use tower::ServiceExt;
+
+    use crate::db::RepoRecord;
+    use crate::test_support::test_state;
+
+    /// Regression: anonymous callers must not see the pin/anchor index (#121, #134).
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn unsigned_get_pins_and_anchors_is_401_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        // Seed identifiable rows so the denial oracle proves the 401 body omits
+        // them: a status-only check would stay green if a later change served
+        // the listing before the auth layer rejected.
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_pinned_cid("seeded-pin-oid", "bafyPIN-SECRET-DO-NOT-LEAK", None)
+            .await
+            .expect("seed pin");
+        let owner_did = "did:key:zSEEDOWNERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let repo = seed_repo_inline(owner_did, "seeded-repo");
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: "zSEEDOWNERAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/seeded-repo",
+                owner_did,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/secret",
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "1".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafytest"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-secret-tx-DO-NOT-LEAK",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/secret-tx",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed anchor");
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+
+        let pins = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri("/api/v1/ipfs/pins?limit=50")
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let pins_resp = router.clone().oneshot(pins).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            pins_resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::UNAUTHORIZED,
+            "anonymous pin listing must be rejected"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(pins_resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("bafyPIN-SECRET-DO-NOT-LEAK"),
+            "the 401 body must not leak the seeded pin cid; body was: {body}"
+        );
+
+        let anchors = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?limit=50")
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let anchors_resp = router.oneshot(anchors).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            anchors_resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::UNAUTHORIZED,
+            "anonymous anchors listing must be rejected"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(anchors_resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("irys-secret-tx-DO-NOT-LEAK"),
+            "the 401 body must not leak the anchor's irys tx id; body was: {body}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Regression: a real RFC-9421 signature produced exactly as `gl` does — built
+    /// with `gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request` over a GET, headers attached,
+    /// and sent through the actual `build_router` — is verified by the
+    /// `optional_signature` layer that wraps the pin/anchor routes, and the
+    /// handler returns 200. Pairs with the anonymous-denial test above; one
+    /// proves headers are required, the other proves a valid header is honored.
+    /// Without this test the unsigned-denial test would stay green even if the
+    /// `optional_signature` layer were never wired onto these routes, because
+    /// signed and unsigned requests would fail identically (#134 review).
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_get_pins_and_anchors_succeeds_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+        let router = build_router(state);
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+
+        let pins_path = "/api/v1/ipfs/pins";
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", pins_path, b"");
+        let pins = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(pins_path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let pins_resp = router.clone().oneshot(pins).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            pins_resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::OK,
+            "a valid signature on /api/v1/ipfs/pins must be honored through build_router"
+        );
+
+        let anchors_path = "/api/v1/arweave/anchors";
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", anchors_path, b"");
+        let anchors = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(anchors_path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let anchors_resp = router.oneshot(anchors).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            anchors_resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::OK,
+            "a valid signature on /api/v1/arweave/anchors must be honored through build_router"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Companion to the two regressions above: a request that *carries* signature
+    /// headers but whose signature does not verify (here, garbled) must be denied
+    /// with 401, not silently treated as anonymous and re-checked by the handler.
+    /// This pins the failure mode of the `optional_signature` layer: when the
+    /// caller claims to be signed, the layer must commit to verifying — there is
+    /// no fall-through path that lets a bad signature bypass auth.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn malformed_signature_on_pins_is_401_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+        let router = build_router(state);
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let path = "/api/v1/ipfs/pins";
+        let mut signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", path, b"");
+        // Flip a character well inside the signature value (base64) so the header
+        // still parses but does not verify against the key.
+        let mut tampered = signed.signature.clone();
+        let mid = tampered.len() / 2;
+        let flipped = if tampered.as_bytes()[mid] == b'A' {
+            'B'
+        } else {
+            'A'
+        };
+        tampered.replace_range(mid..mid + 1, &flipped.to_string());
+        signed.signature = tampered;
+
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::UNAUTHORIZED,
+            "a malformed signature must be rejected by the auth layer, not silently accepted"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// The same malformed-signature rejection must hold on the anchors route,
+    /// which carries its own `optional_signature` layer beside pins: a later
+    /// edit that dropped the layer here (but not on pins) would otherwise stay
+    /// green.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn malformed_signature_on_anchors_is_401_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+        let router = build_router(state);
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let path = "/api/v1/arweave/anchors";
+        let mut signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", path, b"");
+        let mut tampered = signed.signature.clone();
+        let mid = tampered.len() / 2;
+        let flipped = if tampered.as_bytes()[mid] == b'A' {
+            'B'
+        } else {
+            'A'
+        };
+        tampered.replace_range(mid..mid + 1, &flipped.to_string());
+        signed.signature = tampered;
+
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::UNAUTHORIZED,
+            "a malformed signature must be rejected by the auth layer, not silently accepted"
+        );
+    }
+
+    // ── Scoped anchor contract (P1 follow-up: ?repo= must authorize_repo_read) ──
+    //
+    // The follow-up review (after the auth-layer wiring landed) found that a
+    // signed but unauthorized caller could still obtain scoped anchor metadata
+    // because the `?repo=` branch handed the user-supplied string straight to
+    // the SQL filter. These tests exercise the full production contract end to
+    // end: real RFC-9421 signature → `optional_signature` layer →
+    // `authorize_repo_read` → SQL. They fail closed if the authz call is moved
+    // after the query or removed entirely.
+
+    /// Inline repo seed for the scoped-anchor tests. Mirrors the shape in
+    /// `test_support::tests::seed_repo` without taking a cross-module private
+    /// helper as a dependency.
+    fn seed_repo_inline(owner_did: &str, name: &str) -> RepoRecord {
+        let now = chrono::Utc::now();
+        RepoRecord {
+            id: uuid::Uuid::new_v4().to_string(),
+            name: name.to_string(),
+            owner_did: owner_did.to_string(),
+            description: None,
+            is_public: true,
+            default_branch: "main".to_string(),
+            created_at: now,
+            updated_at: now,
+            disk_path: format!("/tmp/{name}"),
+            forked_from: None,
+            machine_id: None,
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// Unsigned scoped anchor request → 401, identical to the global anchor
+    /// 401 test. Proves the auth layer fires before any scope decision (no
+    /// existence oracle via the `?repo=` path either).
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn unsigned_scoped_anchors_is_401_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        // Seed an anchor under a repo the request claims to scope to, so the
+        // denial oracle proves the 401 body omits it rather than merely
+        // returning the right status over an empty table.
+        let owner_did = "did:key:zSCOPEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA";
+        let repo = seed_repo_inline(owner_did, "priv");
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: "zSCOPEDAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA/priv",
+                owner_did,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/secret",
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "1".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafytest"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-scoped-secret-DO-NOT-LEAK",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/scoped-secret",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed anchor");
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+
+        let resp = router
+            .oneshot(
+                Request::builder()
+                    .method("GET")
+                    .uri("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?repo=did:key:zSCOPED%2Fpriv")
+                    .body(Body::empty())
+                    .unwrap(),
+            )
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::UNAUTHORIZED,
+            "unsigned scoped anchor request must be 401, before any scope lookup"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("irys-scoped-secret-DO-NOT-LEAK"),
+            "the 401 body must not leak the anchor's irys tx id; body was: {body}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Signed owner on a private repo → 200, anchor metadata returned. Mirrors
+    /// the existing `list_webhooks_accepts_a_real_gl_signature_e2e` shape: real
+    /// signature, real middleware, real `authorize_repo_read`.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_scoped_anchors_owner_succeeds_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let owner_did = kp.did().to_string();
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        let mut repo = seed_repo_inline(&owner_did, "scoped-priv");
+        repo.is_public = false;
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        let short = owner_did.split(':').next_back().unwrap().to_string();
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: &format!("{short}/scoped-priv"),
+                owner_did: &owner_did,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/main",
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "1".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafytest"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-owner-tx",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/owner-tx",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed anchor");
+
+        let path = format!("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?repo={short}/scoped-priv");
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", &path, b"");
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(&path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::OK,
+            "the owner of a private repo must see their scoped anchors"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            body.contains("irys-owner-tx"),
+            "owner must see the anchor's irys tx id; body was: {body}"
+        );
+        // Owner must see the ref name + new SHA so this is not just a count oracle.
+        assert!(
+            body.contains("refs/heads/main"),
+            "owner must see the ref name; body was: {body}"
+        );
+
+        // Sanity: a second test would need a different repo name to avoid
+        // colliding on `did:key:zSCOPED/scoped-priv` in the anchors table.
+        // Distinct repo names per test keep the rows queryable in isolation.
+        let _ = repo;
+    }
+
+    /// #121 R3: the SQL filter must use the canonical stored slug, not the
+    /// user-supplied `?repo=` string. Anchor rows are stored as
+    /// `{normalize_owner_key(owner_did)}/{name}` (the short form). Authz
+    /// passes for the full-DID form, but a literal `WHERE repo=$1` against
+    /// the full DID would match zero rows and return a false empty page,
+    /// breaking callers that legitimately use the full `did:key:…/name`
+    /// form in `?repo=`. RED before the fix: handler built the filter from
+    /// the raw `?repo=` string, so this query returned `anchors: []`.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_scoped_anchors_full_did_form_matches_stored_slug_through_build_router(
+        pool: PgPool,
+    ) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let owner_did = kp.did().to_string();
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        let mut repo = seed_repo_inline(&owner_did, "scoped-did-form");
+        repo.is_public = false;
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        // Use the same slug-construction the writer uses
+        // (`db::normalize_owner_key`) so the test reader and the production
+        // writer can't drift if a future change moves the slug off the
+        // short-form. P3 (reviewer-3): the previous `split(':').next_back()`
+        // hand-rolled a third convention that agreed with the writer for
+        // `did:key` owners and diverged for every other method.
+        let short = crate::db::normalize_owner_key(&owner_did).to_string();
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: &format!("{short}/scoped-did-form"),
+                owner_did: &owner_did,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/main",
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "1".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafytest"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-did-form-tx",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/did-form-tx",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed anchor");
+
+        // P2 (reviewer-3): the previous suite only proved the authorized
+        // row is present. A correct filter must ALSO prove that anchors
+        // for OTHER repos do not leak into the response — the failure
+        // mode of the original bug was a cross-repo leak, not a
+        // fail-safe empty page. Seed a second repo (also under the
+        // same owner, so the authz test stays scoped) with its own
+        // irys_tx_id and assert it is absent from the body.
+        let other_owner = {
+            let kp2 = Keypair::generate();
+            kp2.did().to_string()
+        };
+        let mut other_repo = seed_repo_inline(&other_owner, "other-repo");
+        other_repo.is_public = true;
+        state
+            .db
+            .create_repo(&other_repo)
+            .await
+            .expect("seed other repo");
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: &format!(
+                    "{}/other-repo",
+                    crate::db::normalize_owner_key(&other_owner)
+                ),
+                owner_did: &other_owner,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/main",
+                old_sha: "0".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "2".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafyother"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-other-repo-tx",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/other-tx",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed other anchor");
+
+        // The caller passes the FULL DID form in ?repo=. validate_repo_slug
+        // accepts it, authorize_repo_read resolves it, and the handler MUST
+        // then translate to the canonical stored slug (short form) before
+        // running the SQL — otherwise this returns 200 with anchors: [].
+        let path = format!("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?repo={owner_did}/scoped-did-form");
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", &path, b"");
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(&path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::OK,
+            "authz passed via the full DID form, so the response must be 200"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            body.contains("irys-did-form-tx"),
+            "the SQL filter must use the stored short slug, not the full DID — \
+             a false-empty page would break callers that pass ?repo=did:key:…/name. \
+             body was: {body}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("irys-other-repo-tx"),
+            "the scoped anchor filter must exclude other repos' anchors — \
+             a cross-repo leak would expose metadata of repos the caller \
+             did not authorize. body was: {body}"
+        );
+
+        let _ = repo;
+    }
+
+    /// Signed non-reader on a private repo → 404, anchor metadata MUST NOT
+    /// leak. This is the test that catches the "auth-but-no-authz" bug if
+    /// the gate is moved after the SQL query or removed entirely. The 404
+    /// is the standard `repo_not_found` shape — indistinguishable from the
+    /// missing-repo case below.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_scoped_anchors_non_reader_is_404_no_leak_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let owner_kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let stranger_kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let owner_did = owner_kp.did().to_string();
+        let stranger_did = stranger_kp.did().to_string();
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        let mut repo = seed_repo_inline(&owner_did, "scoped-priv-nr");
+        repo.is_public = false;
+        state.db.create_repo(&repo).await.expect("seed repo");
+        let short_owner = owner_did.split(':').next_back().unwrap().to_string();
+        state
+            .db
+            .record_arweave_anchor(&crate::db::RecordAnchorInput {
+                repo: &format!("{short_owner}/scoped-priv-nr"),
+                owner_did: &owner_did,
+                ref_name: "refs/heads/secret",
+                old_sha: "2".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                new_sha: "3".repeat(64).as_str(),
+                cid: Some("bafytest"),
+                irys_tx_id: "irys-secret-tx-DO-NOT-LEAK",
+                arweave_url: "https://arweave.net/secret-tx",
+                node_did: "did:key:zNODE",
+            })
+            .await
+            .expect("seed anchor");
+
+        let _ = stranger_did; // signature carries the DID; this is just documentation
+        let path = format!("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?repo={short_owner}/scoped-priv-nr");
+        let signed = sign_request(&stranger_kp, "GET", &path, b"");
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(&path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::NOT_FOUND,
+            "a signed non-reader must be 404 on a private repo's anchors"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let body = String::from_utf8_lossy(&bytes);
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("irys-secret-tx-DO-NOT-LEAK"),
+            "the 404 body must not leak the anchor's irys tx id; body was: {body}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            !body.contains("refs/heads/secret"),
+            "the 404 body must not leak the ref name; body was: {body}"
+        );
+        let v: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes).expect("json body");
+        assert_eq!(
+            v["error"], "repo_not_found",
+            "non-reader denial must carry the same error code as a missing repo"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// Signed caller on a missing repo → 404, same shape as the non-reader
+    /// case. This is the indistinguishability half: a probe cannot tell
+    /// "private" from "absent" from the response.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_scoped_anchors_missing_repo_is_404_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        let short = kp
+            .did()
+            .to_string()
+            .split(':')
+            .next_back()
+            .unwrap()
+            .to_string();
+        let path = format!("/api/v1/arweave/anchors?repo={short}/does-not-exist");
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", &path, b"");
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(&path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::NOT_FOUND,
+            "a missing repo must 404 indistinguishably from a non-readable private repo"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let v: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes).expect("json body");
+        assert_eq!(
+            v["error"], "repo_not_found",
+            "the 404 body must carry the standard repo_not_found error code"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// `?limit=-1` must not crash as `LIMIT -1` (Postgres 500). It clamps to
+    /// zero and returns 200 with an empty list — the same shape as a valid
+    /// listing that happens to have no rows in the configured range.
+    #[sqlx::test]
+    async fn signed_anchors_negative_limit_clamps_to_zero_through_build_router(pool: PgPool) {
+        use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
+        use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
+
+        let kp = Keypair::generate();
+        let state = test_state(pool).await;
+
+        let path = "/api/v1/arweave/anchors?limit=-1";
+        let signed = sign_request(&kp, "GET", path, b"");
+        let req = Request::builder()
+            .method("GET")
+            .uri(path)
+            .header("content-digest", signed.content_digest)
+            .header("signature-input", signed.signature_input)
+            .header("signature", signed.signature)
+            .body(Body::empty())
+            .unwrap();
+
+        let router = build_router(state);
+        let resp = router.oneshot(req).await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(
+            resp.status(),
+            StatusCode::OK,
+            "?limit=-1 must clamp, not 500"
+        );
+        let bytes = axum::body::to_bytes(resp.into_body(), usize::MAX)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        let v: serde_json::Value = serde_json::from_slice(&bytes).expect("json body");
+        assert_eq!(v["count"], 0, "clamped limit yields an empty list");
+        assert_eq!(v["anchors"].as_array().map(|a| a.len()), Some(0));
+    }
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/src/state.rs

@@ -190,6 +190,9 @@ pub struct AppState {
     /// sink as trigger and accepts unsigned requests from known peers, so it is
     /// braked too; each peer's distinct IP gets its own bucket.
     pub peer_write_rate_limiter: RateLimiter,
+    /// Per-client-IP federation budget: 12 requests per minute, with at most
+    /// 10,000 tracked source keys. Shared by router instances and swept below.
+    pub federated_rate_limiter: RateLimiter,
     /// Process-wide graceful-shutdown signal. Sending `true` causes every
     /// task that holds a `watch::Receiver` to exit at its next await point.
     /// Used by:
@@ -351,6 +354,7 @@ impl AppState {
         self.ipfs_work_rate_limiter.cleanup().await;
         self.sync_trigger_rate_limiter.cleanup().await;
         self.peer_write_rate_limiter.cleanup().await;
+        self.federated_rate_limiter.cleanup().await;
     }
 
     /// Trigger graceful shutdown. Idempotent — calling more than once

crates/gitlawb-node/src/sync.rs

@@ -701,6 +701,7 @@ async fn clone_repo(remote_url: &str, local_path: &Path, mode: MirrorMode) -> an
     if mode == MirrorMode::Promisor {
         args.push("--filter=blob:limit=10g");
     }
+    args.push("--");
     args.push(remote_url);
     args.push(local_str);
 
@@ -729,7 +730,10 @@ async fn clone_repo(remote_url: &str, local_path: &Path, mode: MirrorMode) -> an
 async fn fetch_repo(local_path: &Path, remote_url: &str, mode: MirrorMode) -> anyhow::Result<()> {
     let local_str = local_path.to_str().unwrap_or(".");
 
-    git_run(&["-C", local_str, "remote", "set-url", "origin", remote_url]).await?;
+    git_run(&[
+        "-C", local_str, "remote", "set-url", "origin", "--", remote_url,
+    ])
+    .await?;
 
     match mode {
         MirrorMode::Promisor => {
@@ -1006,6 +1010,82 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(probe, PromisorProbe::NotPromisor);
     }
 
+    /// #374: `clone_repo` interpolates the peer's origin URL into a `git
+    /// clone --mirror` argument list. Without a `--` delimiter git parses a
+    /// remote beginning with `-` as an option instead of a repository.
+    ///
+    /// The delimiter is what forces the same string to be a repository, and
+    /// git says so in its own words: it reports the whole argument as a
+    /// repository it cannot find. Undelimited, git consumes it as an option
+    /// and fails against the *destination* instead (`fatal: repository '<dest>' does not exist`),
+    /// never naming the injected string — which is why this assertion is RED
+    /// before the fix and GREEN after.
+    ///
+    /// The payload is deliberately free of `:` and spaces: a colon would make
+    /// git read the argument as an ssh-style `host:path` URL and report a
+    /// hostname rather than a repository, which is a different code path.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn clone_never_parses_a_remote_as_a_git_option() {
+        let td = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let dest = td.path().join("mirror.git");
+        let injected = "--upload-pack=false";
+
+        let err = clone_repo(injected, &dest, MirrorMode::Plain)
+            .await
+            .expect_err("a remote that is not a repository must fail the clone")
+            .to_string();
+
+        assert!(
+            err.contains(injected),
+            "git must report the argument as a repository, not consume it as an option: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// #374: `fetch_repo` interpolates the peer's origin URL into
+    /// `git remote set-url`, a second argv construction with the same contract as
+    /// the clone. It needs its own proof: the clone test cannot reach this path.
+    ///
+    /// The assertion is on stored state rather than on the error string, and that
+    /// is deliberate. `git_run` formats its failure as `git {args:?} failed:
+    /// {stderr}`, so the injected value is in the message via the debug-printed
+    /// argv whether or not the delimiter is present — asserting on containment
+    /// would pass with `--` deleted. Delimited, `set-url` succeeds and stores the
+    /// value verbatim; undelimited, git exits 129 with `unknown option` and leaves
+    /// the previous URL in place, so this goes red without the fix.
+    ///
+    /// The fetch that follows the rewrite fails, because the stored URL is not a
+    /// repository. That is expected and ignored: the property under test is what
+    /// `set-url` wrote, not whether the subsequent fetch could succeed.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn fetch_never_parses_a_remote_as_a_git_option() {
+        let td = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let local = td.path().join("mirror.git");
+        let local_str = local.to_str().unwrap();
+        let placeholder = "http://example.invalid/x.git";
+
+        assert!(Command::new("git")
+            .args(["init", "-q", "--bare", local_str])
+            .status()
+            .unwrap()
+            .success());
+        assert!(Command::new("git")
+            .args(["-C", local_str, "remote", "add", "origin", placeholder])
+            .status()
+            .unwrap()
+            .success());
+
+        let injected = "--upload-pack=false";
+        let _ = fetch_repo(&local, injected, MirrorMode::Plain).await;
+
+        assert_eq!(
+            git_config_get(local_str, "remote.origin.url")
+                .await
+                .as_deref(),
+            Some(injected),
+            "set-url must store an option-shaped remote verbatim, not reject it as an option"
+        );
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn probe_reports_unknown_on_git_error() {
         // A path git cannot resolve as a repo at all (exit 128) is an indeterminate
@@ -1250,6 +1330,18 @@ mod tests {
         .await;
     }
 
+    /// Use a rooted path without a Windows drive prefix in the remote fixture.
+    /// The destination still resolves on the temp directory's current drive,
+    /// while the remote's relative path contains no illegal colon component.
+    fn absolute_slug_path(path: &Path) -> String {
+        assert!(path.is_absolute());
+        path.components()
+            .filter(|part| !matches!(part, std::path::Component::Prefix(_)))
+            .collect::<std::path::PathBuf>()
+            .to_string_lossy()
+            .replace('\\', "/")
+    }
+
     #[sqlx::test]
     async fn process_batch_rejects_slug_escaping_repos_dir(pool: PgPool) {
         // The verified escape from #272: `PathBuf::join` discards everything
@@ -1265,12 +1357,13 @@ mod tests {
         // fails on but leaves the parent it created, so assert on both.
         let outside = TempDir::new().unwrap();
         let escape_dir = outside.path().join("nest");
-        let slug = format!("a/{}/escape", escape_dir.display());
+        let escape_path = absolute_slug_path(&escape_dir);
+        let slug = format!("a/{escape_path}/escape");
         let escape_target = escape_dir.join("escape.git");
 
         // Serve the composed URL for real, so a run without the guard genuinely
         // clones outside the root rather than merely failing at git.
-        let rel = format!("a{}/escape", escape_dir.display());
+        let rel = format!("a{escape_path}/escape");
         let (_remote, peer_url) = rooted_remote(&[&rel]);
 
         let did = "did:key:z6MkAttacker";
@@ -1390,6 +1483,7 @@ mod tests {
     // ── canonical containment before the git call (issue #272) ───────────────
 
     /// Every ref in `repo`, as one string, for a before/after comparison.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
     fn refs_of(repo: &Path) -> String {
         let out = Command::new("git")
             .args(["-C", repo.to_str().unwrap(), "for-each-ref"])
@@ -1722,6 +1816,7 @@ mod tests {
     /// starvation tests is fixed rather than dependent on how fast the loop
     /// runs. Two rows enqueued in the same microsecond would otherwise order
     /// arbitrarily.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
     async fn enqueue_at(db: &Db, pool: &PgPool, repo: &str, did: &str, enqueued_at: &str) {
         enqueue(db, repo, did).await;
         sqlx::query("UPDATE sync_queue SET enqueued_at = $1 WHERE repo = $2")
@@ -1915,7 +2010,8 @@ mod tests {
 
         let outside = TempDir::new().unwrap();
         let escape_dir = outside.path().join("nest");
-        let slug = format!("a/{}/gitlawb-probe", escape_dir.display());
+        let escape_path = absolute_slug_path(&escape_dir);
+        let slug = format!("a/{escape_path}/gitlawb-probe");
         let escape_target = escape_dir.join("gitlawb-probe.git");
 
         // Two things this fixture must get right or the test is green for the
@@ -1926,7 +2022,7 @@ mod tests {
         // run without the guard genuinely clones outside the root instead of
         // just failing at git. Db::upsert_peer cannot seed this row: it gates on
         // is_public_http_url, which rejects file://.
-        let rel = format!("a{}/gitlawb-probe", escape_dir.display());
+        let rel = format!("a{escape_path}/gitlawb-probe");
         let (_remote, peer_url) = rooted_remote(&[&rel]);
         let did = "did:key:z6MkAttacker";
         seed_local_peer(&pool, did, &peer_url).await;

crates/gitlawb-node/src/test_git_shim.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,75 @@
+//! Native Git fixtures shared by timing tests on Unix and Windows.
+
+use std::ops::Deref;
+use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
+use std::sync::OnceLock;
+
+/// The fixture delays or hangs in its own process, so the production watchdog
+/// can terminate it without depending on a shell or descendant process support.
+pub(super) enum Behavior<'a> {
+    Delay(u64),
+    Hang,
+    HangOid(&'a str),
+    HangRepo(&'a str),
+    LogTypes(&'a Path),
+}
+
+pub(super) struct GitShim {
+    _directory: tempfile::TempDir,
+    executable: PathBuf,
+}
+
+impl Deref for GitShim {
+    type Target = Path;
+
+    fn deref(&self) -> &Path {
+        &self.executable
+    }
+}
+
+pub(super) fn create(name: &str, behavior: Behavior<'_>) -> GitShim {
+    static COMPILED: OnceLock<tempfile::TempDir> = OnceLock::new();
+    let compiled = COMPILED.get_or_init(|| {
+        let directory = tempfile::tempdir().expect("native Git fixture directory");
+        let source = directory.path().join("git_shim.rs");
+        std::fs::write(&source, include_str!("../tests/fixtures/git_shim.rs"))
+            .expect("write native Git fixture source");
+        let executable = directory
+            .path()
+            .join(format!("git-shim{}", std::env::consts::EXE_SUFFIX));
+        let output =
+            std::process::Command::new(std::env::var_os("RUSTC").unwrap_or_else(|| "rustc".into()))
+                .arg("--edition=2021")
+                .arg("-Dwarnings")
+                .arg(&source)
+                .arg("-o")
+                .arg(executable)
+                .output()
+                .expect("compile native Git fixture with the installed Rust toolchain");
+        assert!(
+            output.status.success(),
+            "{}",
+            String::from_utf8_lossy(&output.stderr)
+        );
+        directory
+    });
+    let directory = tempfile::Builder::new()
+        .prefix(name)
+        .tempdir()
+        .expect("Git fixture instance");
+    let file_name = format!("git-shim{}", std::env::consts::EXE_SUFFIX);
+    let executable = directory.path().join(&file_name);
+    std::fs::copy(compiled.path().join(file_name), &executable).expect("copy native Git fixture");
+    let config = match behavior {
+        Behavior::Delay(milliseconds) => format!("delay\n{milliseconds}"),
+        Behavior::Hang => "hang\n".to_owned(),
+        Behavior::HangOid(oid) => format!("hang-oid\n{oid}"),
+        Behavior::HangRepo(repo) => format!("hang-repo\n{repo}"),
+        Behavior::LogTypes(path) => format!("log-types\n{}", path.display()),
+    };
+    std::fs::write(directory.path().join("config"), config).expect("configure native Git fixture");
+    GitShim {
+        _directory: directory,
+        executable,
+    }
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/src/webhooks.rs

@@ -79,6 +79,19 @@ async fn fire_event_async(
         let delivery_id = uuid::Uuid::new_v4().to_string();
 
         tokio::spawn(async move {
+            // Policy skip, not a delivery failure: the stored URL predates the
+            // create-time gate. The "invalid_url" label is documented on
+            // record_webhook_delivery in metrics.rs.
+            if !crate::api::peers::is_public_http_url(&hook.url) {
+                crate::metrics::record_webhook_delivery("invalid_url");
+                tracing::warn!(
+                    url = %hook.url,
+                    event = %event_name,
+                    "webhook delivery skipped: stored URL is not a public http(s) target"
+                );
+                return;
+            }
+
             let signature = hook.secret.as_deref().map(|s| sign_payload(s, &bytes));
 
             let mut req = client

crates/gitlawb-node/tests/fixtures/git_shim.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,59 @@
+use std::io::{Read, Write};
+use std::process::{Command, Stdio};
+use std::time::Duration;
+
+fn main() -> std::io::Result<()> {
+    let executable = std::env::current_exe()?;
+    let config = std::fs::read_to_string(executable.parent().unwrap().join("config"))?;
+    let (mode, parameter) = config.split_once('\n').unwrap_or((&config, ""));
+    let args: Vec<_> = std::env::args_os().skip(1).collect();
+    if mode == "delay" {
+        std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(parameter.parse().unwrap()));
+    }
+    let batch = args.get(1).is_some_and(|arg| arg == "--batch-check");
+    let input = if batch {
+        let mut bytes = Vec::new();
+        std::io::stdin().read_to_end(&mut bytes)?;
+        Some(bytes)
+    } else {
+        None
+    };
+    let cwd = std::env::current_dir()?;
+    let hang = mode == "hang"
+        || (mode == "hang-repo" && cwd.file_name().is_some_and(|name| name == parameter))
+        || (mode == "hang-oid"
+            && (args.iter().any(|arg| arg == parameter)
+                || input
+                    .as_ref()
+                    .is_some_and(|bytes| String::from_utf8_lossy(bytes).trim() == parameter)));
+    if hang {
+        std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_secs(30));
+        std::process::exit(1);
+    }
+    if mode == "log-types" && batch {
+        let mut log = std::fs::OpenOptions::new()
+            .create(true)
+            .append(true)
+            .open(parameter)?;
+        writeln!(
+            log,
+            "{} {}",
+            String::from_utf8_lossy(input.as_ref().unwrap()).trim(),
+            cwd.file_name().unwrap().to_string_lossy()
+        )?;
+    }
+    let mut child = Command::new("git")
+        .args(&args)
+        .stdin(if input.is_some() {
+            Stdio::piped()
+        } else {
+            Stdio::inherit()
+        })
+        .stdout(Stdio::inherit())
+        .stderr(Stdio::inherit())
+        .spawn()?;
+    if let Some(bytes) = input {
+        child.stdin.take().unwrap().write_all(&bytes)?;
+    }
+    std::process::exit(child.wait()?.code().unwrap_or(1));
+}

crates/gitlawb-node/tests/owner_push_default_docs.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,177 @@
+//! #26 Split PR 4 — `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` default is consistent across surfaces.
+//!
+//! Reviewer 2 (2026-08-28) closed PR #224 with a P2 finding: SECURITY.md and
+//! README.md both stated the default was `false`, while `Config::enforce_owner_push`
+//! declared `default_value_t = true` and the runtime, .env.example, and the env
+//! var table on the README all agreed with the code. Two operator-facing
+//! surfaces lied about the authorization policy. PR #330 flipped the code
+//! default and updated .env.example / README env table / docs/RUN-A-NODE.md,
+//! but missed these two prose mentions.
+//!
+//! This guard pins the documentation and example surfaces together. Each one
+//! is read off the working tree at test time, not a copy in the binary, so a
+//! revert of the doc edit turns it red:
+//!
+//! 1. `SECURITY.md` says the default is `true`.
+//! 2. `README.md` says the default is `true` in the known-limitations prose.
+//! 3. `README.md` says the default is `true` in the env-var table row.
+//! 4. `.env.example` sets `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH=true`.
+//!
+//! The runtime declared default (`Config::enforce_owner_push`'s
+//! `default_value_t = true`) is protected by the
+//! `enforce_owner_push_is_declared_true_independent_of_the_environment`
+//! unit test in `config.rs`, which reads the parser directly and is
+//! env-independent. The two checks together cover the surfaces that
+//! produced the original doc-vs-code drift; this guard cannot reach into
+//! the binary crate's `Config` type (it is private to the bin target,
+//! which has no `lib.rs`) without a larger refactor, so the contract is
+//! stated as the four documentation/example surfaces above.
+//!
+//! The four are checked independently. A check that just verified "at least
+//! one surface says true" would pass while a stale SECURITY.md lied; a check
+//! that only verified the binary would not catch the doc drift that
+//! produced this finding in the first place.
+
+use std::path::Path;
+
+fn read(rel: &str) -> String {
+    let p = Path::new(env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR"))
+        .join("..")
+        .join("..")
+        .join(rel);
+    std::fs::read_to_string(&p).unwrap_or_else(|e| panic!("read {}: {e}", p.display()))
+}
+
+/// Pin the prose mentions of `GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH` so a future doc
+/// edit cannot reintroduce the "defaults to false" wording the reviewer
+/// flagged. The wording in the test is what the docs MUST say about the
+/// default; absence of any prose mention is also a fail because operators
+/// rely on the docs to learn the default.
+#[test]
+fn security_md_states_owner_push_default_is_true() {
+    let security = read("SECURITY.md");
+    let section = section_after(&security, "### Repository write authorization defaults")
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("SECURITY.md is missing the owner-push section"));
+
+    assert!(
+        section.contains("defaults to `true`"),
+        "SECURITY.md owner-push section must state the default is true. \
+         Found:\n{section}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        !section_claims_default_is_false(&section),
+        "SECURITY.md owner-push section must not claim the default is false. \
+         Found:\n{section}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn readme_known_limitations_states_owner_push_default_is_true() {
+    let readme = read("README.md");
+    let limitations = section_after(&readme, "Known limitations:")
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("README.md is missing the Known limitations: section"));
+
+    // The owner-push line is one bullet in the limitations list. Pull the
+    // single line that mentions the env var so the assertion is local to
+    // the claim, not a substring of unrelated text.
+    let line = limitations
+        .lines()
+        .find(|l| l.contains("GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH"))
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| {
+            panic!(
+                "README.md Known limitations must mention GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH.\n\
+                 Got:\n{limitations}"
+            )
+        });
+
+    assert!(
+        line.contains("defaults to `true`") || line.contains("defaults to true"),
+        "README Known-limitations owner-push bullet must state the default is true. \
+         Found:\n{line}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        !section_claims_default_is_false(line),
+        "README Known-limitations owner-push bullet must not claim the default is false. \
+         Found:\n{line}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn readme_env_var_table_states_owner_push_default_is_true() {
+    let readme = read("README.md");
+    let line = readme
+        .lines()
+        .find(|l| l.contains("GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH") && l.contains("|"))
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| {
+            panic!("README.md is missing the env-var-table row for GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH")
+        });
+
+    assert!(
+        line.contains("Defaults to `true`") || line.contains("defaults to `true`"),
+        "README env-var-table row for GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH must state the default is true. \
+         Found:\n{line}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        !section_claims_default_is_false(line),
+        "README env-var-table row for GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH must not claim the default is false. \
+         Found:\n{line}"
+    );
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn env_example_sets_owner_push_true() {
+    let env = read(".env.example");
+    let line = env
+        .lines()
+        .find(|l| l.trim_start().starts_with("GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH"))
+        .unwrap_or_else(|| panic!(".env.example is missing GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH"));
+
+    assert!(
+        line.contains("=true"),
+        ".env.example GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH must be set to true. Found:\n{line}"
+    );
+}
+
+/// A claim that the default is false can hide in many phrasings. Match the
+/// forms that have appeared in the wild on this branch: "defaults to `false`",
+/// "defaults to false", "default is false", "is `false` for compatibility",
+/// "is false for compatibility". The match is intentionally narrow — false
+/// positives would suppress a real doc edit.
+fn section_claims_default_is_false(section: &str) -> bool {
+    let lower = section.to_ascii_lowercase();
+    lower.contains("defaults to `false`")
+        || lower.contains("defaults to false")
+        || lower.contains("default is `false`")
+        || lower.contains("default is false")
+        || (lower.contains("`false`") && lower.contains("for compatibility"))
+}
+
+/// Return the prose after a marker up to the next heading boundary. The
+/// marker is normally a markdown heading (e.g. `### Section`); if it has
+/// no `#` prefix it is treated as a plain-text marker and the slice is
+/// bounded by the next heading of any level. This matters because a
+/// plain-text marker would otherwise produce `header_level = 0`, making
+/// the same-or-higher-level stop condition unsatisfiable and letting the
+/// slice run to EOF.
+fn section_after(doc: &str, heading: &str) -> Option<String> {
+    let start = doc.find(heading)?;
+    let after = &doc[start..];
+    let header_level = heading.chars().take_while(|c| *c == '#').count();
+
+    // Skip past the heading line itself.
+    let body_start = after.find('\n')? + 1;
+    let body = &after[body_start..];
+
+    // Stop at the next heading of the same or higher level, or at the next
+    // heading of any level when the marker had no `#` prefix.
+    let mut end = body.len();
+    for line in body.lines() {
+        let level = line.chars().take_while(|c| *c == '#').count();
+        if level > 0 && (header_level == 0 || level <= header_level) {
+            end = line.as_ptr() as usize - body.as_ptr() as usize;
+            break;
+        }
+    }
+
+    Some(body[..end].to_string())
+}

crates/gl/Cargo.toml

@@ -26,6 +26,8 @@ clap = { version = "4", features = ["derive", "env"] }
 dirs = "5"
 reqwest = { workspace = true }
 uuid = { workspace = true }
+url = { workspace = true }
+percent-encoding = { workspace = true }
 urlencoding = "2"
 alloy = { version = "1", default-features = false, features = [
     "contract",
@@ -42,3 +44,4 @@ alloy = { version = "1", default-features = false, features = [
 mockito = "1"
 tempfile = "3"
 tokio = { workspace = true }
+ed25519-dalek = { workspace = true }

crates/gl/src/agent.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -65,24 +64,16 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String, capability: Option<String>) -> Result<()> {
         .get(&path)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-
-    if status == reqwest::StatusCode::NOT_FOUND {
+    // Keep the bespoke 404 hint (older node without the agents API) ahead of
+    // read_json; every other status routes through it (capped + sanitized error).
+    if resp.status() == reqwest::StatusCode::NOT_FOUND {
         anyhow::bail!(
             "this node does not yet support the agents API (v0.3+)\n\
              upgrade the node or check GITLAWB_NODE is pointing to the right server"
         );
     }
 
-    let body: Value = resp
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON from node — is GITLAWB_NODE correct?")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("list agents failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "list agents").await?;
 
     let agents = body["agents"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
 
@@ -97,7 +88,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String, capability: Option<String>) -> Result<()> {
         let short = did
             .split(':')
             .next_back()
-            .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(16)])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 16))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         let trust = agent["trust_score"].as_f64().unwrap_or(0.0);
         let caps = agent["capabilities"]
@@ -125,24 +116,15 @@ async fn cmd_show(did: String, node: String) -> Result<()> {
         .get(&format!("/api/v1/agents/{did}"))
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-
-    if status == reqwest::StatusCode::NOT_FOUND {
+    // Keep the bespoke 404 hint ahead of read_json; other statuses route through it.
+    if resp.status() == reqwest::StatusCode::NOT_FOUND {
         anyhow::bail!(
             "agent not found, or this node does not yet support the agents API (v0.3+)\n\
              upgrade the node or check GITLAWB_NODE is pointing to the right server"
         );
     }
 
-    let agent: Value = resp
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON from node — is GITLAWB_NODE correct?")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = agent["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("agent not found ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let agent = crate::http::read_json(resp, "agent").await?;
 
     let full_did = agent["did"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     let trust = agent["trust_score"].as_f64().unwrap_or(0.0);
@@ -223,11 +205,14 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
         let err = cmd_list(server.url(), None).await.unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("agents API"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -238,11 +223,14 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(500)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"internal error"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
         let err = cmd_list(server.url(), None).await.unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("list agents failed"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -269,6 +257,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"agent not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -276,6 +265,8 @@ mod tests {
             .await
             .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("agents API") || err.to_string().contains("not found"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]

crates/gl/src/bounty.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -221,13 +220,7 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("create bounty failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "create bounty").await?;
 
     let id = body["id"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     println!("Bounty created: {id}");
@@ -263,11 +256,14 @@ async fn cmd_list(
         u
     };
 
-    let resp = client
-        .get_authed(&url)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get_authed(&url)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to connect to node")?,
+        "bounties",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let bounties = body["bounties"].as_array();
     if let Some(arr) = bounties {
@@ -279,7 +275,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(
                 let title = b["title"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
                 let amount = b["amount"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
                 let st = b["status"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
-                let short_id = &id[..8.min(id.len())];
+                let short_id = crate::text::truncate(id, 8);
                 println!("{short_id}  {st:<10}  {amount:>12} $GITLAWB  {title}");
             }
         }
@@ -291,13 +287,7 @@ async fn cmd_show(id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()>
     let client = signed_client(&node, dir.as_deref());
     let resp = client.get_authed(&format!("/api/v1/bounties/{id}")).await?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("not found");
-        anyhow::bail!("bounty not found: {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "show bounty").await?;
 
     println!("{}", serde_json::to_string_pretty(&body)?);
     Ok(())
@@ -321,13 +311,7 @@ async fn cmd_claim(
         )
         .await?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("claim failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "claim").await?;
 
     println!("Bounty {id} claimed. Deadline starts now.");
     Ok(())
@@ -346,13 +330,7 @@ async fn cmd_submit(id: String, pr: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
         )
         .await?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("submit failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "submit").await?;
 
     println!("Bounty {id} submitted with PR {pr}. Awaiting creator approval.");
     Ok(())
@@ -376,13 +354,7 @@ async fn cmd_approve(
         )
         .await?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("approve failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "approve").await?;
 
     println!("Bounty {id} approved! Payout released to agent.");
     Ok(())
@@ -401,13 +373,7 @@ async fn cmd_cancel(id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
         )
         .await?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("cancel failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "cancel").await?;
 
     println!("Bounty {id} cancelled. Tokens refunded.");
     Ok(())
@@ -415,8 +381,11 @@ async fn cmd_cancel(id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
 
 async fn cmd_stats(node: String) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
-    let resp = client.get("/api/v1/bounties/stats").await?;
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
+    // Route through read_json so a node denial (403/404/5xx, incl. a non-JSON
+    // body) surfaces as an error instead of a fake `Bounty Stats` with every
+    // counter zeroed (#186, the denial-as-success class #123 fixes elsewhere).
+    let body =
+        crate::http::read_json(client.get("/api/v1/bounties/stats").await?, "bounty stats").await?;
 
     let open = body["open"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     let claimed = body["claimed"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
@@ -434,7 +403,7 @@ async fn cmd_stats(node: String) -> Result<()> {
                 let did = entry["did"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
                 let count = entry["completed"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
                 let earned = entry["total_earned"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
-                let short = &did[did.len().saturating_sub(8)..];
+                let short = crate::text::truncate_suffix(did, 8);
                 println!(
                     "  {}. ...{short}  {count} bounties  {earned} $GITLAWB",
                     i + 1
@@ -553,6 +522,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -560,6 +530,8 @@ mod tests {
             .await
             .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("not found"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -576,4 +548,86 @@ mod tests {
 
         cmd_stats(server.url()).await.unwrap();
     }
+
+    /// #186 (F1): a node denial on the stats endpoint must surface as an error,
+    /// not print a fake `Bounty Stats` with every counter zeroed. RED before the
+    /// fix (unwrap_or_default + no status check -> Ok with zeros), GREEN after
+    /// (read_json bails on the non-2xx).
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_stats_surfaces_denial_not_fake_result() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let m = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/stats$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(403)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"forbidden"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_stats(server.url())
+            .await
+            .expect_err("a 403 must be an error, not a zeroed fake result");
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("403"), "err={err}");
+        // Pin the mock hit explicitly. The status assertion above already fails
+        // when the route does not match (mockito answers an unmatched route with
+        // 501, so "403" is absent), but that proof is incidental to mockito's
+        // fallback status; assert the hit directly so it survives a reworded
+        // assertion.
+        m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    /// #186 (F1): the same denial-as-error behavior across the non-2xx response
+    /// classes, not just 403 — a 404 and a 500 (incl. a non-JSON body) must each
+    /// surface as an error with the status, never a zeroed fake result.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_stats_surfaces_denial_across_status_classes() {
+        for (status, body, json) in [
+            (404, r#"{"message":"not found"}"#, true),
+            (500, "internal boom", false),
+        ] {
+            let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+            let mut m = server
+                .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/stats$".to_string()))
+                .with_status(status)
+                .with_body(body);
+            if json {
+                m = m.with_header("content-type", "application/json");
+            }
+            let m = m.expect(1).create_async().await;
+
+            let err = cmd_stats(server.url()).await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+            assert!(
+                err.contains(&status.to_string()),
+                "status {status} must surface as an error, got: {err}"
+            );
+            m.assert_async().await;
+        }
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_list_repo_scoped_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        // `gl bounty list --repo owner/name` hits the gated /repos/{o}/{n}/bounties;
+        // a 404 must Err, not silently print nothing.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/repos/alice/secret/bounties".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository 'alice/secret' not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_list(Some("alice/secret".to_string()), None, server.url(), None).await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "bounty list --repo must Err on a gated 404"
+        );
+        // Prove the gated repo-scoped path was actually requested: without this,
+        // an unmatched route (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would satisfy is_err().
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/changelog.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::Args;
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -46,12 +45,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: ChangelogArgs) -> Result<()> {
             did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string()
         } else {
             let client = NodeClient::new(&args.node, None);
-            let info: Value = client
-                .get("/")
-                .await?
-                .json()
-                .await
-                .context("failed to fetch node info")?;
+            let info = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/").await?, "node info").await?;
             let did = info["did"].as_str().context("node missing DID")?;
             did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(did).to_string()
         };
@@ -68,13 +62,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: ChangelogArgs) -> Result<()> {
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("changelog failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "changelog").await?;
 
     let events = body["events"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
 
@@ -87,14 +75,14 @@ pub async fn run(args: ChangelogArgs) -> Result<()> {
 
     for event in &events {
         let ts = event["timestamp"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
-        let date = &ts[..ts.len().min(10)];
+        let date = crate::text::truncate(ts, 10);
 
         match event["type"].as_str().unwrap_or("") {
             "commit" => {
                 let sha = event["sha"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
                 let msg = event["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
                 let first_line = msg.lines().next().unwrap_or(msg);
-                let short_sha = &sha[..sha.len().min(8)];
+                let short_sha = crate::text::truncate(sha, 8);
                 println!("  {date}  commit      {short_sha}  {first_line}");
             }
             "pr_merged" => {
@@ -216,6 +204,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"repo not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -227,6 +216,8 @@ mod tests {
         };
         let err = run(args).await.unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("changelog failed"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -274,4 +265,31 @@ mod tests {
         let err = rt.block_on(run(args)).unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("no repo specified"));
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn resolve_via_run_surfaces_denial() {
+        // A slash-free repo with an empty identity dir forces the inline GET /
+        // node-info fetch during resolution. A gated 404 there must Err (surfacing
+        // the status), proving the read_json conversion is load-bearing.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap(); // empty, no identity.pem, forces the GET / branch
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"denied"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = run(ChangelogArgs {
+            repo: Some("noslash".to_string()),
+            limit: 20,
+            node: server.url(),
+            dir: Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        })
+        .await
+        .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/clone.rs

@@ -163,8 +163,8 @@ pub fn setup_partial_clone(
 
     if withheld_globs.is_empty() {
         match branch {
-            Some(b) => git_global(&["clone", "-q", "--branch", b, remote_url, dest_str])?,
-            None => git_global(&["clone", "-q", remote_url, dest_str])?,
+            Some(b) => git_global(&["clone", "-q", "--branch", b, "--", remote_url, dest_str])?,
+            None => git_global(&["clone", "-q", "--", remote_url, dest_str])?,
         }
         return Ok(());
     }
@@ -174,6 +174,7 @@ pub fn setup_partial_clone(
         "-q",
         "--filter=blob:none",
         "--no-checkout",
+        "--",
         remote_url,
         dest_str,
     ])?;
@@ -388,7 +389,7 @@ async fn recover_encrypted_blobs(
         let plaintext = match open_blob(&envelope, keypair) {
             Ok(p) => p,
             Err(e) => {
-                eprintln!("warning: could not decrypt {oid}: {e}");
+                emit_warning(&format!("warning: could not decrypt {oid}: {e}"));
                 continue;
             }
         };
@@ -406,7 +407,9 @@ async fn recover_encrypted_blobs(
                 recovered.push(p.clone());
             }
         } else {
-            eprintln!("warning: recovered blob {oid} hashed to {written}; discarding");
+            emit_warning(&format!(
+                "warning: recovered blob {oid} hashed to {written}; discarding"
+            ));
         }
     }
     Ok(recovered)
@@ -804,7 +807,9 @@ async fn recover_from_arweave(
                 recovered.push(p.clone());
             }
         } else {
-            eprintln!("warning: recovered blob {oid} hashed to {written}; discarding");
+            emit_warning(&format!(
+                "warning: recovered blob {oid} hashed to {written}; discarding"
+            ));
         }
     }
     Ok(recovered)
@@ -1090,6 +1095,85 @@ mod tests {
         );
     }
 
+    #[test]
+    fn setup_partial_clone_plain_without_withheld_paths() {
+        let (td, url) = bare_remote(&[("file.txt", b"hello\n")]);
+        let dest = td.path().join("dest");
+        setup_partial_clone(&dest, &url, &[], &[], None).unwrap();
+        assert!(dest.join("file.txt").exists());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn setup_partial_clone_with_branch_without_withheld_paths() {
+        let (td, url) = bare_remote(&[("file.txt", b"hello\n")]);
+        let branch_out = Command::new("git")
+            .args([
+                "-C",
+                td.path().join("origin").to_str().unwrap(),
+                "branch",
+                "--show-current",
+            ])
+            .output()
+            .unwrap();
+        let branch = String::from_utf8(branch_out.stdout)
+            .unwrap()
+            .trim()
+            .to_string();
+        let dest = td.path().join("dest");
+        setup_partial_clone(&dest, &url, &[], &[], Some(&branch)).unwrap();
+        assert!(dest.join("file.txt").exists());
+    }
+
+    /// #374: every `setup_partial_clone` shape interpolates `remote_url` into a
+    /// `git clone` argv. The `--` delimiter is what forces an option-shaped
+    /// remote to be read as a repository rather than parsed as an option.
+    ///
+    /// The assertion is on git's own words — `repository '<value>'`, single-quoted
+    /// — and not merely on the value appearing somewhere in the error. `git_global`
+    /// formats its failure as `git {args:?} failed: {stderr}`, so the injected
+    /// string is already present in the debug-printed argv whether or not the
+    /// delimiter is there; asserting on containment alone would pass with `--`
+    /// deleted. Undelimited, git consumes the value as an option, leaving the
+    /// destination as the only positional, and names *that* instead
+    /// (`repository '<dest>' does not exist`) — so this goes red without the fix.
+    ///
+    /// The payload carries no `:` or space: a colon would make git read the
+    /// argument as an ssh-style `host:path` URL and report a hostname, which is a
+    /// different parse.
+    fn assert_option_shaped_remote_is_a_repository(withheld: &[String], branch: Option<&str>) {
+        let td = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let dest = td.path().join("dest");
+        let injected = "--upload-pack=false";
+
+        let err = setup_partial_clone(&dest, injected, withheld, &[], branch)
+            .expect_err("an option-shaped remote is not a repository and must fail")
+            .to_string();
+
+        assert!(
+            err.contains(&format!("repository '{injected}'")),
+            "git must name the argument as the repository, not consume it as an option: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn plain_clone_never_parses_a_remote_as_a_git_option() {
+        assert_option_shaped_remote_is_a_repository(&[], None);
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn branch_clone_never_parses_a_remote_as_a_git_option() {
+        // Pins that `--branch <b>` stays ahead of the delimiter: if `--` were moved
+        // before `--branch`, git would read the branch name as a positional instead.
+        assert_option_shaped_remote_is_a_repository(&[], Some("main"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sparse_clone_never_parses_a_remote_as_a_git_option() {
+        // The withheld-globs arm is a separate argv construction
+        // (`--filter=blob:none --no-checkout`) and needs its own proof.
+        assert_option_shaped_remote_is_a_repository(&["/secret/**".to_string()], None);
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn sparse_patterns_subtree_and_exact() {
         assert_eq!(sparse_patterns("/secret/**"), vec!["/secret/".to_string()]);

crates/gl/src/doctor.rs

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 //! Checks:
 //!   1. Identity        — ~/.gitlawb/identity.pem exists, DID parseable
 //!   2. Registration    — ~/.gitlawb/ucan.json exists (registered with a node)
-//!   3. GITLAWB_NODE    — env var is set to a non-localhost URL
+//!   3. GITLAWB_NODE    — env var points at a public node (unset is advisory)
 //!   4. Node            — GITLAWB_NODE is reachable (default: https://node.twigpine.com)
 //!   5. git helper      — git-remote-gitlawb is in PATH
 //!   6. git             — git is installed
@@ -80,7 +80,6 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
     });
 
     let mut checks = Vec::new();
-    let mut all_ok = true;
 
     // ── 1. Identity ───────────────────────────────────────────────────────
     let pem_path = dir.join("identity.pem");
@@ -141,32 +140,16 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
     }
 
     // ── 3. GITLAWB_NODE env var ───────────────────────────────────────────
-    match std::env::var("GITLAWB_NODE") {
-        // A loopback host is a legitimate setup (self-hosted node, dev
-        // harness) — the connectivity check below fails loudly if it is not
-        // actually reachable, so don't red-flag the configuration itself.
-        Ok(v) if is_loopback_url(&v) => {
-            checks.push(Check::pass(
-                "GITLAWB_NODE",
-                format!(
-                    "{v} (local node — intentional for self-hosting/dev; unset to target the public network)"
-                ),
-            ));
-        }
-        Ok(v) if !v.is_empty() => {
-            checks.push(Check::pass("GITLAWB_NODE", v.to_string()));
-        }
-        _ => {
-            checks.push(Check::fail(
-                "GITLAWB_NODE",
-                "not set — git-remote-gitlawb will fall back to http://127.0.0.1:7545",
-                "export GITLAWB_NODE=https://node.twigpine.com",
-            ));
-        }
-    }
+    checks.push(gitlawb_node_env_check(
+        std::env::var("GITLAWB_NODE").ok().as_deref(),
+    ));
 
     // ── 4. Node connectivity ──────────────────────────────────────────────
-    let client = NodeClient::new(&args.node, None);
+    // GITLAWB_NODE="" binds args.node to "" through clap, and check 3 groups
+    // empty with unset. The probe must apply the same normalization or it
+    // would dial "" and Fail while the env row only Warns.
+    let node_url = effective_node_url(&args.node);
+    let client = NodeClient::new(node_url, None);
     match client.get("/").await {
         Ok(resp) if resp.status().is_success() => {
             let info = resp.json::<serde_json::Value>().await.unwrap_or_default();
@@ -175,7 +158,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
             let short_did = did.chars().take(30).collect::<String>();
             checks.push(Check::pass(
                 "node",
-                format!("{} — v{version} ({short_did}…)", args.node),
+                format!("{} — v{version} ({short_did}…)", node_url),
             ));
             // Capability drift: a node newer than this CLI may require features
             // (RFC 9421 signing, iCaptcha) the CLI doesn't speak.
@@ -194,14 +177,14 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
         Ok(resp) => {
             checks.push(Check::fail(
                 "node",
-                format!("{} returned HTTP {}", args.node, resp.status()),
+                format!("{} returned HTTP {}", node_url, resp.status()),
                 "check GITLAWB_NODE env var or try gl register --node <url>",
             ));
         }
         Err(e) => {
             checks.push(Check::fail(
                 "node",
-                format!("{} unreachable: {e}", args.node),
+                format!("{} unreachable: {e}", node_url),
                 "check your internet connection or set GITLAWB_NODE",
             ));
         }
@@ -285,23 +268,21 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
             CheckState::Fail => "✗",
         };
         println!("  {icon}  {:<24}  {}", check.label, check.detail);
-        if matches!(check.state, CheckState::Fail) {
-            all_ok = false;
-        }
     }
 
     println!();
 
+    let has_failures_now = has_failures(&checks);
     let has_issues = checks
         .iter()
         .any(|c| matches!(c.state, CheckState::Fail | CheckState::Warn));
     if !has_issues {
         println!("Everything looks good. Run `gl quickstart` to create your first repo.");
     } else {
-        if all_ok {
-            println!("Setup looks good with some warnings:");
-        } else {
+        if has_failures_now {
             println!("Some checks failed. Suggested fixes:");
+        } else {
+            println!("Setup looks good with some warnings:");
         }
         for check in &checks {
             if matches!(check.state, CheckState::Fail | CheckState::Warn) {
@@ -311,14 +292,75 @@ pub async fn run(args: DoctorArgs) -> Result<()> {
             }
         }
         println!();
-        if !all_ok {
+        if has_failures_now {
             println!("Run `gl quickstart` for a guided setup.");
         }
     }
 
+    // #357: a non-zero exit is the only signal scripting and CI have. Warn-only
+    // rows stay exit 0 (iCaptcha offline, version drift, shell-alias shadowing
+    // are all non-fatal); Fail-class rows (identity, registration, node
+    // reachable, git-remote-gitlawb present, git present) flip to exit 1.
+    // Direct `process::exit` rather than returning Err: the prose above is the
+    // user-facing summary, and an anyhow Error frame would just duplicate it.
+    if has_failures(&checks) {
+        std::process::exit(1);
+    }
+
     Ok(())
 }
 
+/// Classify the `GITLAWB_NODE` env var for `gl doctor`. Extracted so unit
+/// tests can pin the Warn tier directly (#357): an unset env is advisory, not
+/// a failure, because `--node` defaults to `https://node.twigpine.com` and the
+/// CLI works without it. Flipping this back to `Check::fail` must break a
+/// test, not just change prose.
+fn gitlawb_node_env_check(env_val: Option<&str>) -> Check {
+    match env_val {
+        // A loopback host is a legitimate setup (self-hosted node, dev
+        // harness) — the connectivity check below fails loudly if it is not
+        // actually reachable, so don't red-flag the configuration itself.
+        Some(v) if is_loopback_url(v) => Check::pass(
+            "GITLAWB_NODE",
+            format!(
+                "{v} (local node — intentional for self-hosting/dev; unset to target the public network)"
+            ),
+        ),
+        Some(v) if !v.is_empty() => Check::pass("GITLAWB_NODE", v.to_string()),
+        // `--node` defaults to `https://node.twigpine.com` and the CLI works
+        // fine without the variable, so an unset env is advisory, not a
+        // failure. Warn-class keeps the exit code 0 for a stock working
+        // install; this used to be Fail, which the obvious "return non-zero
+        // on any failure" change would have flipped to exit 1 on every
+        // default-config install (#357).
+        _ => Check::warn(
+            "GITLAWB_NODE",
+            "not set — git-remote-gitlawb will fall back to http://127.0.0.1:7545",
+            format!("export GITLAWB_NODE={PUBLIC_NODE}"),
+        ),
+    }
+}
+
+/// The URL the connectivity probe should dial. `GITLAWB_NODE` set but empty
+/// (or whitespace-only) binds `args.node` to `""` through clap rather than
+/// to the `default_value`, and check 3 already groups empty with unset, so
+/// the probe applies the same normalization: an empty effective URL means
+/// the public node, same as unset.
+fn effective_node_url(node: &str) -> &str {
+    if node.trim().is_empty() {
+        PUBLIC_NODE
+    } else {
+        node
+    }
+}
+
+/// True when at least one check is Fail-class. Warn-only runs (iCaptcha offline,
+/// version drift, shell-alias shadowing, GITLAWB_NODE unset) keep exit 0;
+/// this is the gating predicate for #357's exit-status fix.
+fn has_failures(checks: &[Check]) -> bool {
+    checks.iter().any(|c| matches!(c.state, CheckState::Fail))
+}
+
 /// Check if a binary name exists anywhere on PATH.
 /// True when the rc file contains a real `unalias` command naming `gl` —
 /// not a comment, and not a longer word like `unalias global`. Ordering
@@ -644,4 +686,103 @@ mod tests {
         assert!(matches!(check.state, CheckState::Ok));
         assert!(check.detail.contains("GitHub API returned HTTP 403"));
     }
+
+    /// #357: an all-Ok run does not flip the exit code to non-zero — a healthy
+    /// install must keep returning 0 so scripts like `gl doctor && gl push`
+    /// keep working.
+    #[test]
+    fn exit_predicate_is_false_for_all_ok() {
+        let checks = vec![
+            Check::pass("identity", "ok"),
+            Check::pass("registration", "ok"),
+            Check::pass("git", "ok"),
+        ];
+        assert!(!has_failures(&checks));
+    }
+
+    /// #357: Warn-class rows (iCaptcha offline, version drift, shell-alias
+    /// shadowing, GITLAWB_NODE unset on a default-config install) are NOT
+    /// exit-status failures — they are still printed to the user but the
+    /// process exits 0. This is the rule that the previous "any
+    /// Fail-or-Warn row → exit 1" change would have broken for stock
+    /// installs that simply have not set the env var.
+    #[test]
+    fn exit_predicate_is_false_for_warn_only() {
+        let checks = vec![
+            Check::pass("identity", "ok"),
+            Check::warn("GITLAWB_NODE", "unset", "export GITLAWB_NODE=..."),
+            Check::warn("iCaptcha", "offline", "check connectivity"),
+            Check::warn("version", "drift", "upgrade"),
+            Check::warn("shell alias", "omz git plugin", "unalias gl"),
+        ];
+        assert!(!has_failures(&checks));
+    }
+
+    /// #357: a single Fail-class row trips the exit code. The set of Fail
+    /// rows is whatever `run` writes through `Check::fail`: identity missing
+    /// or unparseable, registration missing/malformed, node unreachable,
+    /// git-remote-gitlawb absent, git absent.
+    #[test]
+    fn exit_predicate_is_true_when_a_fail_row_is_present() {
+        let checks = vec![
+            Check::pass("registration", "ok"),
+            Check::fail("identity", "missing", "gl identity new"),
+            Check::pass("git", "ok"),
+        ];
+        assert!(has_failures(&checks));
+
+        let mixed_warns = vec![
+            Check::pass("identity", "ok"),
+            Check::warn("GITLAWB_NODE", "unset", "export"),
+            Check::fail("node", "unreachable", "check network"),
+            Check::warn("iCaptcha", "offline", "check"),
+        ];
+        assert!(has_failures(&mixed_warns));
+    }
+
+    /// #357: `GITLAWB_NODE` unset must be Warn, not Fail. This pins the
+    /// re-tier so flipping it back to `Check::fail` breaks the suite — the
+    /// previous `has_failures`-only tests built their own `Check::warn` rows
+    /// and could not see the re-tier at all.
+    #[test]
+    fn gitlawb_node_env_unset_is_warn() {
+        let check = gitlawb_node_env_check(None);
+        assert!(matches!(check.state, CheckState::Warn));
+        assert!(check.detail.contains("not set"));
+        let empty = gitlawb_node_env_check(Some(""));
+        assert!(matches!(empty.state, CheckState::Warn));
+    }
+
+    /// `GITLAWB_NODE=""` binds `args.node` to `""` through clap, and check 3
+    /// groups empty with unset. The probe must dial the same URL unset
+    /// would — removing the normalization makes check 4 probe `""` and Fail
+    /// while the env row only Warns, so an empty env install exits 1.
+    #[test]
+    fn effective_node_url_treats_empty_and_blank_as_unset() {
+        assert_eq!(effective_node_url(""), PUBLIC_NODE);
+        assert_eq!(effective_node_url("   "), PUBLIC_NODE);
+        assert_eq!(effective_node_url("\t\n"), PUBLIC_NODE);
+        assert_eq!(
+            effective_node_url("http://127.0.0.1:7545"),
+            "http://127.0.0.1:7545"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn gitlawb_node_env_set_is_pass() {
+        let check = gitlawb_node_env_check(Some("https://node.twigpine.com"));
+        assert!(matches!(check.state, CheckState::Ok));
+        assert!(check.detail.contains("https://node.twigpine.com"));
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn gitlawb_node_env_loopback_is_pass() {
+        for url in ["http://127.0.0.1:7545", "http://localhost:7545"] {
+            let check = gitlawb_node_env_check(Some(url));
+            assert!(
+                matches!(check.state, CheckState::Ok),
+                "loopback {url} must be Ok, not Warn/Fail"
+            );
+        }
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/http.rs

@@ -10,6 +10,7 @@ use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use gitlawb_core::http_sig::sign_request;
 use gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair;
 use icaptcha_client::IcaptchaCfg;
+use serde_json::Value;
 
 /// Max times we'll fetch a fresh proof and retry a 403-iCaptcha response
 /// (absorbs proof expiry / first-seen replay).
@@ -319,7 +320,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn read_body_capped(mut resp: reqwest::Response, cap: usize) ->
 /// Strip terminal-dangerous characters from (and cap the length of) a
 /// node-supplied error string before surfacing it. The node a caller talks to
 /// could be hostile and embed escape sequences in its error body; those must not
-/// reach the terminal verbatim (INV-6). We drop the C0/C1 control bytes (which
+/// reach the terminal verbatim. We drop the C0/C1 control bytes (which
 /// defangs ANSI/OSC escapes) AND the Unicode bidi/format controls (which
 /// `char::is_control` does not cover — they can reorder the displayed line).
 pub(crate) fn sanitize_node_msg(s: &str) -> String {
@@ -329,6 +330,60 @@ pub(crate) fn sanitize_node_msg(s: &str) -> String {
         .collect()
 }
 
+/// Read a JSON response, surfacing a node denial/error instead of parsing it as
+/// the requested resource. On a non-2xx status it returns an `Err` carrying the
+/// node's sanitized `message` plus the status; on success it parses the
+/// body and propagates a parse error, so a truncated/garbage 2xx body is an error
+/// rather than a silently-empty success (the denial-as-success bug #123 fixes).
+/// `what` names the resource for the error text (e.g. "repo", "commits").
+///
+/// Callers must route gated reads through this rather than `resp.json().await?`:
+/// the bare parse renders a gated 404/5xx body back as the resource.
+/// Cap on the error body `read_json` reads before parsing a node's `message`.
+/// Matches the capped-read bound used on the sync error path; large enough for any
+/// legitimate error, small enough that a hostile node cannot exhaust memory.
+const ERROR_BODY_CAP: usize = 8 * 1024;
+
+pub(crate) async fn read_json(resp: reqwest::Response, what: &str) -> Result<Value> {
+    let status = resp.status();
+    if !status.is_success() {
+        // Bound the error read: `resp.json()` would buffer and parse the WHOLE
+        // body, so a hostile node could stream an arbitrarily large valid JSON
+        // error and exhaust this process's memory (#186). Read a small capped body
+        // first, then best-effort extract `message`. The error body may also be
+        // non-JSON (503 degraded, 413 body-limit from middleware), so a parse miss
+        // falls back to the capped raw text; an empty body to the status alone.
+        let raw = read_body_capped(resp, ERROR_BODY_CAP).await.text;
+        // Preserve the prior contract: surface the JSON `message` when present in
+        // the capped body, else the status alone ("request failed") — a non-JSON
+        // or message-less body (503 degraded, 413 body-limit) never surfaces raw
+        // node bytes. A body whose `message` sits past the cap parses as truncated
+        // garbage here and correctly falls back rather than being buffered whole.
+        //
+        // Fall back to `error` before giving up: the node's shared AppError
+        // envelope carries both keys, but the task API answers with `error` alone
+        // (`{"error":"task not found"}` in gitlawb-node/src/api/tasks.rs), so
+        // reading only `message` blanked every `gl task` denial to the generic
+        // "request failed". `sync.rs`'s hand-rolled reader already reads both; this
+        // matches it.
+        let msg = serde_json::from_str::<Value>(&raw)
+            .ok()
+            .and_then(|b| {
+                b.get("message")
+                    .or_else(|| b.get("error"))
+                    .and_then(|m| m.as_str())
+                    .map(str::to_owned)
+            })
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| "request failed".to_owned());
+        anyhow::bail!("{what} failed ({status}): {}", sanitize_node_msg(&msg));
+    }
+    // Success: a truncated/garbage 2xx body must be an `Err`, not `Ok(Null)` that
+    // a caller then renders as an empty success.
+    resp.json()
+        .await
+        .with_context(|| format!("invalid JSON in {what} response"))
+}
+
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
@@ -1268,4 +1323,217 @@ mod tests {
         let out = sanitize_node_msg("ok \u{0627}\u{200D}b");
         assert_eq!(out, "ok \u{0627}\u{200D}b");
     }
+
+    // ── read_json (status-checked, bounded, sanitized read; #123) ────────
+
+    /// Drive a real `reqwest::Response` off a mockito mock so `read_json` sees an
+    /// actual HTTP status + body, the same shape the gated read arms produce.
+    async fn response_for(
+        server: &mut Server,
+        status: usize,
+        body: &str,
+        json: bool,
+    ) -> reqwest::Response {
+        let mut m = server.mock("GET", "/x").with_status(status).with_body(body);
+        if json {
+            m = m.with_header("content-type", "application/json");
+        }
+        let _m = m.create_async().await;
+        NodeClient::new(server.url(), None).get("/x").await.unwrap()
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_returns_body_on_2xx() {
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(
+            &mut server,
+            200,
+            r#"{"name":"r","owner_did":"did:gitlawb:z"}"#,
+            true,
+        )
+        .await;
+        let v = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap();
+        assert_eq!(v["name"], "r");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_404_surfacing_message_and_status() {
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(
+            &mut server,
+            404,
+            r#"{"message":"repository 'o/r' not found"}"#,
+            true,
+        )
+        .await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("404"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("not found"), "err={err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_500_surfacing_message() {
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 500, r#"{"message":"internal boom"}"#, true).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "commits").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("500"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("internal boom"), "err={err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_non_json_error_body_with_fallback() {
+        // 503 with a plain-text (middleware) body: no `message` field to surface.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 503, "service unavailable", false).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("503"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("request failed"), "err={err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_sanitizes_control_and_bidi_in_message() {
+        // A hostile node embeds ESC, BEL, and a right-to-left override in
+        // the error message; none may reach the terminal verbatim.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(
+            &mut server,
+            404,
+            r#"{"message":"a\u001b[31mb\u0007c\u202ed"}"#,
+            true,
+        )
+        .await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{1b}'), "ESC leaked: {err:?}");
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{7}'), "BEL leaked: {err:?}");
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{202e}'), "bidi override leaked: {err:?}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_garbage_2xx_body() {
+        // The #123 correctness point: a 200 with a non-JSON/truncated body must be
+        // an `Err`, NOT `Ok(Null)` that a caller renders as an empty success.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 200, "this is not json", false).await;
+        assert!(read_json(resp, "repo").await.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_empty_2xx_body() {
+        // A zero-byte 200 body must be an `Err`, not a silent `Ok(Null)`.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 200, "", false).await;
+        assert!(read_json(resp, "repo").await.is_err());
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_non_2xx_json_without_message_or_error() {
+        // A non-2xx JSON body carrying NEITHER key is the real fallback case.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 403, r#"{"detail":"forbidden"}"#, true).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("403"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("request failed"), "err={err}");
+        // The body's own text must not leak when no recognised key carries it.
+        assert!(!err.contains("forbidden"), "raw body leaked: {err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_surfaces_error_key_when_message_absent() {
+        // The task API answers with `error` alone — see
+        // gitlawb-node/src/api/tasks.rs `{"error":"task not found"}`. Reading only
+        // `message` blanked those denials to the generic "request failed", so the
+        // user was told nothing about why the call failed.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 404, r#"{"error":"task not found"}"#, true).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "task show").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("404"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("task not found"), "reason not surfaced: {err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_prefers_message_over_error_key() {
+        // The shared AppError envelope carries both; `message` is the human text
+        // and must win over the machine code in `error`.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(
+            &mut server,
+            500,
+            r#"{"error":"db_error","message":"database unavailable"}"#,
+            true,
+        )
+        .await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("database unavailable"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(
+            !err.contains("db_error"),
+            "machine code won over message: {err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_sanitizes_error_key_text() {
+        // The `error` fallback goes through the same sanitizer as `message`; a
+        // hostile node must not reach the terminal through the new path. The
+        // controls are JSON \u escapes so the body stays VALID JSON — embedding
+        // them raw would fail the parse and pass this test vacuously.
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(
+            &mut server,
+            404,
+            r#"{"error":"a\u001b[31mb\u0007c\u202ed"}"#,
+            true,
+        )
+        .await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "task show").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        // Proves the parse succeeded and the `error` key was read, not the
+        // "request failed" fallback (which would make the asserts below vacuous).
+        assert!(err.contains("task show failed (404"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(
+            !err.contains("request failed"),
+            "fell back, sanitizer untested: {err}"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            err.contains('a') && err.contains('d'),
+            "text dropped: {err}"
+        );
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{1b}'), "ESC leaked: {err:?}");
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{7}'), "BEL leaked: {err:?}");
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{202e}'), "bidi override leaked: {err:?}");
+    }
+
+    /// #186 (F2): the non-2xx error path must read a CAPPED body, not buffer and
+    /// parse the whole thing — a hostile node can stream an arbitrarily large valid
+    /// JSON error. Place the `message` field AFTER more than the cap of padding: the
+    /// bounded read stops before it, so it must be ABSENT from the surfaced error.
+    /// RED before the fix (`resp.json()` parses the full body → the far message
+    /// appears), GREEN after (capped read truncates → fallback → far message gone).
+    /// The status is still surfaced, so a legitimate small error is unaffected.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_bounds_the_error_body_read() {
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        // >8 KiB of padding, then the marker message at the very end of the body.
+        let big = format!(
+            r#"{{"padding":"{}","message":"FARMARKER_BEYOND_CAP"}}"#,
+            "A".repeat(16 * 1024)
+        );
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 500, &big, true).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("500"), "bounded read still errors: {err}");
+        assert!(
+            !err.contains("FARMARKER_BEYOND_CAP"),
+            "the error body read must be capped: a message beyond the cap must not be surfaced, err={err}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    /// #186 (F2): an EMPTY non-2xx body is its own input class — the capped read
+    /// yields "", the JSON parse fails, and it falls back to the status alone
+    /// ("request failed"), never a panic or a spurious success.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn read_json_errs_on_empty_non_2xx_body() {
+        let mut server = Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = response_for(&mut server, 502, "", false).await;
+        let err = read_json(resp, "repo").await.unwrap_err().to_string();
+        assert!(err.contains("502"), "err={err}");
+        assert!(err.contains("request failed"), "err={err}");
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/ipfs_cmd.rs

@@ -131,11 +131,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()> {
         let sha = pin["sha256_hex"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
         let pinned_at = pin["pinned_at"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
         // Trim pinned_at to date+time without subseconds
-        let ts = if pinned_at.len() >= 19 {
-            &pinned_at[..19]
-        } else {
-            pinned_at
-        };
+        let ts = crate::text::truncate(pinned_at, 19);
         println!("  {cid}");
         println!("    sha256: {sha}");
         println!("    pinned: {ts}");

crates/gl/src/issue.rs

@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use chrono::Utc;
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::{json, Value};
+use serde_json::json;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 use uuid::Uuid;
 
@@ -166,12 +166,7 @@ async fn resolve_repo(
             did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string()
         } else {
             let client = NodeClient::new(node, None);
-            let info: Value = client
-                .get("/")
-                .await?
-                .json()
-                .await
-                .context("failed to fetch node info")?;
+            let info = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/").await?, "node info").await?;
             let did = info["did"].as_str().context("node info missing 'did'")?;
             did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(did).to_string()
         };
@@ -222,13 +217,7 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         .post(&path, &request_body)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("create issue failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let result = crate::http::read_json(resp, "create issue").await?;
 
     let id = result["id"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     println!("✓ Created issue #{id}");
@@ -245,12 +234,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
 
     let client = signed_client(&node, dir.as_deref());
     let path = format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/issues");
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get_authed(&path)
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to list issues")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(client.get_authed(&path).await?, "issues").await?;
 
     let issues = resp["issues"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
 
@@ -267,7 +251,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
         let status = issue["status"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
         let created = issue["created_at"]
             .as_str()
-            .map(|s| &s[..10])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         let icon = match status {
             "open" => "○",
@@ -288,13 +272,7 @@ async fn cmd_show(repo: String, id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
         .get_authed(&path)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let issue: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = issue["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("issue not found");
-        anyhow::bail!("show failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let issue = crate::http::read_json(resp, "show").await?;
 
     let title = issue["title"].as_str().unwrap_or("(no title)");
     let status = issue["status"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
@@ -325,13 +303,7 @@ async fn cmd_close(repo: String, id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
         .post(&format!("{path}/close"), &body)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("close issue failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "close issue").await?;
 
     println!("✗ Closed issue {id}");
     Ok(())
@@ -356,13 +328,7 @@ async fn cmd_issue_comment(
         )
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let code = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !code.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("comment failed ({code}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "comment").await?;
 
     println!("· Comment posted on issue {id}");
     Ok(())
@@ -377,14 +343,15 @@ async fn cmd_issue_comments(
     let (owner, name) = resolve_repo(&repo, &node, dir.as_deref()).await?;
     let client = signed_client(&node, dir.as_deref());
 
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get_authed(&format!(
-            "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/issues/{id}/comments"
-        ))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get_authed(&format!(
+                "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/issues/{id}/comments"
+            ))
+            .await?,
+        "issue comments",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let comments = resp["comments"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if comments.is_empty() {
@@ -398,10 +365,13 @@ async fn cmd_issue_comments(
         let author_short = author
             .split(':')
             .next_back()
-            .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(8)])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 8))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         let cbody = c["body"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
-        let created = c["created_at"].as_str().map(|s| &s[..10]).unwrap_or("?");
+        let created = c["created_at"]
+            .as_str()
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
+            .unwrap_or("?");
         println!("  · {author_short} ({created})");
         println!("    {cbody}");
         println!();
@@ -472,6 +442,34 @@ mod tests {
         .unwrap();
     }
 
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_cmd_list_survives_malformed_timestamps() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        // A short timestamp used to panic on `&s[..10]`; a timestamp whose
+        // byte 10 is mid-char panics even with a len() guard.
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/repos/[^/]+/myrepo/issues$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"issues":[{"id":"a","title":"short ts","status":"open","created_at":"2026"},{"id":"b","title":"mb ts","status":"open","created_at":"2026-08-1é5T00:00:00Z"},{"id":"c","title":"empty ts","status":"open","created_at":""}]}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        cmd_list(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn test_cmd_create_success() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
@@ -514,6 +512,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"repo not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -528,6 +527,8 @@ mod tests {
 
         assert!(result.is_err());
         assert!(result.unwrap_err().to_string().contains("repo not found"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -575,6 +576,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"issue not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -588,6 +590,8 @@ mod tests {
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("show failed"), "got: {err}");
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("issue not found"), "got: {err}");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -636,6 +640,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"issue not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -648,6 +653,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("close issue failed"), "got: {err}");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -694,6 +701,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"issue not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -707,6 +715,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("issue not found"), "got: {err}");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -764,4 +774,48 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap();
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_list_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        // A gated 404 on the issue-list read must Err, not print "No issues".
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/repos/alice/secret/issues$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository 'alice/secret' not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_list("alice/secret".to_string(), server.url(), None).await;
+        assert!(result.is_err(), "issue list must Err on a gated 404");
+        // Prove the gated issues path was actually requested: without this, an
+        // unmatched route (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would satisfy is_err().
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn resolve_repo_surfaces_denial() {
+        // A slash-free repo with an empty identity dir forces the GET / node-info
+        // fetch. A gated 404 there must Err (surfacing the status), proving the
+        // read_json conversion is load-bearing rather than silently ignored.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap(); // empty, no identity.pem, forces the GET / branch
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"denied"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = resolve_repo("noslash", &server.url(), Some(dir.path()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/main.rs

@@ -30,6 +30,7 @@ mod star;
 mod status;
 mod sync;
 mod task;
+mod text;
 mod ucan_cmd;
 mod visibility;
 mod webhook;

crates/gl/src/mirror.rs

@@ -41,6 +41,17 @@ pub struct MirrorArgs {
     pub dir: Option<PathBuf>,
 }
 
+/// Argv for the mirror clone, with `--` immediately before the first positional
+/// so an option-shaped `source` cannot be parsed as a git option (#374).
+///
+/// This is a separate function purely so the delimiter's placement can be driven
+/// through real git by a test. The production call keeps `.status()` rather than
+/// `.output()`: a mirror clone of a large repo streams git's progress to the
+/// user's terminal, and capturing it to assert on stderr here would swallow that.
+fn mirror_clone_args(source: &str) -> [&str; 4] {
+    ["clone", "--mirror", "--", source]
+}
+
 pub async fn run(args: MirrorArgs) -> Result<()> {
     let source = args.source.trim_end_matches('/').to_string();
 
@@ -84,14 +95,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: MirrorArgs) -> Result<()> {
     let _guard = TmpGuard(tmp_root);
 
     println!("Cloning source (this may take a while for large repos)...");
-    let clone_status = Command::new("git")
-        .args(["clone", "--mirror", &source, mirror_path.to_str().unwrap()])
-        .status()
-        .context("failed to run git clone — is git installed?")?;
-
-    if !clone_status.success() {
-        bail!("git clone --mirror failed\nCheck that the source URL is accessible: {source}");
-    }
+    clone_mirror(&source, &mirror_path)?;
 
     // ── 4. Create the repo on Twigpine ─────────────────────────────────────
     println!("Creating repo on Twigpine node...");
@@ -138,11 +142,34 @@ pub async fn run(args: MirrorArgs) -> Result<()> {
     println!();
     println!("✓ Mirror complete: {name}");
     println!("  Clone:  git clone {gitlawb_url}");
-    println!("  View:   https://twigpine.com/{owner_short}/{name}");
+    // Only print View: when the node advertises a web_url — self-hosted nodes
+    // without a web front-end would otherwise produce a 404 link (#370).
+    if let Some(web_url) = crate::repo::fetch_node_web_url(&args.node).await {
+        println!("  View:   {web_url}/{owner_short}/{name}");
+    }
 
     Ok(())
 }
 
+/// `git clone --mirror <source> <dest>`. The destination is passed as an
+/// OS-native path so a non-UTF-8 temp dir (e.g. a TMPDIR with non-UTF-8 bytes)
+/// does not panic on a `to_str()` conversion.
+fn clone_mirror(source: &str, dest: &std::path::Path) -> Result<()> {
+    // allow-unbounded-git: gl is the client CLI; this clone runs in the user's
+    // terminal with no server-side permit or disconnect to survive. The
+    // bounded-runner rule governs node request handlers. Same spawn as before,
+    // only relocated into this helper.
+    let status = Command::new("git")
+        .args(mirror_clone_args(source))
+        .arg(dest)
+        .status()
+        .context("failed to run git clone — is git installed?")?;
+    if !status.success() {
+        bail!("git clone --mirror failed\nCheck that the source URL is accessible: {source}");
+    }
+    Ok(())
+}
+
 /// Extract the repo name from a git URL.
 /// - `https://github.com/owner/repo`     → `"repo"`
 /// - `https://github.com/owner/repo.git` → `"repo"`
@@ -174,6 +201,43 @@ pub fn extract_repo_name(url: &str) -> Option<String> {
 mod tests {
     use super::*;
 
+    /// #374: `gl mirror` interpolates the user-supplied source into a
+    /// `git clone --mirror` argv. `--` must sit immediately before the first
+    /// positional so an option-shaped source is read as a repository.
+    ///
+    /// This drives the production argv through real git rather than asserting on
+    /// the array's contents, so it fails on a delimiter that is missing *or*
+    /// misplaced. It cannot go through `run()`: that loads an identity keypair and
+    /// contacts a node before reaching the clone, and its bail message interpolates
+    /// `{source}` unconditionally, so an assertion there would pass with `--` gone.
+    ///
+    /// Asserting on git's single-quoted `repository '<value>'` is what makes this
+    /// red without the delimiter — undelimited, git consumes the value as an option
+    /// and names the destination as the repository instead.
+    #[test]
+    fn mirror_clone_never_parses_the_source_as_a_git_option() {
+        let td = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let dest = td.path().join("mirror.git");
+        let injected = "--upload-pack=false";
+
+        let out = Command::new("git")
+            .env("LC_ALL", "C")
+            .args(mirror_clone_args(injected))
+            .arg(&dest)
+            .output()
+            .unwrap();
+        let stderr = String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stderr);
+
+        assert!(
+            !out.status.success(),
+            "an option-shaped source is not a repository and must fail the clone"
+        );
+        assert!(
+            stderr.contains(&format!("repository '{injected}'")),
+            "git must name the source as the repository, not consume it as an option: {stderr}"
+        );
+    }
+
     #[test]
     fn test_extract_github_url() {
         assert_eq!(
@@ -225,6 +289,80 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(extract_repo_name("https://example.com/.git"), None);
     }
 
+    // #417: a non-UTF-8 destination path must reach git as an OS-native arg, not
+    // panic on a `to_str()` conversion.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
+    #[test]
+    fn test_clone_mirror_non_utf8_dest() {
+        use std::ffi::OsStr;
+        use std::os::unix::ffi::OsStrExt;
+
+        let tmp = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let src = tmp.path().join("src.git");
+        let st = Command::new("git")
+            .args(["init", "--bare"])
+            .arg(&src)
+            .status()
+            .unwrap();
+        assert!(st.success());
+
+        let dest = tmp.path().join(OsStr::from_bytes(b"mirror-\xffdest"));
+        clone_mirror(src.to_str().unwrap(), &dest).unwrap();
+        assert!(dest.join("HEAD").exists());
+    }
+
+    // #417 end-to-end: the real trigger is `std::env::temp_dir()` itself
+    // returning a non-UTF-8 path (a TMPDIR with non-UTF-8 bytes), because the
+    // mirror dest is built from it. Env is process-global, so this test
+    // re-execs the test binary in a child with a non-UTF-8 TMPDIR rather than
+    // mutating this process's env.
+    #[cfg(unix)]
+    #[test]
+    fn test_clone_mirror_under_non_utf8_tmpdir() {
+        use std::ffi::OsStr;
+        use std::os::unix::ffi::OsStrExt;
+
+        if std::env::var_os("GL_MIRROR_NONUTF8_TMPDIR").is_none() {
+            // Parent: a source repo under a normal path, a TMPDIR whose name
+            // is not UTF-8, and a child run of this same test under that env.
+            let parent = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+            let src = parent.path().join("src.git");
+            let st = Command::new("git")
+                .args(["init", "--bare"])
+                .arg(&src)
+                .status()
+                .unwrap();
+            assert!(st.success());
+            let bad_tmp = parent.path().join(OsStr::from_bytes(b"tmp-\xff"));
+            std::fs::create_dir_all(&bad_tmp).unwrap();
+
+            let status = Command::new(std::env::current_exe().unwrap())
+                .args([
+                    "mirror::tests::test_clone_mirror_under_non_utf8_tmpdir",
+                    "--exact",
+                ])
+                .env("GL_MIRROR_NONUTF8_TMPDIR", "1")
+                .env("GL_MIRROR_SRC", &src)
+                .env("TMPDIR", &bad_tmp)
+                .status()
+                .unwrap();
+            assert!(status.success(), "child failed under non-UTF-8 TMPDIR");
+            return;
+        }
+
+        // Child: the same path shape run() computes — temp_dir() joined with
+        // the mirror dest. It must be non-UTF-8 or the test proves nothing.
+        let src = std::env::var("GL_MIRROR_SRC").unwrap();
+        let tmp_root = std::env::temp_dir().join("gl-mirror-child");
+        let dest = tmp_root.join("repo");
+        assert!(
+            dest.to_str().is_none(),
+            "fixture broken: dest under a non-UTF-8 TMPDIR must be non-UTF-8"
+        );
+        clone_mirror(&src, &dest).unwrap();
+        assert!(dest.join("HEAD").exists());
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn test_create_repo_conflict_error() {
         let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
@@ -244,7 +382,8 @@ mod tests {
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
-        // We can't easily test the git subprocess calls, but we can test the
+        // The git subprocess argv is pinned separately by
+        // `mirror_clone_never_parses_the_source_as_a_git_option`; this covers the
         // API error path by calling the create step directly via NodeClient.
         let kp2 = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
         let client = NodeClient::new(server.url(), Some(kp2));

crates/gl/src/node.rs

@@ -413,7 +413,7 @@ async fn cmd_status(node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()> {
                     let ref_name = ev["ref"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
                     let ts = ev["timestamp"]
                         .as_str()
-                        .map(|s| &s[..10.min(s.len())])
+                        .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
                         .unwrap_or("?");
                     println!("  {ts}  {repo}  {ref_name}");
                 }

crates/gl/src/peer.rs

@@ -79,12 +79,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: PeerArgs) -> Result<()> {
 
 async fn cmd_list(node: String) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get("/api/v1/peers")
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to list peers")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/api/v1/peers").await?, "peers").await?;
 
     let peers = resp["peers"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     let count = resp["count"].as_u64().unwrap_or(peers.len() as u64);
@@ -102,7 +97,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String) -> Result<()> {
         let reachable = peer["reachable"].as_bool().unwrap_or(false);
         let last_seen = peer["last_seen"]
             .as_str()
-            .map(|s| &s[..10])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
             .unwrap_or("never");
         let status = if reachable { "✓" } else { "✗" };
         println!("  {status} {url}");
@@ -185,18 +180,20 @@ async fn cmd_add(peer_url: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result
     let keypair = load_keypair_from_dir(dir.as_deref())?;
     let my_did = keypair.did().to_string();
 
-    // Fetch our node's public URL so we can announce it to the peer
+    // Fetch our node's public URL so we can announce it to the peer. This lookup
+    // is a deliberate fail-soft diagnostic: it only improves the URL we advertise.
+    // A response-level failure (denial, error, garbage body) falls back to the
+    // --node value with a visible note rather than aborting; only a transport
+    // failure on the GET itself is fatal. The announce below keeps the
+    // fail-closed read_json check.
     let local_client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
-    let node_info: Value = local_client
-        .get("/")
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to fetch local node info")?;
-    let my_url = node_info["public_url"]
-        .as_str()
-        .unwrap_or(&node)
-        .to_string();
+    let my_url = match crate::http::read_json(local_client.get("/").await?, "node info").await {
+        Ok(info) => info["public_url"].as_str().unwrap_or(&node).to_string(),
+        Err(e) => {
+            eprintln!("note: local node info unavailable ({e}); announcing {node}");
+            node.clone()
+        }
+    };
 
     // Announce our local node to the remote peer
     let body = serde_json::to_vec(&serde_json::json!({
@@ -272,12 +269,7 @@ async fn cmd_add(peer_url: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result
 async fn cmd_ping(did: String, node: String) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
     let path = format!("/api/v1/peers/{did}/ping");
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&path)
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to ping peer")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(client.get(&path).await?, "ping peer").await?;
 
     let url = resp["http_url"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     let reachable = resp["reachable"].as_bool().unwrap_or(false);
@@ -297,12 +289,7 @@ async fn cmd_resolve(did: String, node: String) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
     let encoded = urlencoding::encode(&did);
     let path = format!("/api/v1/resolve/{encoded}");
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&path)
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to resolve DID")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(client.get(&path).await?, "resolve DID").await?;
 
     let source = resp["source"].as_str().unwrap_or("not found");
     let http_url = resp["http_url"].as_str().unwrap_or("(none)");
@@ -325,8 +312,8 @@ async fn cmd_resolve(did: String, node: String) -> Result<()> {
 #[cfg(test)]
 mod tests {
     use super::{
-        announced_peer_summary, cmd_add, local_add_refusal, local_add_report,
-        remote_announce_failure,
+        announced_peer_summary, cmd_add, cmd_list, cmd_ping, cmd_resolve, local_add_refusal,
+        local_add_report, remote_announce_failure,
     };
     use reqwest::StatusCode;
     use serde_json::json;
@@ -619,4 +606,282 @@ mod tests {
             "legitimate text mangled: {warning:?}"
         );
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_list_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        // A node error must Err, not print "No known peers" as if the list were empty.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/peers")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = cmd_list(server.url()).await.unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("500"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_ping_surfaces_denial_not_unreachable() {
+        // A node error must Err, not print a fabricated "unreachable" peer.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/peers/peer1/ping")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = cmd_ping("peer1".to_string(), server.url())
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_resolve_surfaces_denial_not_notfound() {
+        // A node error must Err, not print "Source: not found" as if resolved-absent.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/api/v1/resolve/".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = cmd_resolve("peer1".to_string(), server.url())
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("500"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // cmd_add needs a local identity to build my_did before the GET /.
+    fn identity_dir() -> tempfile::TempDir {
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+        std::fs::write(
+            dir.path().join("identity.pem"),
+            kp.to_pem().unwrap().as_bytes(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+        dir
+    }
+
+    /// Mock a successful announce that requires `http_url` in the POSTed body.
+    /// The `{}` response body matters: it leaves `node_url` absent, so cmd_add
+    /// skips the follow-up local peer-list POST.
+    async fn announce_ok_mock(server: &mut mockito::ServerGuard, http_url: &str) -> mockito::Mock {
+        announce_mock_with_body(server, http_url, "{}").await
+    }
+
+    /// Like [`announce_ok_mock`] but with a custom response body, for tests
+    /// that need `node_url` populated so the follow-up local add runs.
+    async fn announce_mock_with_body(
+        server: &mut mockito::ServerGuard,
+        http_url: &str,
+        body: &str,
+    ) -> mockito::Mock {
+        server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/peers/announce")
+            .match_body(mockito::Matcher::PartialJson(serde_json::json!({
+                "http_url": http_url,
+            })))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(body)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await
+    }
+
+    // The local `GET /` lookup in cmd_add is a fail-soft diagnostic: a denied
+    // or error node-info response must fall back to announcing the --node URL
+    // (with a stderr note), not abort the command before the announce POST.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_announces_fallback_url_when_node_info_denied() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"internal"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = announce_ok_mock(&mut remote, &local.url()).await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // Same fallback for a 200 node-info response whose body is not JSON.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_falls_back_on_malformed_node_info() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_body("not json")
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = announce_ok_mock(&mut remote, &local.url()).await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // Must-not case: the announce POST itself stays fail-closed. A denied
+    // announce surfaces as an Err naming the status, never a printed success.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_surfaces_denied_announce() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"public_url":"https://pub.example"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = remote
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/peers/announce")
+            .with_status(403)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"denied"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        let err = cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("403"), "got: {err}");
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // Success path unchanged: a usable node-info response announces its
+    // public_url; the --node fallback must not leak in.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_uses_public_url_when_lookup_succeeds() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"public_url":"https://pub.example"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = announce_ok_mock(&mut remote, "https://pub.example").await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // When the peer's announce response carries a node_url, cmd_add posts the
+    // peer back to the local node's peer list; a successful local POST is the
+    // one case that prints the added line.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_adds_peer_to_local_list_on_success() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"public_url":"https://pub.example"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _local_add = local
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/peers/announce")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"status":"added"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = announce_mock_with_body(
+            &mut remote,
+            "https://pub.example",
+            r#"{"node_did":"their-did","node_url":"http://their.example"}"#,
+        )
+        .await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+        _local_add.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // The local add stays best-effort: a failing local POST must not fail the
+    // command (the announce to the remote peer already succeeded), it only
+    // changes the printed outcome.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_stays_ok_when_local_add_fails() {
+        let mut local = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _info = local
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"public_url":"https://pub.example"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _local_add = local
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/peers/announce")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let mut remote = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _announce = announce_mock_with_body(
+            &mut remote,
+            "https://pub.example",
+            r#"{"node_did":"their-did","node_url":"http://their.example"}"#,
+        )
+        .await;
+
+        let dir = identity_dir();
+        cmd_add(remote.url(), local.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        _info.assert_async().await;
+        _announce.assert_async().await;
+        _local_add.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/pr.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -265,13 +264,7 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         .post(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls"), &payload)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let pr: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = pr["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("create PR failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let pr = crate::http::read_json(resp, "create PR").await?;
 
     let number = pr["number"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("✓ Opened PR #{number}: {title}");
@@ -286,12 +279,13 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
     let owner = resolve_owner(&keypair);
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
 
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls"))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls"))
+            .await?,
+        "pull requests",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let prs = resp["pulls"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if prs.is_empty() {
@@ -310,7 +304,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
         let author_short = author
             .split(':')
             .next_back()
-            .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(8)])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 8))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         let status_icon = match status {
             "open" => "○",
@@ -330,12 +324,13 @@ async fn cmd_view(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
     let owner = resolve_owner(&keypair);
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
 
-    let pr: Value = client
-        .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}"))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
+    let pr = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}"))
+            .await?,
+        "pull request",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let title = pr["title"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     let status = pr["status"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
@@ -353,15 +348,25 @@ async fn cmd_view(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
     }
 
     // Show reviews
-    let reviews: Value = client
-        .get(&format!(
-            "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/reviews"
-        ))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
-    let reviews = reviews["reviews"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
+    // A denied sub-fetch degrades this section rather than aborting: the header
+    // above has already printed, so a bare `?` here leaves a half-rendered PR and
+    // skips the comments below it. Mirrors `gl status`'s unavailable-section line.
+    let reviews = match crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!(
+                "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/reviews"
+            ))
+            .await?,
+        "reviews",
+    )
+    .await
+    {
+        Ok(v) => v["reviews"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default(),
+        Err(e) => {
+            println!("\nReviews unavailable ({e})");
+            Vec::new()
+        }
+    };
     if !reviews.is_empty() {
         println!("\nReviews ({}):", reviews.len());
         for r in &reviews {
@@ -369,7 +374,7 @@ async fn cmd_view(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
             let reviewer_short = reviewer
                 .split(':')
                 .next_back()
-                .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(8)])
+                .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 8))
                 .unwrap_or("?");
             let rstatus = r["status"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
             let rbody = r["body"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
@@ -386,15 +391,22 @@ async fn cmd_view(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
     }
 
     // Show comments
-    let comments: Value = client
-        .get(&format!(
-            "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/comments"
-        ))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
-    let comments = comments["comments"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
+    let comments = match crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!(
+                "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/comments"
+            ))
+            .await?,
+        "comments",
+    )
+    .await
+    {
+        Ok(v) => v["comments"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default(),
+        Err(e) => {
+            println!("\nComments unavailable ({e})");
+            Vec::new()
+        }
+    };
     if !comments.is_empty() {
         println!("\nComments ({}):", comments.len());
         for c in &comments {
@@ -402,10 +414,13 @@ async fn cmd_view(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
             let author_short = author
                 .split(':')
                 .next_back()
-                .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(8)])
+                .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 8))
                 .unwrap_or("?");
             let cbody = c["body"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
-            let created = c["created_at"].as_str().map(|s| &s[..10]).unwrap_or("?");
+            let created = c["created_at"]
+                .as_str()
+                .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
+                .unwrap_or("?");
             println!("  · {author_short} ({created})");
             println!("    {cbody}");
         }
@@ -418,12 +433,13 @@ async fn cmd_diff(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>)
     let owner = resolve_owner(&keypair);
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
 
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/diff"))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/diff"))
+            .await?,
+        "diff",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let diff = resp["diff"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
     if diff.is_empty() {
@@ -447,17 +463,11 @@ async fn cmd_merge(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>
         )
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("merge failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let result = crate::http::read_json(resp, "merge").await?;
 
     let sha = result["merge_sha"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     println!("✓ Merged PR #{number}");
-    println!("  Merge commit: {}", &sha[..sha.len().min(12)]);
+    println!("  Merge commit: {}", crate::text::truncate(sha, 12));
     Ok(())
 }
 
@@ -485,13 +495,7 @@ async fn cmd_review(
         )
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let code = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !code.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("review failed ({code}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "review").await?;
 
     let icon = match status.as_str() {
         "approved" => "✓",
@@ -521,13 +525,7 @@ async fn cmd_comment(
         )
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let code = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !code.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("comment failed ({code}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "comment").await?;
 
     println!("· Comment posted on PR #{number}");
     Ok(())
@@ -538,14 +536,15 @@ async fn cmd_comments(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathB
     let owner = resolve_owner(&keypair);
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
 
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&format!(
-            "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/comments"
-        ))
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!(
+                "/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo}/pulls/{number}/comments"
+            ))
+            .await?,
+        "comments",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let comments = resp["comments"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if comments.is_empty() {
@@ -559,10 +558,13 @@ async fn cmd_comments(repo: String, number: u64, node: String, dir: Option<PathB
         let author_short = author
             .split(':')
             .next_back()
-            .map(|s| &s[..s.len().min(8)])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 8))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         let cbody = c["body"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
-        let created = c["created_at"].as_str().map(|s| &s[..10]).unwrap_or("?");
+        let created = c["created_at"]
+            .as_str()
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
+            .unwrap_or("?");
         println!("  · {author_short} ({created})");
         println!("    {cbody}");
         println!();
@@ -686,6 +688,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(422)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"branch not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -703,6 +706,8 @@ mod tests {
 
         assert!(result.is_err());
         assert!(result.unwrap_err().to_string().contains("branch not found"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -800,6 +805,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"PR not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -813,6 +819,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("PR not found"), "got: {err}");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -897,4 +905,250 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap();
     }
+
+    // ── Gated PR reads surface node denials, not empty/stub renders (#123) ──
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_list_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_list(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "cmd_list must Err on 404, not print 'No pull requests'"
+        );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_view_surfaces_denial_not_stub() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        // The PR fetch is first; a 404 there errors before the reviews/comments reads.
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_view(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "cmd_view must Err on 404, not print a stub PR"
+        );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_diff_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/diff$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_diff(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(
+            result.is_err(),
+            "cmd_diff must Err on 404, not print 'No diff'"
+        );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_comments_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/comments$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_comments(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(result.is_err(), "cmd_comments must Err on a gated 404");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    /// A denied sub-fetch must not abort `gl pr view` after the header has
+    /// already printed. The header is fatal; reviews and comments degrade.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_view_continues_when_reviews_are_denied() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _pr = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"number":1,"title":"T","status":"open","source_branch":"a","target_branch":"main","author_did":"did:key:z6MkTest"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _reviews = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/reviews$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(403)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"forbidden"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        // The load-bearing assertion: this mock is only hit if rendering
+        // continued past the denied reviews fetch.
+        let _comments = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/comments$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"comments":[]}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let r = cmd_view(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(
+            r.is_ok(),
+            "cmd_view must finish rendering when reviews are denied"
+        );
+        _comments.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_view_continues_when_comments_are_denied() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _pr = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"number":1,"title":"T","status":"open","source_branch":"a","target_branch":"main","author_did":"did:key:z6MkTest"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _reviews = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/reviews$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"reviews":[]}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _comments = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1/comments$".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(403)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"forbidden"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let r = cmd_view(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(
+            r.is_ok(),
+            "cmd_view must finish rendering when comments are denied"
+        );
+        _comments.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    /// The must-not case: with no header there is nothing to render partially,
+    /// so a denied header stays fatal. Softening it would resurrect
+    /// denial-as-success for the whole command.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_view_header_denial_stays_fatal() {
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _pr = server
+            .mock("GET", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/pulls/1$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let r = cmd_view(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            1,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(r.is_err(), "a denied PR header must stay fatal");
+        _pr.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/protect.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -94,12 +93,7 @@ async fn resolve_owner_repo(
         did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string()
     } else {
         let client = NodeClient::new(node, None);
-        let info: Value = client
-            .get("/")
-            .await?
-            .json()
-            .await
-            .context("failed to fetch node info")?;
+        let info = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/").await?, "node info").await?;
         let did = info["did"].as_str().context("node missing DID")?;
         did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(did).to_string()
     };
@@ -120,13 +114,7 @@ async fn cmd_set(branch: String, repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("protect failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "protect").await?;
 
     println!("✓ Branch '{branch}' is now protected in {owner}/{name}");
     println!("  Only the repo owner can push to this branch.");
@@ -152,13 +140,7 @@ async fn cmd_remove(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("unprotect failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "unprotect").await?;
 
     println!("✓ Branch '{branch}' is no longer protected in {owner}/{name}");
     Ok(())
@@ -175,13 +157,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("list protected branches failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "list protected branches").await?;
 
     let branches = body["protected_branches"]
         .as_array()
@@ -259,6 +235,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(400)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"only the repo owner can protect branches"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -271,6 +248,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("protect failed"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -382,4 +361,26 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(owner, "alice");
         assert_eq!(name, "myrepo");
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn resolve_owner_repo_surfaces_denial() {
+        // A slash-free repo with an empty identity dir forces the GET / node-info
+        // fetch. A gated 404 there must Err (surfacing the status), proving the
+        // read_json conversion is load-bearing rather than silently ignored.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap(); // empty, no identity.pem, forces the GET / branch
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"denied"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = resolve_owner_repo("noslash", &server.url(), Some(dir.path()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/register.rs

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::Args;
-use serde_json::{json, Value};
+use serde_json::json;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -59,16 +59,7 @@ pub async fn run(args: RegisterArgs) -> Result<()> {
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let payload: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = payload
-            .get("message")
-            .and_then(|v| v.as_str())
-            .unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("registration failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let payload = crate::http::read_json(resp, "registration").await?;
 
     // Save bootstrap UCAN
     let ucan = payload.get("ucan").and_then(|v| v.as_str()).unwrap_or("");
@@ -175,6 +166,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(401)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"invalid signature"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -191,6 +183,8 @@ mod tests {
             .unwrap_err()
             .to_string()
             .contains("invalid signature"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]

crates/gl/src/repo.rs

@@ -5,7 +5,7 @@ use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
 use serde_json::{json, Value};
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
-use crate::http::NodeClient;
+use crate::http::{sanitize_node_msg, NodeClient};
 use crate::identity::load_keypair_from_dir;
 
 #[derive(Args)]
@@ -274,6 +274,126 @@ async fn resolve_owner_did(_node: &str, dir: Option<&std::path::Path>) -> Result
     Ok(did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string())
 }
 
+/// Fetch `GET /` from the node and return the `web_url` if the node advertises one.
+///
+/// The View: link is a nice-to-have, so every failure mode degrades to `None`
+/// rather than failing the enclosing command — but failures are surfaced as
+/// stderr warnings (request error, non-success HTTP status with the status,
+/// malformed advertised value), since they all mean the node itself is
+/// misbehaving or misconfigured, which the user would otherwise never learn.
+/// A successful response that lacks a usable `web_url` (field missing or
+/// blank) omits the link silently: self-hosted nodes without a web front-end
+/// are expected to not advertise one (#370).
+///
+/// The body is treated like every other caller-chosen node reply (INV-6): the
+/// read is capped and an accepted `web_url` must be free of control/bidi bytes
+/// — it reaches the terminal verbatim through the View: line.
+pub(crate) async fn fetch_node_web_url(node: &str) -> Option<String> {
+    let info_client = NodeClient::new(node, None);
+    let info_resp = match info_client.get("/").await {
+        Ok(resp) => resp,
+        Err(err) => {
+            eprintln!("warning: node info request failed ({err}); skipping View link");
+            return None;
+        }
+    };
+    let status = info_resp.status();
+    if !status.is_success() {
+        eprintln!("warning: node info request returned {status}; skipping View link");
+        return None;
+    }
+    // An info reply is a DID, a few URLs and counts — 8 KiB is well past what
+    // the shape needs; anything longer is hostile or broken (peer.rs precedent).
+    let raw_body = crate::http::read_body_capped(info_resp, 8 * 1024).await;
+    match web_url_from_info_body(&raw_body) {
+        Ok(url) => url,
+        Err(reason) => {
+            eprintln!("warning: {reason}; skipping View link");
+            None
+        }
+    }
+}
+
+/// Classify a capped `GET /` body for the `View:` advertisement. Split out of
+/// `fetch_node_web_url` so tests can pin the classification contract directly:
+/// a truncated or half-read body is indistinguishable from a node that
+/// advertised nothing, so it must warn rather than silently omit the link.
+fn web_url_from_info_body(
+    raw_body: &crate::http::CappedBody,
+) -> std::result::Result<Option<String>, String> {
+    if raw_body.truncated || raw_body.read_failed {
+        return Err("node info body was oversized or could not be read in full".to_string());
+    }
+    let info: Value = match serde_json::from_str(&raw_body.text) {
+        Ok(json) => json,
+        Err(_) => return Err("node info body was not valid JSON".to_string()),
+    };
+    // Missing field / non-string degrade to None without warning — same contract
+    // as before; only transport- and advertisement-level failures warn there.
+    let raw = match info["web_url"].as_str() {
+        Some(v) => v,
+        None => return Ok(None),
+    };
+    let trimmed = raw.trim().trim_end_matches('/');
+    if trimmed.is_empty() {
+        return Ok(None);
+    }
+    // A present-but-malformed value means the node is misconfigured; say so
+    // instead of quietly dropping the link. Mirrors the node-side boot
+    // validation: must be an absolute http(s) URL with no query or fragment —
+    // the link is built by string-appending `/{owner}/{repo}` to it. Control
+    // and bidi-format bytes are rejected outright (not stripped): they have no
+    // legitimate place in a base URL and would reach the terminal through the
+    // View: line — including when they arrive percent-encoded (INV-6).
+    let malformed_reason: Option<String> = if trimmed
+        .chars()
+        .any(|c| c.is_control() || gitlawb_core::sanitize::is_bidi_format(c))
+    {
+        Some("contains control or bidi characters".to_string())
+    } else {
+        match trimmed.parse::<url::Url>() {
+            Err(_) => Some("not an absolute URL".to_string()),
+            Ok(parsed) if !matches!(parsed.scheme(), "http" | "https") => {
+                Some("not http(s)".to_string())
+            }
+            Ok(parsed) if parsed.query().is_some() || parsed.fragment().is_some() => {
+                Some("contains a query or fragment".to_string())
+            }
+            // userinfo is rejected because the `View:` line prints the
+            // value verbatim; a remote advertisement carrying
+            // `user:pass@host` would land that credential in terminal
+            // scrollback and CI logs.
+            Ok(parsed) if !parsed.username().is_empty() || parsed.password().is_some() => {
+                Some("contains a username or password".to_string())
+            }
+            Ok(parsed)
+                if parsed
+                    .host_str()
+                    .unwrap_or("")
+                    .chars()
+                    .chain(
+                        percent_encoding::percent_decode_str(parsed.path())
+                            .decode_utf8_lossy()
+                            .chars(),
+                    )
+                    .any(|c| c.is_control() || gitlawb_core::sanitize::is_bidi_format(c)) =>
+            {
+                Some("contains control or bidi characters, even percent-encoded".to_string())
+            }
+            Ok(_) => None,
+        }
+    };
+    match malformed_reason {
+        // The reason string is ours; the advertised value is not — defang it
+        // exactly as it would have been defanged had it been accepted.
+        Some(reason) => Err(format!(
+            "node advertised a malformed web_url ({:?}, {reason})",
+            sanitize_node_msg(trimmed)
+        )),
+        None => Ok(Some(trimmed.to_string())),
+    }
+}
+
 async fn cmd_create(
     name: String,
     description: Option<String>,
@@ -303,13 +423,7 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         .post("/api/v1/repos", &body)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let payload: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = payload["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("create failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let payload = crate::http::read_json(resp, "create").await?;
 
     let clone_url = payload["clone_url"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
     let gitlawb_url = format!("gitlawb://{owner_did}/{name}");
@@ -317,7 +431,11 @@ async fn cmd_create(
     println!("✓ Created repository: {name}");
     println!("  Clone: git clone {gitlawb_url}");
     println!("  HTTP:  {clone_url}");
-    println!("  View:  https://twigpine.com/{owner_short}/{name}");
+    // Only print View: when the node advertises a web_url — self-hosted nodes
+    // without a web front-end would otherwise produce a 404 link (#370).
+    if let Some(web_url) = fetch_node_web_url(&node).await {
+        println!("  View:  {web_url}/{owner_short}/{name}");
+    }
     if let Some(desc) = payload["description"].as_str().filter(|s| !s.is_empty()) {
         println!("  Desc:  {desc}");
     }
@@ -329,12 +447,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
 
     let url = format!("/api/v1/repos?owner={owner}");
-    let repos: Value = client
-        .get(&url)
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to list repos")?;
+    let repos = crate::http::read_json(client.get(&url).await?, "list repos").await?;
     let repos = repos.as_array().context("expected array")?;
 
     if repos.is_empty() {
@@ -348,7 +461,10 @@ async fn cmd_list(node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()> {
         let name = r["name"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
         let desc = r["description"].as_str().unwrap_or("");
         let public = r["is_public"].as_bool().unwrap_or(true);
-        let updated = r["updated_at"].as_str().map(|s| &s[..10]).unwrap_or("?");
+        let updated = r["updated_at"]
+            .as_str()
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
+            .unwrap_or("?");
         let vis = if public { "public" } else { "private" };
         println!("  {name:<24}  {vis:<8}  {updated}  {desc}");
     }
@@ -403,20 +519,13 @@ async fn cmd_info(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
     // A non-existent (or unreadable/quarantined) repo is a real 404 from the
     // node — surface it plainly instead of printing a stub card with `?` fields
     // and a placeholder owner DID.
-    if !resp.status().is_success() {
-        if resp.status().as_u16() == 404 {
-            anyhow::bail!("repository '{owner}/{name}' not found");
-        }
-        let status = resp.status();
-        let msg = resp
-            .json::<Value>()
-            .await
-            .ok()
-            .and_then(|v| v["message"].as_str().map(String::from))
-            .unwrap_or_else(|| "request failed".to_string());
-        anyhow::bail!("repo info failed ({status}): {msg}");
+    if resp.status().as_u16() == 404 {
+        anyhow::bail!("repository '{owner}/{name}' not found");
     }
-    let r: Value = resp.json().await.context("parse repo info")?;
+    // Every other status routes through read_json: a 2xx yields the parsed body,
+    // any other non-2xx yields the node's capped + sanitized message, and
+    // the error read is bounded rather than buffering the whole hostile body.
+    let r = crate::http::read_json(resp, "repo info").await?;
 
     let owner_did = r["owner_did"].as_str().unwrap_or(&owner);
     let gitlawb_url = format!("gitlawb://{owner_did}/{name}");
@@ -475,12 +584,7 @@ async fn cmd_replica_register(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to origin node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("replica register failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "replica register").await?;
 
     let count = body["replica_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("Registered as replica of {owner}/{name}");
@@ -507,12 +611,7 @@ async fn cmd_replica_unregister(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to origin node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("replica unregister failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "replica unregister").await?;
 
     let count = body["replica_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("Unregistered as replica of {owner}/{name}  ({count} replicas remaining)");
@@ -532,12 +631,7 @@ async fn cmd_replicas(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Resul
         .get_maybe_signed(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/replicas"))
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("replicas list failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "replicas list").await?;
 
     let count = body["replica_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("{owner}/{name}: {count} replicas");
@@ -547,7 +641,7 @@ async fn cmd_replicas(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Resul
             let url = r["replica_url"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
             let registered = r["registered_at"]
                 .as_str()
-                .map(|s| &s[..10.min(s.len())])
+                .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
                 .unwrap_or("?");
             println!("  {registered}  {did}  →  {url}");
         }
@@ -573,12 +667,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn cmd_commits(
     };
 
     let url = format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/commits?branch={branch}&limit={limit}");
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&url)
-        .await?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("failed to fetch commits")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(client.get(&url).await?, "commits").await?;
 
     let commits = resp["commits"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if commits.is_empty() {
@@ -594,7 +683,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn cmd_commits(
             .or_else(|| c["sha"].as_str())
             .or_else(|| c["oid"].as_str())
             .unwrap_or("?");
-        let short_sha = &sha[..sha.len().min(10)];
+        let short_sha = crate::text::truncate(sha, 10);
         let msg = c["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("(no message)");
         let first_line = msg.lines().next().unwrap_or(msg);
         let author = c["author_name"]
@@ -604,7 +693,7 @@ pub(crate) async fn cmd_commits(
         let date = c["date"]
             .as_str()
             .or_else(|| c["committer_date"].as_str())
-            .map(|s| &s[..10.min(s.len())])
+            .map(|s| crate::text::truncate(s, 10))
             .unwrap_or("?");
         println!("  {short_sha}  {date}  {first_line}  ({author})");
     }
@@ -631,13 +720,7 @@ async fn cmd_fork(
         .post(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{repo_name}/fork"), &body)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON response")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("fork failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let result = crate::http::read_json(resp, "fork").await?;
 
     let fork_name = result["name"].as_str().unwrap_or(&repo_name);
     let owner_did = result["owner_did"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
@@ -675,13 +758,7 @@ async fn cmd_label_add(
         .post(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/labels"), &body)
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("add label failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let result = crate::http::read_json(resp, "add label").await?;
 
     let added = result["added"].as_bool().unwrap_or(true);
     if added {
@@ -706,13 +783,7 @@ async fn cmd_label_remove(
         .delete(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/labels/{label}"), &[])
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("remove label failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "remove label").await?;
 
     println!("- Label removed: {label} from {owner}/{name}");
     Ok(())
@@ -725,18 +796,21 @@ async fn cmd_label_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Res
     // read their own labels, while public repos stay anonymously listable.
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, load_keypair_from_dir(dir.as_deref()).ok());
 
-    let resp = client
-        .get_maybe_signed(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/labels"))
-        .await
-        .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("list labels failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    // Marry both refactors: main's get_maybe_signed (read-visibility gating —
+    // public repos stay anon-listable, private-repo owner signs) carrying the
+    // PR's read_json status-check-before-parse (#186: bounded error read, no
+    // parse-before-status). get_authed from the PR is dropped in favor of
+    // get_maybe_signed so the visibility gate is preserved.
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get_maybe_signed(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/labels"))
+            .await
+            .context("failed to connect to node")?,
+        "list labels",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
-    let labels = body["labels"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
+    let labels = resp["labels"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if labels.is_empty() {
         println!("No labels on {owner}/{name}");
     } else {
@@ -898,6 +972,285 @@ mod tests {
         .unwrap();
     }
 
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_with_web_url() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":"https://example.com","did":"did:key:z6Mk"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url.as_deref(), Some("https://example.com"));
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_trims_trailing_slash() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":"https://example.com/"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url.as_deref(), Some("https://example.com"));
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_without_web_url() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"did":"did:key:z6Mk"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_empty_string() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":""}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_whitespace_only() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":"   "}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_server_error() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+    }
+
+    /// A node advertising a present-but-malformed web_url (not an absolute
+    /// http(s) URL) must not yield a View link — and must warn, since a
+    /// malformed advertisement means the node is misconfigured (#370).
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_malformed_value_is_rejected() {
+        for bad in [
+            "gitlawb.com",
+            "not a url",
+            "ftp://files.example.com",
+            // Query/fragment corrupt the appended /{owner}/{repo} path.
+            "https://example.com?a=1",
+            "https://example.com/#faq",
+        ] {
+            let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+            let _m = server
+                .mock("GET", "/")
+                .with_status(200)
+                .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+                .with_body(format!(r#"{{"web_url":"{bad}"}}"#))
+                .create_async()
+                .await;
+
+            let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+            assert_eq!(
+                web_url, None,
+                "malformed web_url {bad:?} must not render a View link"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// A transport-level failure (connection refused) degrades to None but is
+    /// no longer silent: the request error is surfaced on stderr so an
+    /// unreachable node isn't indistinguishable from one without a web_url.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_connection_refused_warns() {
+        // Port 1 on localhost is reserved (tcpmux) and refuses connections.
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url("http://127.0.0.1:1").await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+    }
+
+    /// A hostile node can smuggle ANSI/bell/bidi controls inside a web_url that
+    /// still passes http(s) URL parsing — those bytes would reach the terminal
+    /// verbatim through the View: line. The advertised value must be rejected
+    /// outright: no control byte may survive into the returned string.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_rejects_control_bytes() {
+        for bad in [
+            "https://example.com/\x1b[31mred",      // ANSI CSI escape in path
+            "https://example.com\x07",              // bell
+            "https://ex\u{202e}ample.com",          // bidi override (RLO)
+            "https://example.com/\u{200f}",         // RLM format char
+            "\x1b]0;title\x07https://evil.example", // OSC title-set prefix
+        ] {
+            let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+            let _m = server
+                .mock("GET", "/")
+                .with_status(200)
+                .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+                // serde_json escapes the control bytes so the body is VALID
+                // JSON — a raw literal would make parse fail and the test
+                // would pass without reaching the control check at all.
+                .with_body(serde_json::json!({"web_url": bad}).to_string())
+                .create_async()
+                .await;
+
+            let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+            assert_eq!(
+                web_url, None,
+                "web_url with control bytes {bad:?} must be rejected"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// An oversized or half-read `GET /` body must warn, not silently
+    /// classify as "no web front-end": a cut body fails JSON parse, which is
+    /// indistinguishable from a node that advertised nothing without the
+    /// truncated flag. Removing the flag check makes this test pass
+    /// vacuously through the parse-fail arm.
+    #[test]
+    fn web_url_from_info_body_warns_on_truncated_reads() {
+        for (body, label) in [
+            (
+                crate::http::CappedBody {
+                    text: r#"{"web_url":"https://x"#.repeat(2000),
+                    truncated: true,
+                    read_failed: false,
+                },
+                "truncated",
+            ),
+            (
+                crate::http::CappedBody {
+                    text: r#"{"web_url":"https://x"#.to_string(),
+                    truncated: false,
+                    read_failed: true,
+                },
+                "read_failed",
+            ),
+        ] {
+            let err = web_url_from_info_body(&body)
+                .expect_err(&format!("{label} body must warn, not silently classify"));
+            assert!(
+                err.contains("oversized or could not be read"),
+                "{label}: got {err}"
+            );
+        }
+        // A clean body missing web_url still classifies as a silent None.
+        let clean = crate::http::CappedBody {
+            text: r#"{"did":"did:key:x"}"#.to_string(),
+            truncated: false,
+            read_failed: false,
+        };
+        assert_eq!(web_url_from_info_body(&clean).unwrap(), None);
+    }
+
+    /// Percent-encoded bidi must not slip past the literal scan: a node
+    /// advertising `https://example.com/%E2%80%AE` serves wire bytes with no
+    /// Cf code point, but a browser decodes it into a reordering character
+    /// on the rendered View: link (INV-6).
+    #[test]
+    fn web_url_from_info_body_rejects_percent_encoded_bidi() {
+        let body = crate::http::CappedBody {
+            text: r#"{"web_url":"https://example.com/%E2%80%AE"}"#.to_string(),
+            truncated: false,
+            read_failed: false,
+        };
+        let err = web_url_from_info_body(&body).expect_err("percent-encoded bidi must be rejected");
+        assert!(err.contains("bidi"), "got {err}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_validates_after_trimming() {
+        // Trailing slash is trimmed before validation; result stays usable.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":"http://localhost:8080/ui/"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url.as_deref(), Some("http://localhost:8080/ui"));
+    }
+
+    /// A remote node that advertises `web_url` with userinfo (`user@`,
+    /// `user:pass@`) must be dropped: the value is reprinted on the `View:`
+    /// line, and a credential embedded in the URL would land in terminal
+    /// scrollback and CI logs. Mirrors the node-side boot validation.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_rejects_userinfo() {
+        for bad in [
+            "https://[email protected]",
+            "https://user:[email protected]",
+        ] {
+            let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+            let _m = server
+                .mock("GET", "/")
+                .with_status(200)
+                .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+                .with_body(format!(r#"{{"web_url":"{}"}}"#, bad))
+                .create_async()
+                .await;
+
+            let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+            assert_eq!(
+                web_url, None,
+                "web_url with userinfo {bad:?} must be rejected"
+            );
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// A non-success status must still return None (View link is cosmetic) but
+    /// the status surfaces as a user-visible stderr warning instead of being
+    /// swallowed silently (#370 review).
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fetch_node_web_url_non_success_warns_with_status() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(503)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let web_url = fetch_node_web_url(&server.url()).await;
+        assert_eq!(web_url, None);
+        // The warning itself goes to stderr; mockito can't capture it here, so
+        // this asserts only the None contract. Manual check: run against a
+        // 503-ing node and observe "node info request returned 503" on stderr.
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn test_cmd_create_server_error() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
@@ -909,6 +1262,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(409)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository already exists"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -924,6 +1278,8 @@ mod tests {
 
         assert!(result.is_err());
         assert!(result.unwrap_err().to_string().contains("already exists"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -992,6 +1348,33 @@ mod tests {
         _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_list_repos_surfaces_denial() {
+        // A node error must Err with the status, not trip the vague "expected
+        // array" fallback that hides the node's actual response.
+        let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        write_identity(&dir);
+
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/repos\?owner=".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_list(server.url(), Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("500"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn test_cmd_commits_empty() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
@@ -1091,6 +1474,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(400)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"you already have a repo named myrepo"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -1106,6 +1490,8 @@ mod tests {
             err.to_string().contains("already have a repo"),
             "got: {err}"
         );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -1478,6 +1864,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -1490,6 +1877,106 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("not found"), "got: {err}");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _repo.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // ── Gated CLI reads surface node denials, not empty renders (#123) ──
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_commits_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        // A gated 404 must Err, not print "No commits" as if the repo were empty.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/repos/alice/secret/commits".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository 'alice/secret' not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_commits(
+            "alice/secret".to_string(),
+            "main".to_string(),
+            20,
+            server.url(),
+            None,
+        )
+        .await;
+        assert!(result.is_err(), "cmd_commits must Err on 404");
+        assert!(result.unwrap_err().to_string().contains("not found"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_label_list_surfaces_denial_not_empty() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/repos/alice/secret/labels".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"repository 'alice/secret' not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let result = cmd_label_list("alice/secret".to_string(), server.url(), None).await;
+        assert!(result.is_err(), "cmd_label_list must Err on 404");
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy is_err() vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // cmd_info keeps its bespoke 404 message ahead of read_json...
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_info_404_keeps_bespoke_message() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/repos/alice/secret")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"gone"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = cmd_info("alice/secret".to_string(), server.url(), None)
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err()
+            .to_string();
+        assert!(
+            err.contains("repository 'alice/secret' not found"),
+            "bespoke 404 text lost: {err}"
+        );
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    // ...and every other non-2xx routes through read_json (capped + sanitized).
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_info_500_routes_through_read_json() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/repos/alice/secret")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = cmd_info("alice/secret".to_string(), server.url(), None)
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err()
+            .to_string();
+        assert!(
+            err.contains("repo info failed"),
+            "read_json label lost: {err}"
+        );
+        assert!(err.contains("500"), "status not surfaced: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -1688,7 +2175,7 @@ mod vet_merge_deny_arms {
     }
 
     // An authenticated caller DENIED with a 403 must surface an error, never
-    // render a repo card (deny-as-success is the INV-8 client-contract break).
+    // render a repo card (deny-as-success is the client-contract break).
     #[tokio::test]
     async fn cmd_info_403_denied_surfaces_error_not_card() {
         let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();

crates/gl/src/star.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::PathBuf;
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -87,13 +86,7 @@ async fn cmd_add(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()>
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("star failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "star").await?;
 
     let count = body["star_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("Starred {owner}/{name}  ({count} stars total)");
@@ -111,13 +104,7 @@ async fn cmd_remove(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("unstar failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "unstar").await?;
 
     let count = body["star_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("Unstarred {owner}/{name}  ({count} stars remaining)");
@@ -136,13 +123,7 @@ async fn cmd_count(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("star count failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "star count").await?;
 
     let count = body["star_count"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0);
     println!("{owner}/{name}: {count} stars");
@@ -242,6 +223,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"repo not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -253,6 +235,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("star failed"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -299,6 +283,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"repo not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
@@ -310,6 +295,8 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap_err();
         assert!(err.to_string().contains("unstar failed"));
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -347,4 +334,51 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(owner, "alice");
         assert_eq!(name, "myrepo");
     }
+
+    // U15 (#186): a converted handler must inherit read_json's capped + sanitized
+    // error path end-to-end. A hostile 500 whose `message` carries terminal-control
+    // + bidi bytes and is long must reach the terminal neither verbatim nor unbounded.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn cmd_add_hostile_error_is_sanitized_and_bounded() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+        std::fs::write(
+            dir.path().join("identity.pem"),
+            kp.to_pem().unwrap().as_bytes(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        // ESC + a long run + a right-to-left override, all inside the node message
+        // (JSON \u escapes so the source has no raw control bytes).
+        let hostile = format!(r#"{{"message":"a\u001b[31m{}b\u202ec"}}"#, "Z".repeat(500));
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("PUT", mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/star$".to_string()))
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(hostile)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_add(
+            "myrepo".to_string(),
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await
+        .unwrap_err()
+        .to_string();
+
+        assert!(
+            !err.contains('\u{1b}'),
+            "ESC leaked to the terminal: {err:?}"
+        );
+        assert!(!err.contains('\u{202e}'), "bidi override leaked: {err:?}");
+        // Bounded: sanitize_node_msg caps the surfaced message, so the 500-char run
+        // cannot flood the error string.
+        assert!(err.len() < 300, "error not bounded ({} bytes)", err.len());
+        assert!(err.contains("star failed"), "handler label lost: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/status.rs

@@ -41,17 +41,9 @@ pub async fn run(args: StatusArgs) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&args.node, None);
     if let Some(ref did) = maybe_did {
         let short_key = did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(did);
-        match client.get(&format!("/api/v1/agents/{short_key}")).await {
-            Ok(resp) if resp.status().is_success() => {
-                if let Ok(body) = resp.json::<Value>().await {
-                    let score = body["trust_score"].as_f64().unwrap_or(0.0);
-                    let bar = trust_bar(score);
-                    println!("  trust     {score:.2}  {bar}");
-                }
-            }
-            _ => {
-                println!("  trust     — not registered (run `gl register`)");
-            }
+        let resp = client.get(&format!("/api/v1/agents/{short_key}")).await;
+        if let Some(line) = trust_line(resp).await {
+            println!("{line}");
         }
     }
 
@@ -85,8 +77,10 @@ pub async fn run(args: StatusArgs) -> Result<()> {
         let pr_resp = client
             .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{short_owner}/{repo_name}/pulls"))
             .await;
-        if let Ok(r) = pr_resp {
-            if let Ok(body) = r.json::<Value>().await {
+        if let Some(line) = section_unavailable_line("PRs", &pr_resp) {
+            println!("{line}");
+        } else if let Ok(r) = pr_resp {
+            if let Ok(body) = crate::http::read_json(r, "pull requests").await {
                 let prs = body["pulls"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
                 let open: Vec<_> = prs
                     .iter()
@@ -112,8 +106,10 @@ pub async fn run(args: StatusArgs) -> Result<()> {
         let issue_resp = client
             .get(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{short_owner}/{repo_name}/issues"))
             .await;
-        if let Ok(r) = issue_resp {
-            if let Ok(body) = r.json::<Value>().await {
+        if let Some(line) = section_unavailable_line("issues", &issue_resp) {
+            println!("{line}");
+        } else if let Ok(r) = issue_resp {
+            if let Ok(body) = crate::http::read_json(r, "issues").await {
                 let issues = body["issues"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
                 let open: Vec<_> = issues
                     .iter()
@@ -140,6 +136,40 @@ pub async fn run(args: StatusArgs) -> Result<()> {
     Ok(())
 }
 
+/// The status line for a repo section (PRs / issues) whose gated read returned a
+/// non-2xx: the denial must surface, never render as "no open ...".
+/// Returns `None` for a success (the caller renders the body) or a transport error
+/// (the section degrades silently — R5 — so the multi-section `gl status` never
+/// hard-fails on one denied read).
+fn section_unavailable_line(label: &str, resp: &Result<reqwest::Response>) -> Option<String> {
+    match resp {
+        Ok(r) if !r.status().is_success() => {
+            Some(format!("  {label:<10}unavailable ({})", r.status()))
+        }
+        _ => None,
+    }
+}
+
+/// The `trust` status line for the caller's own identity. A genuine 404 means the
+/// identity is not registered; any OTHER non-2xx (403/429/5xx) is a failed lookup
+/// and must surface as unavailable rather than fabricating an unregistered state
+/// A transport error degrades silently — the node-unreachable line below
+/// already surfaces it — matching `section_unavailable_line`.
+async fn trust_line(resp: Result<reqwest::Response>) -> Option<String> {
+    match resp {
+        Ok(r) if r.status().is_success() => {
+            let body = r.json::<Value>().await.ok()?;
+            let score = body["trust_score"].as_f64().unwrap_or(0.0);
+            Some(format!("  trust     {score:.2}  {}", trust_bar(score)))
+        }
+        Ok(r) if r.status() == reqwest::StatusCode::NOT_FOUND => {
+            Some("  trust     — not registered (run `gl register`)".to_string())
+        }
+        Ok(r) => Some(format!("  trust     unavailable ({})", r.status())),
+        Err(_) => None,
+    }
+}
+
 /// Render a simple ASCII trust bar: 0.75 → "███░"
 fn trust_bar(score: f64) -> String {
     let filled = (score * 4.0).round() as usize;
@@ -380,4 +410,125 @@ mod tests {
     fn trust_bar_quarter() {
         assert_eq!(trust_bar(0.25), "█░░░");
     }
+
+    // ── gl status section denial surfacing (#123, R5) ────────────────────
+
+    async fn get_response(
+        server: &mut mockito::Server,
+        status: usize,
+    ) -> Result<reqwest::Response> {
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/x")
+            .with_status(status)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"pulls":[]}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        NodeClient::new(server.url(), None).get("/x").await
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn gated_section_surfaces_unavailable_not_empty() {
+        // A gated 404 on a status section must surface "unavailable", never be
+        // treated as "no open PRs".
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = get_response(&mut server, 404).await;
+        assert_eq!(
+            section_unavailable_line("PRs", &resp),
+            Some(format!("  {:<10}unavailable (404 Not Found)", "PRs"))
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn success_section_returns_none_for_body_render() {
+        // A 2xx returns None so the caller renders the body as before.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let resp = get_response(&mut server, 200).await;
+        assert!(section_unavailable_line("issues", &resp).is_none());
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn transport_error_degrades_silently() {
+        // A transport error (not a status) must NOT surface — the section
+        // degrades silently so gl status never hard-fails on one bad read (R5).
+        let err: Result<reqwest::Response> = Err(anyhow::anyhow!("connection refused"));
+        assert!(section_unavailable_line("PRs", &err).is_none());
+    }
+
+    // ── trust_line: a 404 means unregistered; any OTHER failure must surface as
+    //    unavailable, never fabricate an unregistered verdict. ───────────────
+    async fn agents_resp(
+        server: &mut mockito::Server,
+        status: usize,
+        body: &str,
+    ) -> Result<reqwest::Response> {
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"^/api/v1/agents/".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(status)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(body)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        NodeClient::new(server.url(), None)
+            .get("/api/v1/agents/zTest")
+            .await
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn trust_line_registered_shows_score_only() {
+        let mut s = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let line = trust_line(agents_resp(&mut s, 200, r#"{"trust_score":0.5}"#).await)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert!(line.contains("0.50"), "line={line}");
+        assert!(!line.contains("not registered"), "line={line}");
+        assert!(!line.contains("unavailable"), "line={line}");
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn trust_line_404_is_not_registered() {
+        let mut s = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let line = trust_line(agents_resp(&mut s, 404, r#"{"message":"agent not found"}"#).await)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert!(line.contains("not registered"), "line={line}");
+        assert!(!line.contains("unavailable"), "line={line}");
+    }
+
+    // Load-bearing: a 403 for an existing identity is a denied lookup, not proof it is unregistered.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn trust_line_403_is_unavailable_not_registered() {
+        let mut s = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let line = trust_line(agents_resp(&mut s, 403, r#"{"message":"forbidden"}"#).await)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert!(
+            line.contains("unavailable") && line.contains("403"),
+            "line={line}"
+        );
+        assert!(!line.contains("not registered"), "line={line}");
+    }
+
+    // Load-bearing: a 5xx is a failed lookup, not an unregistered verdict.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn trust_line_500_is_unavailable_not_registered() {
+        let mut s = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let line = trust_line(agents_resp(&mut s, 500, r#"{"message":"boom"}"#).await)
+            .await
+            .unwrap();
+        assert!(line.contains("unavailable"), "line={line}");
+        assert!(!line.contains("not registered"), "line={line}");
+    }
+
+    // Load-bearing: a transport error degrades silently, never fabricates unregistered.
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn trust_line_transport_error_is_silent() {
+        let resp = NodeClient::new("http://127.0.0.1:1", None)
+            .get("/api/v1/agents/zTest")
+            .await;
+        assert!(trust_line(resp).await.is_none());
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/sync.rs

@@ -75,8 +75,9 @@ pub async fn run(args: SyncArgs) -> Result<()> {
         SyncCmd::Status => {
             let client = NodeClient::new(&args.node, None);
             // Just show peer list and node stats for now
-            let stats: serde_json::Value = client.get("/api/v1/stats").await?.json().await?;
-            let peers: serde_json::Value = client.get("/api/v1/peers").await?.json().await?;
+            let stats =
+                crate::http::read_json(client.get("/api/v1/stats").await?, "node stats").await?;
+            let peers = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/api/v1/peers").await?, "peers").await?;
             println!("Node stats:");
             println!("  repos:  {}", stats["repos"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0));
             println!("  agents: {}", stats["agents"].as_i64().unwrap_or(0));
@@ -162,6 +163,7 @@ mod tests {
             // Valid JSON: the parse-without-status-check bug deserializes this
             // into a zero-count success struct and prints "✓ sync triggered".
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"unauthorized"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
         let (args, _dir) = trigger_args(server.url());
@@ -170,6 +172,8 @@ mod tests {
             err.to_string().contains("401"),
             "expected 401 surfaced, got: {err}"
         );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -180,6 +184,7 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(429)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"slow down"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
         let (args, _dir) = trigger_args(server.url());
@@ -188,6 +193,8 @@ mod tests {
             err.to_string().contains("429"),
             "expected 429 surfaced, got: {err}"
         );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -204,6 +211,7 @@ mod tests {
             // BEL (\u0007); serde decodes them to real control bytes a naive
             // client would print. (The status-check bug fake-successes here.)
             .with_body("{\"message\":\"pwned\\u001b[31m\\u0007bad\"}")
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
         let (args, _dir) = trigger_args(server.url());
@@ -215,6 +223,8 @@ mod tests {
             s.contains("pwned") && s.contains("bad"),
             "message text dropped: {s:?}"
         );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -240,6 +250,7 @@ mod tests {
             .mock("POST", "/api/v1/sync/trigger")
             .with_status(401)
             .with_body("A".repeat(2_000_000))
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
         let (args, _dir) = trigger_args(server.url());
@@ -251,6 +262,8 @@ mod tests {
             "error message not bounded: {} chars",
             s.len()
         );
+        // Prove the mocked route was actually requested; a non-matching request (mockito's 501, also non-2xx) would otherwise satisfy the error assertion vacuously.
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     #[tokio::test]
@@ -281,4 +294,71 @@ mod tests {
             (0, 0)
         );
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn status_surfaces_stats_denial_not_fake_zeros() {
+        // A node error on /stats must Err, not print "0 repos / 0 agents / 0 pushes".
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let stats = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/stats")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        // A peers mock so the pre-fix path reaches a clean success rather than a
+        // 501 on an unmocked route; after the fix the /stats denial bails first.
+        let _peers = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/peers")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"count":0,"peers":[]}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let args = SyncArgs {
+            cmd: SyncCmd::Status,
+            node: server.url(),
+            dir: None,
+        };
+        let err = run(args).await.unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("500"),
+            "expected 500 surfaced, got: {err}"
+        );
+        stats.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn status_surfaces_peers_denial() {
+        // /stats succeeds but /peers denies — the peers read must Err too, not
+        // print "Known peers: 0".
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _stats = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/stats")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"repos":1,"agents":2,"pushes":3}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let peers = server
+            .mock("GET", "/api/v1/peers")
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let args = SyncArgs {
+            cmd: SyncCmd::Status,
+            node: server.url(),
+            dir: None,
+        };
+        let err = run(args).await.unwrap_err();
+        assert!(
+            err.to_string().contains("500"),
+            "expected 500 surfaced, got: {err}"
+        );
+        peers.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/task.rs

@@ -190,13 +190,14 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         "delegator_did": delegator_did,
     }))?;
 
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .post("/api/v1/tasks", &body)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to create task")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .post("/api/v1/tasks", &body)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to create task")?,
+        "create task",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
@@ -215,26 +216,25 @@ async fn cmd_list(
     if let Some(a) = &assignee_did {
         path.push_str(&format!("&assignee_did={}", urlencoding::encode(a)));
     }
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&path)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to list tasks")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client.get(&path).await.context("failed to list tasks")?,
+        "list tasks",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
 
 async fn cmd_view(id: String, node: String) -> Result<()> {
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, None);
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .get(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}", id))
-        .await
-        .context("failed to get task")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}", id))
+            .await
+            .context("failed to get task")?,
+        "view task",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
@@ -245,13 +245,14 @@ async fn cmd_claim(id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()>
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, Some(keypair));
 
     let body = serde_json::to_vec(&json!({ "assignee_did": assignee_did }))?;
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/claim", id), &body)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to claim task")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/claim", id), &body)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to claim task")?,
+        "claim task",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
@@ -267,13 +268,14 @@ async fn cmd_complete(
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, Some(keypair));
 
     let body = serde_json::to_vec(&json!({ "result": result, "by_did": by_did }))?;
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/complete", id), &body)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to complete task")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/complete", id), &body)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to complete task")?,
+        "complete task",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
@@ -289,13 +291,14 @@ async fn cmd_fail(
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, Some(keypair));
 
     let body = serde_json::to_vec(&json!({ "reason": reason, "by_did": by_did }))?;
-    let resp: Value = client
-        .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/fail", id), &body)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to fail task")?
-        .json()
-        .await
-        .context("invalid JSON response")?;
+    let resp = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .post(&format!("/api/v1/tasks/{}/fail", id), &body)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to fail task")?,
+        "fail task",
+    )
+    .await?;
     print_json(&resp);
     Ok(())
 }
@@ -379,11 +382,12 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(500)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"internal error"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
-        // Should still succeed (prints JSON, doesn't check status code)
-        cmd_create(
+        // A node 5xx must surface as an Err, not be printed as if it were a task.
+        let err = cmd_create(
             "deploy".to_string(),
             "agent:task".to_string(),
             None,
@@ -395,7 +399,9 @@ mod tests {
             Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
         )
         .await
-        .unwrap();
+        .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("500"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     // ── list ─────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -469,11 +475,16 @@ mod tests {
             .with_status(404)
             .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
             .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
             .create_async()
             .await;
 
-        // cmd_view doesn't check status — it prints the JSON
-        cmd_view("nope".to_string(), server.url()).await.unwrap();
+        // A 404 must surface as an Err, not be printed as if it were a task.
+        let err = cmd_view("nope".to_string(), server.url())
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
     }
 
     // ── claim ────────────────────────────────────────────────────────
@@ -625,4 +636,122 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap();
     }
+
+    // ── denial surfaces: a node 4xx/5xx must Err, not render as success ──
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_list_tasks_surfaces_denial() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+
+        let _m = server
+            .mock(
+                "GET",
+                mockito::Matcher::Regex(r"/api/v1/tasks\?".to_string()),
+            )
+            .with_status(500)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"boom"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_list(None, None, 50, server.url()).await.unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("500"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_claim_task_surfaces_denial() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+        std::fs::write(
+            dir.path().join("identity.pem"),
+            kp.to_pem().unwrap().as_bytes(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/tasks/task-x/claim")
+            .with_status(403)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"forbidden"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_claim(
+            "task-x".to_string(),
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await
+        .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("403"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_complete_task_surfaces_denial() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+        std::fs::write(
+            dir.path().join("identity.pem"),
+            kp.to_pem().unwrap().as_bytes(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/tasks/task-x/complete")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"not found"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_complete(
+            "task-x".to_string(),
+            None,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await
+        .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn test_fail_task_surfaces_denial() {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap();
+        let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+        std::fs::write(
+            dir.path().join("identity.pem"),
+            kp.to_pem().unwrap().as_bytes(),
+        )
+        .unwrap();
+
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/tasks/task-x/fail")
+            .with_status(409)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"already terminal"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+
+        let err = cmd_fail(
+            "task-x".to_string(),
+            None,
+            server.url(),
+            Some(dir.path().to_path_buf()),
+        )
+        .await
+        .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("409"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/text.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,63 @@
+//! Display helpers for strings that come off the wire unchecked.
+
+/// Truncate `s` to at most `max` bytes, cutting at a char boundary.
+///
+/// `&s[..max]` panics when `s` is shorter than `max` bytes and when `max`
+/// lands inside a multi-byte char; `s.len().min(max)` guards only the first
+/// case. Node-supplied timestamps and ids hit both.
+pub(crate) fn truncate(s: &str, max: usize) -> &str {
+    let mut end = max.min(s.len());
+    while !s.is_char_boundary(end) {
+        end -= 1;
+    }
+    &s[..end]
+}
+
+/// Keep at most the last `max` bytes of `s`, cutting at a char boundary.
+///
+/// `&s[s.len().saturating_sub(max)..]` panics when the start index lands
+/// inside a multi-byte char; node-supplied ids hit that case.
+pub(crate) fn truncate_suffix(s: &str, max: usize) -> &str {
+    let mut start = s.len().saturating_sub(max);
+    while !s.is_char_boundary(start) {
+        start += 1;
+    }
+    &s[start..]
+}
+
+#[cfg(test)]
+mod tests {
+    use super::{truncate, truncate_suffix};
+
+    #[test]
+    fn cuts_ascii_at_max() {
+        assert_eq!(truncate("2026-08-15T12:34:56Z", 10), "2026-08-15");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn short_and_empty_inputs_return_whole() {
+        assert_eq!(truncate("2026", 10), "2026");
+        assert_eq!(truncate("", 10), "");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn multibyte_cut_does_not_panic() {
+        // Byte index 10 lands inside 'é'; the cut must land on the boundary
+        // before it (9 bytes) rather than panic or exceed the byte limit.
+        assert_eq!(truncate("2026-08-1\u{e9}5T12:34:56Z", 10), "2026-08-1");
+        // A string that is entirely multi-byte and shorter than max.
+        assert_eq!(truncate("\u{e9}\u{e9}", 10), "\u{e9}\u{e9}");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn suffix_cut_does_not_panic() {
+        // 'é' is two bytes; a start index of len-8 lands inside it.
+        assert_eq!(truncate_suffix("did:key:\u{e9}1234567", 8), "1234567");
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn suffix_short_input_returns_whole() {
+        assert_eq!(truncate_suffix("short", 8), "short");
+        assert_eq!(truncate_suffix("", 8), "");
+    }
+}

crates/gl/src/visibility.rs

@@ -2,7 +2,6 @@
 
 use anyhow::{Context, Result};
 use clap::{Args, Subcommand};
-use serde_json::Value;
 use std::path::{Path, PathBuf};
 
 use crate::http::NodeClient;
@@ -99,12 +98,7 @@ async fn resolve_owner_repo(
         did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string()
     } else {
         let client = NodeClient::new(node, None);
-        let info: Value = client
-            .get("/")
-            .await?
-            .json()
-            .await
-            .context("failed to fetch node info")?;
+        let info = crate::http::read_json(client.get("/").await?, "node info").await?;
         let did = info["did"].as_str().context("node missing DID")?;
         did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(did).to_string()
     };
@@ -135,12 +129,7 @@ async fn cmd_set(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("visibility set failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "visibility set").await?;
 
     println!("✓ Visibility rule set on {owner}/{name}: {path_glob} (mode {mode})");
     if path_glob != "/" {
@@ -168,12 +157,7 @@ async fn cmd_remove(
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("visibility remove failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(resp, "visibility remove").await?;
 
     println!("✓ Visibility rule removed from {owner}/{name}: {path_glob}");
     Ok(())
@@ -191,12 +175,7 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
         .await
         .context("failed to connect to node")?;
 
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.unwrap_or_default();
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("visibility list failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(resp, "visibility list").await?;
 
     let rules = body["rules"].as_array().cloned().unwrap_or_default();
     if rules.is_empty() {
@@ -319,4 +298,26 @@ mod tests {
         .await
         .unwrap();
     }
+
+    #[tokio::test]
+    async fn resolve_owner_repo_surfaces_denial() {
+        // A slash-free repo with an empty identity dir forces the GET / node-info
+        // fetch. A gated 404 there must Err (surfacing the status), proving the
+        // read_json conversion is load-bearing rather than silently ignored.
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let dir = tempfile::TempDir::new().unwrap(); // empty, no identity.pem, forces the GET / branch
+        let _m = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(404)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"message":"denied"}"#)
+            .expect(1)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let err = resolve_owner_repo("noslash", &server.url(), Some(dir.path()))
+            .await
+            .unwrap_err();
+        assert!(err.to_string().contains("404"), "got: {err}");
+        _m.assert_async().await;
+    }
 }

crates/gl/src/webhook.rs

@@ -110,17 +110,17 @@ async fn cmd_create(
         "events": event_list,
     }))?;
 
-    let resp = client
-        .post(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks"), &payload)
-        .await
-        .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let hook: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = hook["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("create webhook failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    // #186: read_json status-checks before parsing and bounds the error body, so
+    // a denial (or a hostile oversized error) fails here instead of being parsed
+    // whole. `what` preserves main's "create webhook failed (...)" message prefix.
+    let hook = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .post(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks"), &payload)
+            .await
+            .context("failed to connect to node")?,
+        "create webhook",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let id = hook["id"].as_str().unwrap_or("?");
     let hook_events = hook["events"]
@@ -157,16 +157,15 @@ async fn cmd_list(repo: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>) -> Result<()
 
     // get_signed (not get) attaches the RFC 9421 signature — plain get() never
     // signs, and the node owner-gates this route, so an unsigned GET 401s.
-    let resp = client
-        .get_signed(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks"))
-        .await?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let body: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = body["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("list webhooks failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    // #186: read_json status-checks + bounds the error body; `what` preserves
+    // main's "list webhooks failed (...)" message prefix.
+    let body = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .get_signed(&format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks"))
+            .await?,
+        "list webhooks",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     let hooks = body
         .get("webhooks")
@@ -207,20 +206,20 @@ async fn cmd_delete(repo: String, id: String, node: String, dir: Option<PathBuf>
     let client = NodeClient::new(&node, Some(keypair));
 
     let payload = serde_json::to_vec(&serde_json::json!({}))?;
-    let resp = client
-        .delete(
-            &format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks/{id}"),
-            &payload,
-        )
-        .await
-        .context("failed to connect to node")?;
-    let status = resp.status();
-    let result: Value = resp.json().await.context("invalid JSON")?;
-
-    if !status.is_success() {
-        let msg = result["message"].as_str().unwrap_or("unknown error");
-        anyhow::bail!("delete webhook failed ({status}): {msg}");
-    }
+    // #186: read_json status-checks + bounds the error body; `what` preserves
+    // main's "delete webhook failed (...)" message prefix. The success body is
+    // unused, so discard it.
+    let _ = crate::http::read_json(
+        client
+            .delete(
+                &format!("/api/v1/repos/{owner}/{name}/hooks/{id}"),
+                &payload,
+            )
+            .await
+            .context("failed to connect to node")?,
+        "delete webhook",
+    )
+    .await?;
 
     println!("✓ Webhook {id} deleted");
     Ok(())

crates/gl/tests/cmd_create_view_url.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,138 @@
+//! End-to-end test for the `View:` line printed by `gl repo create` (#370).
+//!
+//! `cmd_create` is the load-bearing #370 path: it is the one place the CLI
+//! prints a `View:` line, and the only thing keeping it from being a
+//! hardcoded `https://gitlawb.com/...` 404 is `fetch_node_web_url`. The
+//! helper-level tests in `repo.rs` cover the helper, not the command path —
+//! if `cmd_create` went back to a hardcoded constant, every helper test
+//! would still pass.
+//!
+//! This integration test drives the real `gl` binary against a mockito
+//! server that answers both `POST /api/v1/repos` and `GET /`. Asserting on
+//! the subprocess's stdout is straightforward: bytes are bytes, with no
+//! libtest / gag / in-process capture race.
+//!
+//! CARGO_BIN_EXE_gl is set by Cargo for integration tests of a `[[bin]]`
+//! in the same package, so the test always picks up the in-tree build.
+
+use std::process::Stdio;
+use tempfile::TempDir;
+use tokio::io::AsyncWriteExt;
+use tokio::process::Command;
+
+fn gl_bin() -> String {
+    std::env::var("CARGO_BIN_EXE_gl").expect("CARGO_BIN_EXE_gl is unset for this test")
+}
+
+async fn write_identity(dir: &TempDir) {
+    let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::generate();
+    let pem = kp.to_pem().unwrap();
+    let path = dir.path().join("identity.pem");
+    let mut f = tokio::fs::File::create(&path).await.unwrap();
+    f.write_all(pem.as_bytes()).await.unwrap();
+}
+
+/// The trailing key segment of the freshly-generated identity. Mirrors the
+/// in-source `resolve_owner_did` test helper but lives in this integration
+/// file because that helper is `pub(crate)`.
+async fn owner_short(dir: &TempDir) -> String {
+    let pem = tokio::fs::read_to_string(dir.path().join("identity.pem"))
+        .await
+        .unwrap();
+    let kp = gitlawb_core::identity::Keypair::from_pem(&pem).unwrap();
+    let did = kp.did().to_string();
+    did.split(':').next_back().unwrap_or(&did).to_string()
+}
+
+async fn run_gl_create(node_url: &str, dir: &TempDir) -> String {
+    let output = Command::new(gl_bin())
+        .arg("repo")
+        .arg("create")
+        .arg("myrepo")
+        .arg("--private")
+        .arg("--branch")
+        .arg("main")
+        .arg("--node")
+        .arg(node_url)
+        .arg("--dir")
+        .arg(dir.path())
+        .env("NO_COLOR", "1")
+        .stdout(Stdio::piped())
+        .stderr(Stdio::piped())
+        .output()
+        .await
+        .expect("failed to spawn `gl repo create`");
+    assert!(
+        output.status.success(),
+        "`gl repo create` failed: stderr:\n{}\nstdout:\n{}",
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&output.stderr),
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&output.stdout),
+    );
+    String::from_utf8(output.stdout).expect("`gl` wrote non-UTF-8 to stdout")
+}
+
+#[tokio::test]
+async fn cmd_create_view_url_tracks_node_advertisement() {
+    let dir = TempDir::new().unwrap();
+    write_identity(&dir).await;
+    let owner = owner_short(&dir).await;
+
+    // Case 1: node advertises a web_url. The `View:` line must use the
+    // advertised origin and the resolved owner/short name.
+    {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m_create = server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/repos")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"name":"myrepo","clone_url":"gitlawb://did:key:z6Mk/myrepo"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _m_info = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"web_url":"https://git.example","did":"did:key:z6Mk"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let server_url = server.url();
+
+        let out = run_gl_create(&server_url, &dir).await;
+        let view_line = out
+            .lines()
+            .find(|l| l.trim_start().starts_with("View:"))
+            .unwrap_or_else(|| panic!("View: line missing from stdout:\n{out}"));
+        assert!(
+            view_line.contains(&format!("https://git.example/{owner}/myrepo")),
+            "View: line must use the advertised origin, got: {view_line:?}"
+        );
+    }
+
+    // Case 2: node does NOT advertise a web_url. The `View:` line must be
+    // absent, so a self-hosted node without a web front-end never produces
+    // a 404 link (#370).
+    {
+        let mut server = mockito::Server::new_async().await;
+        let _m_create = server
+            .mock("POST", "/api/v1/repos")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"name":"myrepo","clone_url":"gitlawb://did:key:z6Mk/myrepo"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let _m_info = server
+            .mock("GET", "/")
+            .with_status(200)
+            .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+            .with_body(r#"{"did":"did:key:z6Mk"}"#)
+            .create_async()
+            .await;
+        let server_url = server.url();
+
+        let out = run_gl_create(&server_url, &dir).await;
+        assert!(
+            !out.lines().any(|l| l.trim_start().starts_with("View:")),
+            "View: line must be absent when node omits web_url; got:\n{out}"
+        );
+    }
+}

crates/gl/tests/doctor_exit.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,48 @@
+//! #357: pin the `gl doctor` exit-code wiring, not just the predicate.
+//!
+//! The unit tests for `has_failures` never touch `std::process::exit(1)` or
+//! the `GITLAWB_NODE` Warn tier. Deleting the exit gate outright kept
+//! `cargo test -p gl doctor::` green, so this binary probe is the only thing
+//! that breaks when the wiring is gutted.
+
+use std::process::Command;
+
+#[test]
+fn doctor_exits_nonzero_when_fail_rows_present() {
+    let dir = tempfile::tempdir().expect("temp dir");
+    // Use an unroutable node so the "node unreachable" check is Fail-class.
+    // The temp dir has no identity.pem / ucan.json, so identity + registration
+    // are also Fail — at least one Fail must flip the process to exit 1.
+    let bin = env!("CARGO_BIN_EXE_gl");
+    let output = Command::new(bin)
+        .args([
+            "doctor",
+            "--dir",
+            dir.path().to_str().unwrap(),
+            "--node",
+            "http://127.0.0.1:1",
+        ])
+        // Inherit PATH but neutralize GITLAWB_NODE so the test is deterministic
+        // across machines that have it set (otherwise it would be Pass).
+        .env_remove("GITLAWB_NODE")
+        // iCaptcha probes a real URL by default; keep it unreachable too so
+        // it stays Warn and does not affect the Fail gating.
+        .env("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_URL", "http://127.0.0.1:1")
+        .output()
+        .expect("run gl doctor");
+
+    // The command should have exited 1 because at least one Fail row exists.
+    // If the `std::process::exit(1)` gate is removed, this becomes 0 and the
+    // test fails — that is the regression it pins.
+    assert!(
+        !output.status.success(),
+        "gl doctor must exit non-zero when Fail rows are present; stdout: {}\nstderr: {}",
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&output.stdout),
+        String::from_utf8_lossy(&output.stderr)
+    );
+    assert_eq!(
+        output.status.code(),
+        Some(1),
+        "exit code must be 1, not some other non-zero"
+    );
+}

crates/gl/tests/no_parse_before_status.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,356 @@
+//! Completeness gate for #186, itself proven load-bearing by reverting a
+//! converted handler and watching this go red.
+//!
+//! The client handlers converted in #186 must read node responses through
+//! `crate::http::read_json` — status-first, capped error read, sanitized message.
+//! The bypass this fix removed is *parse-before-status*: a `resp.json().await`
+//! whose result is only checked against the status AFTER parsing, which lets a
+//! hostile node stream an unbounded JSON error and print its `message` unsanitized.
+//!
+//! This test scans the converted source files and fails if that idiom returns —
+//! a `.json().await` call (not `read_json`) with an `.is_success()` check within a
+//! few lines AFTER it. A status check BEFORE the parse (the `KEEP` probes in
+//! repo.rs) reads as status-first and is not flagged. If a converted site is
+//! reverted to the bypass, this goes RED.
+//!
+//! The gate does not hand-list the files to scan; it DERIVES them: every
+//! `src/*.rs` that references `read_json` (except `http.rs`, where it is defined)
+//! is a converted handler and is scanned for the bypass idiom.
+//!
+//! Derivation alone has a blind spot: it keys on the very `read_json` marker a
+//! full revert deletes. A converted handler with a single node call (register.rs)
+//! reverted to `resp.json().await` loses `read_json` entirely, drops out of the
+//! derived set, and its bypass goes unscanned. So `CONVERTED_IN_186` is the
+//! authoritative required set and the gate asserts the derived surface EQUALS it,
+//! failing closed in both directions:
+//!
+//! - a pinned file missing from the derived set was reverted off `read_json`
+//!   (the blind-spot escape), so the gate goes RED;
+//! - a file that uses `read_json` but is not pinned is a conversion that was
+//!   never enrolled, so its own later revert would escape unseen; RED until it
+//!   is added to the pin.
+//!
+//! Equality is what extends the protection to handlers converted after #186, not
+//! just the original sixteen: a conversion cannot ship unpinned, and a pinned
+//! surface cannot be deconverted silently.
+//!
+//! Pre-existing bypasses in files this PR did not convert (e.g. init.rs,
+//! mirror.rs, profile.rs) are known debt, tracked separately and out of scope.
+//! They do not use `read_json`, so the derivation excludes them and they are not
+//! pinned.
+
+use std::path::Path;
+
+/// Files that define/host `read_json` rather than consume it as a converted
+/// handler. Excluded from the scanned set even though they reference the symbol.
+const NOT_A_HANDLER: &[&str] = &["http.rs"];
+
+/// The authoritative converted-handler surface: every non-`http.rs` file whose
+/// node-response reads route through `read_json`. The gate asserts the derived
+/// `read_json` set EQUALS this exactly, so a new conversion must be added here
+/// (the gate is RED until it is) and a pinned surface cannot be reverted off
+/// `read_json` without tripping the gate. Both directions fail closed, which is
+/// what protects post-#186 conversions, not only the original sixteen.
+const CONVERTED_IN_186: &[&str] = &[
+    "agent.rs",
+    "bounty.rs",
+    "cert.rs",
+    "changelog.rs",
+    "issue.rs",
+    "mcp.rs",
+    "peer.rs",
+    "pr.rs",
+    "protect.rs",
+    "register.rs",
+    "repo.rs",
+    "star.rs",
+    "status.rs",
+    "sync.rs",
+    "task.rs",
+    "visibility.rs",
+    "webhook.rs",
+];
+
+/// Derive the converted-handler surface: every `src/*.rs` that references
+/// `read_json`, minus the definition site(s). This is the set the equality check
+/// compares against `CONVERTED_IN_186`; a newly-converted handler surfaces here
+/// and must then be pinned (the gate is RED until it is).
+fn scanned_handlers(src: &Path) -> Vec<(String, String)> {
+    let mut handlers = Vec::new();
+    for entry in std::fs::read_dir(src).expect("read src dir") {
+        let path = entry.expect("dir entry").path();
+        if path.extension().and_then(|e| e.to_str()) != Some("rs") {
+            continue;
+        }
+        let file_name = path
+            .file_name()
+            .and_then(|n| n.to_str())
+            .expect("file name")
+            .to_string();
+        if NOT_A_HANDLER.contains(&file_name.as_str()) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        let text = std::fs::read_to_string(&path)
+            .unwrap_or_else(|e| panic!("read {}: {e}", path.display()));
+        if has_read_json_call_site(&text) {
+            handlers.push((file_name, text));
+        }
+    }
+    handlers.sort();
+    handlers
+}
+
+/// Does this file actually CALL `read_json`, as opposed to merely mentioning it?
+///
+/// Membership in the derived set must key on a call site, never on the text of
+/// the file. A textual `contains("read_json")` matched prose too, so a handler
+/// fully reverted off `read_json` kept its membership on the strength of a
+/// leftover comment ("previously routed through read_json"). Still-derived means
+/// the pinned-vs-derived equality below never fired, and the reverted file went
+/// on being scanned as though it were converted, so the deconversion — which
+/// drops the cap and the sanitizer — shipped green. Requiring the trailing `(`
+/// on a non-comment line also drops test names and doc references.
+fn has_read_json_call_site(text: &str) -> bool {
+    text.lines().any(|l| {
+        let t = l.trim_start();
+        !t.starts_with("//") && t.contains("read_json(")
+    })
+}
+
+/// How far above a parse site to look for its status check.
+///
+/// The widest legitimate gap in the tree is `sync.rs`'s hand-rolled status-first
+/// `Trigger` arm, whose `.status()` sits 19 lines above its parse; 24 leaves a
+/// little headroom. Wider is weaker, so this should shrink if that arm is ever
+/// routed through `read_json` like its siblings.
+const STATUS_LOOKBACK: usize = 24;
+
+/// Does `line` open a JSON parse — `.json().await`, or a turbofish
+/// `.json::<T>().await`, or the head of a split-line chain (`.json(` /
+/// `.json::<T>(` whose `()` / `.await` continue on following lines)?
+///
+/// Lines routed through `read_json` are never parse sites (that IS the fix).
+fn opens_json_parse(line: &str) -> bool {
+    if line.contains("read_json") {
+        return false;
+    }
+    // A `.json(` token starts every reqwest JSON parse, bare or turbofished,
+    // single- or split-line. We anchor on it and let the window below confirm
+    // the `.await` / status check; anchoring on `.json(` alone is what catches
+    // `resp.json::<Value>().await` and `resp\n    .json()\n    .await` chains
+    // that the old bare-`.json().await` substring missed.
+    line.contains(".json()") || line.contains(".json::<")
+}
+
+/// Within `window` (the parse-site line joined with the few lines after it), is
+/// the parse actually completed with `.await` and then checked against the
+/// status? A completed parse whose `.is_success()` lands AFTER it is the
+/// parse-before-status bypass. A status check BEFORE the parse (KEEP probes)
+/// never appears in this after-the-parse window, so it is not flagged.
+fn window_is_bypass(window: &str) -> bool {
+    // The parse must actually resolve — guards against matching a `.json`-shaped
+    // token that never awaits. Split-line chains put `.await` a line or two down,
+    // which the joined window still contains.
+    let completes = window.contains(".await");
+    completes && window.contains(".is_success()")
+}
+
+/// Is there a FULL non-success guard ABOVE this parse site — one that exits for
+/// every non-2xx status, not merely a bespoke branch for one code?
+///
+/// `window_is_bypass` only recognises a status check that lands AFTER the parse,
+/// so it describes one specific bypass and says nothing about a parse with no
+/// status check anywhere. That shape is the more dangerous revert (it renders a
+/// denial body as a successful result with no check at all). Requiring positive
+/// evidence of a guard first turns the rule from "detect one bad ordering" into
+/// "require the good ordering".
+///
+/// The evidence must cover the whole non-success range. "Any `.status()`
+/// nearby" is not enough: agent.rs legitimately keeps a 404-only hint
+/// (`resp.status() == StatusCode::NOT_FOUND`) ahead of its `read_json` call,
+/// and a revert that swaps that call for `resp.json().await?` would still see
+/// the 404 check in the lookback — while a 500's JSON denial body renders as an
+/// empty agent list again. A single-status equality (or a `matches!(…, 404 |
+/// 501)` enumeration) guards its own arm and nothing else, so it does not
+/// count. What counts:
+///
+/// - `.is_success()` — the canonical spelling; sync.rs binds the status to a
+///   variable first, so this token is matched on its own rather than as a
+///   `.status()` suffix;
+/// - a RANGE comparison over `as_u16()` (`>= 400` and friends), which reads the
+///   whole class rather than enumerating codes.
+///
+/// The `special_404_hint_is_not_a_guard` mutation test below keeps this
+/// distinction honest against the real agent.rs source.
+fn has_full_status_guard_above(lookback: &str) -> bool {
+    if lookback.contains(".is_success()") {
+        return true;
+    }
+    lookback.contains("as_u16() >=")
+        || lookback.contains("as_u16() >")
+        || lookback.contains("as_u16() <=")
+        || lookback.contains("as_u16() <")
+}
+
+/// The scan shared by the gate and the mutation regression: every raw parse
+/// site in `text` is classified as an after-the-parse bypass (`offenders`) or a
+/// parse with no full status guard above it (`unguarded`). Factored out so the
+/// mutation test exercises EXACTLY the logic the gate runs, not a paraphrase of
+/// it.
+fn scan_handler(name: &str, text: &str) -> (Vec<String>, Vec<String>) {
+    let mut offenders = Vec::new();
+    let mut unguarded = Vec::new();
+    let lines: Vec<&str> = text.lines().collect();
+    for (i, line) in lines.iter().enumerate() {
+        if !opens_json_parse(line) {
+            continue;
+        }
+        // Join the parse-site line with the following lines so a split-line
+        // chain's `.await` and an after-the-parse `.is_success()` are both in
+        // view. Status-first probes put `.is_success()` on an EARLIER line, so
+        // it is outside this window and stays green.
+        let window = lines[i..(i + 6).min(lines.len())].join("\n");
+        if window_is_bypass(&window) {
+            offenders.push(format!("{name}:{}", i + 1));
+            continue;
+        }
+        // A parse that never resolves is not a read; only a completed parse
+        // can render a denial body as a result.
+        if !window.contains(".await") {
+            continue;
+        }
+        let lookback = lines[i.saturating_sub(STATUS_LOOKBACK)..i].join("\n");
+        if !has_full_status_guard_above(&lookback) {
+            unguarded.push(format!("{name}:{}", i + 1));
+        }
+    }
+    (offenders, unguarded)
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn converted_handlers_never_parse_before_status() {
+    let src = Path::new(env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")).join("src");
+    let handlers = scanned_handlers(&src);
+
+    // Deriving the set is the whole point of the fix; if the tree ever stops
+    // using `read_json` the gate would silently pass on an empty set.
+    assert!(
+        !handlers.is_empty(),
+        "derived no converted handlers from src/*.rs read_json usage — the gate \
+         would vacuously pass; check the derivation"
+    );
+
+    // The pin is the authoritative required set: the derived `read_json` surface
+    // must EQUAL it, failing closed in both directions. A pinned file that drops
+    // out was reverted off `read_json` (register.rs, its single call, is the
+    // motivating case) and its bypass would escape the derived scan. A derived
+    // file that is not pinned is a conversion nobody enrolled, so ITS later revert
+    // would escape the same way; force it into the pin now. Equality is what
+    // extends the protection to handlers converted after #186.
+    let derived: Vec<&str> = handlers.iter().map(|(n, _)| n.as_str()).collect();
+    let deconverted: Vec<&str> = CONVERTED_IN_186
+        .iter()
+        .copied()
+        .filter(|f| !derived.contains(f))
+        .collect();
+    assert!(
+        deconverted.is_empty(),
+        "pinned handler(s) no longer route node responses through read_json: a \
+         parse-before-status revert would otherwise escape the derived scan. \
+         Re-route through crate::http::read_json (or drop from CONVERTED_IN_186 if \
+         the surface was intentionally deconverted): {deconverted:?}"
+    );
+    let unpinned: Vec<&str> = derived
+        .iter()
+        .copied()
+        .filter(|f| !CONVERTED_IN_186.contains(f))
+        .collect();
+    assert!(
+        unpinned.is_empty(),
+        "handler(s) use read_json but are absent from CONVERTED_IN_186: add them so \
+         the gate protects them against a later parse-before-status revert (an \
+         unpinned conversion drops out of both the scan and this check when \
+         reverted): {unpinned:?}"
+    );
+
+    let mut offenders = Vec::new();
+    let mut unguarded = Vec::new();
+    for (name, text) in &handlers {
+        let (o, u) = scan_handler(name, text);
+        offenders.extend(o);
+        unguarded.extend(u);
+    }
+
+    assert!(
+        offenders.is_empty(),
+        "parse-before-status bypass present in converted handler(s) — route the read \
+         through crate::http::read_json (status-first, capped, sanitized): {offenders:?}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        unguarded.is_empty(),
+        "node response parsed with NO full status guard above it in a converted \
+         handler — the denial body is being rendered as a result. Route the read \
+         through crate::http::read_json (status-first, capped, sanitized): {unguarded:?}"
+    );
+}
+
+/// Mutation regression for the special-404 escape: agent.rs (and the agent-show
+/// / repo-info paths shaped like it) keeps a legitimate 404-only hint ahead of
+/// its `read_json` call. Revert that call to a raw `resp.json().await?` and the
+/// 404 equality is the only status evidence in the lookback — under the old
+/// "any `.status()` nearby" rule the fence stayed green while a 500's denial
+/// body rendered as an empty agent list. This test performs that exact revert
+/// on the REAL agent.rs source and requires the scan to flag the mutant, so the
+/// full-guard distinction in `has_full_status_guard_above` cannot regress to a
+/// mere proximity check without going red here.
+#[test]
+fn special_404_hint_is_not_a_guard() {
+    let src = Path::new(env!("CARGO_MANIFEST_DIR")).join("src");
+    let text = std::fs::read_to_string(src.join("agent.rs")).expect("read agent.rs");
+
+    // The mutation must stay real: it requires the idiom it reverts. If
+    // agent.rs drops the 404 hint or the read_json call, this needs re-basing
+    // on whichever handler carries the special-404 idiom then.
+    assert!(
+        text.contains("StatusCode::NOT_FOUND"),
+        "agent.rs no longer carries the special-404 hint this mutation reverts; \
+         re-anchor the mutation on the handler that does"
+    );
+    let lines: Vec<&str> = text.lines().collect();
+    let not_found_line = lines
+        .iter()
+        .position(|l| l.contains("StatusCode::NOT_FOUND"))
+        .unwrap();
+    let read_json_line = lines[not_found_line..]
+        .iter()
+        .position(|l| l.contains("read_json"))
+        .map(|off| not_found_line + off)
+        .expect(
+            "agent.rs has no read_json call after its 404 hint; re-anchor the \
+             mutation on the handler that carries the idiom",
+        );
+
+    // The revert under test: the guarded helper call becomes a raw parse.
+    let mut mutant: Vec<String> = lines.iter().map(|l| l.to_string()).collect();
+    mutant[read_json_line] = "    let body: serde_json::Value = resp.json().await?;".to_string();
+    let mutant = mutant.join("\n");
+
+    let (_, unguarded) = scan_handler("agent.rs[mutant]", &mutant);
+    assert!(
+        unguarded
+            .iter()
+            .any(|hit| hit.starts_with("agent.rs[mutant]:")),
+        "the special-404 revert was not flagged: a 404-only equality upstream is \
+         being accepted as a full status guard, which reopens the escape this \
+         mutation pins (expected an unguarded hit, got {unguarded:?})"
+    );
+
+    // Positive control: the unmutated file must stay green, or the fence is
+    // flagging the legitimate hint rather than the revert.
+    let (offenders, unguarded) = scan_handler("agent.rs", &text);
+    assert!(
+        offenders.is_empty() && unguarded.is_empty(),
+        "unmutated agent.rs trips the fence; the guard classifier is wrong, not \
+         the handler: offenders={offenders:?} unguarded={unguarded:?}"
+    );
+}

crates/icaptcha-client/src/lib.rs

@@ -88,20 +88,81 @@ fn sanitize_excerpt(s: &str) -> String {
     out
 }
 
-/// Whether `u` parses as a trusted URL.
+/// Fixed warning when `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` is present but not an
+/// explicit truthy value. Does not include the raw env value (arbitrary
+/// deployment input — secrets / terminal controls).
+fn warn_icaptcha_insecure_non_truthy() {
+    // One literal line on purpose: a continuation escape here keeps emitting
+    // correct prose (Rust strips the next line's leading whitespace), but the
+    // single-line form makes that property visible without knowing the escape
+    // semantics, which is what the review asked for.
+    tracing::warn!(
+        "GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE is set but not truthy (expected 1 or true); loopback HTTP trust relaxation remains disabled"
+    );
+}
+
+/// Parse a possibly-present `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` string.
 ///
-/// Production trusts only `https`.  When `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` is set (a
-/// runtime escape hatch for integration tests) the function also trusts
-/// `http://127.0.0.1` and `http://localhost` so the full iCaptcha retry path
-/// can be exercised against a local mockito server.
-fn is_https(u: &str) -> bool {
+/// Only an explicit truthy value (`1` / `true`, case-insensitive, after trim)
+/// enables the loopback-HTTP trust relaxation. Presence alone is not enough:
+/// `=0`, `=false`, or an empty value leave it off. A non-empty non-truthy
+/// value emits [`warn_icaptcha_insecure_non_truthy`].
+fn icaptcha_insecure_from_str(raw: Option<&str>) -> bool {
+    let Some(v) = raw else {
+        return false;
+    };
+    let t = v.trim();
+    if t.eq_ignore_ascii_case("1") || t.eq_ignore_ascii_case("true") {
+        true
+    } else {
+        if !t.is_empty() {
+            warn_icaptcha_insecure_non_truthy();
+        }
+        false
+    }
+}
+
+/// Interpret `std::env::var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE")` without reading the
+/// environment again — used by production and by unit tests.
+///
+/// `NotPresent` → disabled. `NotUnicode` → disabled + the same fixed warning
+/// as a present non-truthy value (fail closed; do not treat as unset).
+fn icaptcha_insecure_from_var(result: Result<String, std::env::VarError>) -> bool {
+    match result {
+        Ok(v) => icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some(&v)),
+        Err(std::env::VarError::NotUnicode(_)) => {
+            warn_icaptcha_insecure_non_truthy();
+            false
+        }
+        Err(std::env::VarError::NotPresent) => false,
+    }
+}
+
+/// Whether `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` explicitly enables the loopback-HTTP
+/// trust relaxation used by integration tests.
+///
+/// Only an explicit truthy value (`1` / `true`, case-insensitive, after trim)
+/// enables it. Presence alone is not enough: `=0`, `=false`, or an empty
+/// value leave the relaxation off. A non-empty non-truthy value (including a
+/// present non-Unicode value) emits a `tracing::warn!` (visible when the
+/// `icaptcha_client` target is at WARN+, e.g. `RUST_LOG=icaptcha_client=warn`).
+fn icaptcha_insecure_enabled() -> bool {
+    icaptcha_insecure_from_var(std::env::var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE"))
+}
+
+/// Whether `u` parses as a trusted URL, given a pre-parsed insecure flag.
+///
+/// Production trusts only `https`. When `insecure` is true the function also
+/// trusts `http://127.0.0.1` and `http://localhost` so the full iCaptcha retry
+/// path can be exercised against a local mockito server.
+fn is_https_with(u: &str, insecure: bool) -> bool {
     let Ok(parsed) = reqwest::Url::parse(u) else {
         return false;
     };
     if parsed.scheme() == "https" {
         return true;
     }
-    if std::env::var_os("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE").is_some()
+    if insecure
         && parsed.scheme() == "http"
         && matches!(parsed.host_str(), Some("127.0.0.1" | "localhost"))
     {
@@ -139,7 +200,15 @@ fn origin_key(u: &str) -> Option<String> {
 /// explicitly-configured host (never a node-discovered one), so a key is never
 /// exfiltrated to an origin the operator did not choose.
 fn resolve_solver_url(advertised: Option<&str>, operator: Option<&str>) -> (String, bool) {
-    let operator = operator.filter(|u| is_https(u));
+    resolve_solver_url_with(advertised, operator, icaptcha_insecure_enabled())
+}
+
+fn resolve_solver_url_with(
+    advertised: Option<&str>,
+    operator: Option<&str>,
+    insecure: bool,
+) -> (String, bool) {
+    let operator = operator.filter(|u| is_https_with(u, insecure));
     let operator_origin = operator.as_ref().and_then(|u| origin_key(u));
     let default_origin = origin_key(DEFAULT_URL);
 
@@ -157,7 +226,7 @@ fn resolve_solver_url(advertised: Option<&str>, operator: Option<&str>) -> (Stri
     };
 
     let chosen = match advertised {
-        Some(a) if is_https(a) && allowed(&origin_key(a)) => a.to_string(),
+        Some(a) if is_https_with(a, insecure) && allowed(&origin_key(a)) => a.to_string(),
         Some(a) => {
             tracing::warn!(
                 advertised = %a,
@@ -355,7 +424,13 @@ fn submit_answer(
 /// Returns `None` when stdin isn't a usable interactive source (e.g. an agent),
 /// so the caller surfaces a clear "couldn't auto-solve" error instead.
 fn interactive_prompt(challenge: &Challenge) -> Option<String> {
-    use std::io::{stderr, stdin, Write};
+    use std::io::{stderr, stdin, IsTerminal, Write};
+    // An open but silent stdin (a pipe an orchestrator holds open, an agent
+    // harness) has no one to answer: `read_line` would block forever. Only a
+    // terminal can be interactive.
+    if !stdin().is_terminal() {
+        return None;
+    }
     let mut err = stderr();
     let _ = writeln!(
         err,
@@ -383,27 +458,36 @@ mod tests {
     use std::ffi::OsString;
     use std::sync::{Mutex, MutexGuard};
 
-    /// Serializes tests that touch the process-global
-    /// `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` env var so they never race.
+    /// Serializes the real-env reader test so it never races with other
+    /// process-global env mutations (and recovers from a poisoned lock).
     static ICAPTCHA_ENV_LOCK: Mutex<()> = Mutex::new(());
 
-    /// Set `GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE` for the test lifetime, restoring any
-    /// prior value on drop.
-    struct InsecureEnv {
+    struct EnvGuard {
         _lock: MutexGuard<'static, ()>,
         prev: Option<OsString>,
     }
 
-    impl InsecureEnv {
-        fn new() -> Self {
-            let lock = ICAPTCHA_ENV_LOCK.lock().unwrap();
+    impl EnvGuard {
+        fn lock() -> MutexGuard<'static, ()> {
+            ICAPTCHA_ENV_LOCK.lock().unwrap_or_else(|e| e.into_inner())
+        }
+
+        fn with_value(val: &str) -> Self {
+            let lock = Self::lock();
             let prev = std::env::var_os("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE");
-            std::env::set_var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE", "1");
-            InsecureEnv { _lock: lock, prev }
+            std::env::set_var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE", val);
+            EnvGuard { _lock: lock, prev }
+        }
+
+        fn unset() -> Self {
+            let lock = Self::lock();
+            let prev = std::env::var_os("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE");
+            std::env::remove_var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE");
+            EnvGuard { _lock: lock, prev }
         }
     }
 
-    impl Drop for InsecureEnv {
+    impl Drop for EnvGuard {
         fn drop(&mut self) {
             match self.prev.take() {
                 Some(v) => std::env::set_var("GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE", v),
@@ -412,6 +496,118 @@ mod tests {
         }
     }
 
+    /// #227 / #246: cover the production env read in `icaptcha_insecure_enabled`.
+    /// Pure-helper tests alone leave mutations of this function green.
+    #[test]
+    fn icaptcha_insecure_enabled_reads_real_env() {
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::unset();
+            assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "unset must disable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("0");
+            assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "=0 must disable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("false");
+            assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "=false must disable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("");
+            assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "empty must disable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("1");
+            assert!(icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "=1 must enable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("true");
+            assert!(icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "=true must enable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value("TRUE");
+            assert!(icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "=TRUE must enable");
+        }
+        {
+            let _g = EnvGuard::with_value(" 1 ");
+            assert!(icaptcha_insecure_enabled(), "\" 1 \" (trimmed) must enable");
+        }
+    }
+
+    /// #227: `=0` / `=false` / empty / unset must NOT enable loopback HTTP;
+    /// only explicit truthy `1` / `true` may. Uses pure helpers so tests do
+    /// not mutate process-global environment (avoids races with parallel
+    /// resolver tests that also call `resolve_solver_url`).
+    #[test]
+    fn insecure_env_only_truthy_enables_loopback_http() {
+        assert!(
+            !is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("0"))),
+            "=0 must leave loopback HTTP disabled"
+        );
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("0")));
+
+        assert!(
+            !is_https_with(
+                "http://127.0.0.1",
+                icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("false"))
+            ),
+            "=false must leave loopback HTTP disabled"
+        );
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("false")));
+
+        assert!(
+            !is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some(""))),
+            "empty value must leave loopback HTTP disabled"
+        );
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("")));
+
+        assert!(
+            !is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(None)),
+            "unset must leave loopback HTTP disabled"
+        );
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_str(None));
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_var(Err(
+            std::env::VarError::NotPresent
+        )));
+
+        assert!(
+            is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("1"))),
+            "=1 must enable loopback HTTP"
+        );
+        assert!(is_https_with(
+            "http://localhost",
+            icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("1"))
+        ));
+        assert!(icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("1")));
+
+        assert!(
+            is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("true"))),
+            "=true must enable loopback HTTP"
+        );
+        assert!(icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("true")));
+
+        assert!(
+            is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some("TRUE"))),
+            "=TRUE (case-insensitive) must enable loopback HTTP"
+        );
+
+        // Trim is load-bearing: whitespace around a truthy token must still enable.
+        assert!(
+            is_https_with("http://127.0.0.1", icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some(" 1 "))),
+            "\" 1 \" (trimmed) must enable loopback HTTP"
+        );
+        assert!(icaptcha_insecure_from_str(Some(" 1 ")));
+
+        // Present non-Unicode: fail closed + same fixed warning path as non-truthy.
+        assert!(!icaptcha_insecure_from_var(Err(
+            std::env::VarError::NotUnicode(OsString::from("x"))
+        )));
+
+        // https remains trusted regardless of the insecure flag.
+        assert!(is_https_with("https://icaptcha.gitlawb.com", false));
+        assert!(is_https_with("https://icaptcha.gitlawb.com", true));
+    }
+
     // ── P1: hostile error bodies must not reach the terminal raw ──────────
 
     #[test]
@@ -537,13 +733,12 @@ mod tests {
 
     #[test]
     fn rejects_insecure_advertised_url_on_different_port() {
-        // With GITLAWB_ICAPTCHA_INSECURE=1, two loopback URLs on different
+        // With insecure mode enabled, two loopback URLs on different
         // ports must be treated as distinct origins so a hostile node cannot
         // redirect the bearer key to a different listener on localhost.
-        let _env = InsecureEnv::new();
-
         let op = "http://localhost:3000";
-        let (url, key_trusted) = resolve_solver_url(Some("http://localhost:9000"), Some(op));
+        let (url, key_trusted) =
+            resolve_solver_url_with(Some("http://localhost:9000"), Some(op), true);
         assert_eq!(
             url, op,
             "must fall back to operator origin, not use different port"
@@ -761,4 +956,68 @@ mod tests {
         );
         assert_eq!(non_empty.api_key.as_deref(), Some("secret-bearer"));
     }
+
+    /// #345: an open-but-silent non-TTY stdin must not hang the prompt. The
+    /// child runs `interactive_prompt` with a held-open, empty pipe as stdin:
+    /// without the terminal check `read_line` blocks forever; with it the
+    /// child returns `None` and exits.
+    #[test]
+    fn interactive_prompt_skips_open_silent_pipe() {
+        const CHILD_ENV: &str = "ICAPTCHA_PROMPT_PIPE_CHILD";
+        if std::env::var_os(CHILD_ENV).is_some() {
+            let ch = Challenge {
+                challenge_id: "c".into(),
+                kind: "arithmetic".into(),
+                difficulty: 1,
+                prompt: "What is 1 + 1?".into(),
+                token: "t".into(),
+                pow: None,
+            };
+            assert!(interactive_prompt(&ch).is_none());
+            println!("prompt-skipped");
+            return;
+        }
+        let exe = std::env::current_exe().expect("current test binary");
+        let mut child = std::process::Command::new(exe)
+            .args([
+                "--exact",
+                "tests::interactive_prompt_skips_open_silent_pipe",
+                "--nocapture",
+            ])
+            .env(CHILD_ENV, "1")
+            .stdin(std::process::Stdio::piped())
+            .stdout(std::process::Stdio::piped())
+            .stderr(std::process::Stdio::null())
+            .spawn()
+            .expect("spawn child test");
+        // The parent keeps the write end open with no data, which is exactly
+        // the shape that hung: an open, silent, non-terminal stdin.
+        let _held_stdin = child.stdin.take();
+        let deadline = std::time::Instant::now() + std::time::Duration::from_secs(10);
+        loop {
+            match child.try_wait().expect("poll child") {
+                Some(status) => {
+                    assert!(status.success(), "child exited with {status}");
+                    let mut out = String::new();
+                    std::io::Read::read_to_string(
+                        &mut child.stdout.take().expect("child stdout"),
+                        &mut out,
+                    )
+                    .expect("read child stdout");
+                    assert!(
+                        out.contains("prompt-skipped"),
+                        "child test body did not run: {out}"
+                    );
+                    return;
+                }
+                None if std::time::Instant::now() < deadline => {
+                    std::thread::sleep(std::time::Duration::from_millis(50));
+                }
+                None => {
+                    let _ = child.kill();
+                    panic!("interactive_prompt blocked on an open, silent non-TTY stdin");
+                }
+            }
+        }
+    }
 }

crates/icaptcha-client/src/solvers.rs

@@ -30,8 +30,8 @@ fn solve_arithmetic(prompt: &str) -> Option<i64> {
     while let Some(op) = tokens.next() {
         let n: i64 = tokens.next()?.parse().ok()?;
         match op {
-            "+" => acc += n,
-            "-" => acc -= n,
+            "+" => acc = acc.checked_add(n)?,
+            "-" => acc = acc.checked_sub(n)?,
             _ => return None,
         }
     }
@@ -45,15 +45,15 @@ fn solve_algebra(prompt: &str) -> Option<i64> {
     let (lhs, rhs) = eq.split_once('=')?;
     let (al, cl) = parse_linear(lhs.trim())?;
     let (ar, cr) = parse_linear(rhs.trim())?;
-    let denom = al - ar;
+    let denom = al.checked_sub(ar)?;
     if denom == 0 {
         return None;
     }
-    let num = cr - cl;
-    if num % denom != 0 {
+    let num = cr.checked_sub(cl)?;
+    if num.checked_rem(denom)? != 0 {
         return None;
     }
-    Some(num / denom)
+    num.checked_div(denom)
 }
 
 /// Parse a linear expression in `x` into `(coeff_of_x, constant)`.
@@ -76,12 +76,12 @@ fn parse_linear(s: &str) -> Option<(i64, i64)> {
                 let m: i64 = it.next()?.parse().ok()?;
                 match op {
                     "+" => (1, m),
-                    "-" => (1, -m),
+                    "-" => (1, m.checked_neg()?),
                     _ => return None,
                 }
             }
         };
-        return Some((a * coeff_inner, a * const_inner));
+        return Some((a.checked_mul(coeff_inner)?, a.checked_mul(const_inner)?));
     }
 
     // Sum of `±`-separated terms.
@@ -99,10 +99,10 @@ fn parse_linear(s: &str) -> Option<(i64, i64)> {
                         "-" => -1,
                         _ => cpart.parse().ok()?,
                     };
-                    coeff += sign * c;
+                    coeff = coeff.checked_add(sign.checked_mul(c)?)?;
                 } else {
                     let n: i64 = t.parse().ok()?;
-                    konst += sign * n;
+                    konst = konst.checked_add(sign.checked_mul(n)?)?;
                 }
                 sign = 1;
             }
@@ -127,23 +127,26 @@ fn solve_sequence(prompt: &str) -> Option<i64> {
 fn next_in_sequence(n: &[i64]) -> Option<i64> {
     let last = *n.last()?;
 
-    // Arithmetic: constant first difference.
-    let d = n[1] - n[0];
-    if n.windows(2).all(|w| w[1] - w[0] == d) {
-        return Some(last + d);
+    // Arithmetic: constant first difference. An overflowing difference means
+    // the pattern doesn't fit, not that the answer wraps.
+    if let Some(d) = n[1].checked_sub(n[0]) {
+        if n.windows(2).all(|w| w[1].checked_sub(w[0]) == Some(d)) {
+            return last.checked_add(d);
+        }
     }
 
     // Geometric: constant integer ratio.
-    if n.iter().all(|&v| v != 0) && n[0] != 0 && n[1] % n[0] == 0 {
-        let r = n[1] / n[0];
-        if r != 0 && n.windows(2).all(|w| w[1] == w[0] * r) {
-            return Some(last * r);
+    if n.iter().all(|&v| v != 0) && n[1].checked_rem(n[0]) == Some(0) {
+        if let Some(r) = n[1].checked_div(n[0]) {
+            if r != 0 && n.windows(2).all(|w| w[0].checked_mul(r) == Some(w[1])) {
+                return last.checked_mul(r);
+            }
         }
     }
 
     // Fibonacci-like: each term is the sum of the two before it.
-    if n.len() >= 3 && (2..n.len()).all(|i| n[i] == n[i - 1] + n[i - 2]) {
-        return Some(n[n.len() - 1] + n[n.len() - 2]);
+    if n.len() >= 3 && (2..n.len()).all(|i| n[i - 1].checked_add(n[i - 2]) == Some(n[i])) {
+        return n[n.len() - 1].checked_add(n[n.len() - 2]);
     }
 
     // Squares: all perfect squares with consecutive roots.
@@ -151,7 +154,7 @@ fn next_in_sequence(n: &[i64]) -> Option<i64> {
     if let Some(roots) = roots {
         if roots.windows(2).all(|w| w[1] == w[0] + 1) {
             let nr = roots[roots.len() - 1] + 1;
-            return Some(nr * nr);
+            return nr.checked_mul(nr);
         }
     }
 
@@ -160,12 +163,16 @@ fn next_in_sequence(n: &[i64]) -> Option<i64> {
         .iter()
         .enumerate()
         .all(|(i, &v)| if i % 2 == 0 { v >= 0 } else { v < 0 });
-    let mags: Vec<i64> = n.iter().map(|v| v.abs()).collect();
-    let md = mags[1] - mags[0];
-    if signs_alternate && mags.windows(2).all(|w| w[1] - w[0] == md) {
-        let next_mag = mags[mags.len() - 1] + md;
-        let next_sign = if last >= 0 { -1 } else { 1 };
-        return Some(next_sign * next_mag);
+    let mags: Option<Vec<i64>> = n.iter().map(|v| v.checked_abs()).collect();
+    if signs_alternate {
+        if let Some(mags) = mags {
+            if let Some(md) = mags[1].checked_sub(mags[0]) {
+                if mags.windows(2).all(|w| w[1].checked_sub(w[0]) == Some(md)) {
+                    let next_sign: i64 = if last >= 0 { -1 } else { 1 };
+                    return next_sign.checked_mul(mags[mags.len() - 1].checked_add(md)?);
+                }
+            }
+        }
     }
 
     None
@@ -179,7 +186,7 @@ fn isqrt_exact(v: i64) -> Option<i64> {
     let r = (v as f64).sqrt().round() as i64;
     [r - 1, r, r + 1]
         .into_iter()
-        .find(|&cand| cand >= 0 && cand * cand == v)
+        .find(|&cand| cand >= 0 && cand.checked_mul(cand) == Some(v))
 }
 
 #[cfg(test)]
@@ -267,4 +274,80 @@ mod tests {
         assert_eq!(solve("anagram", "Unscramble: tca"), None);
         assert_eq!(solve("riddle", "What has keys but no locks?"), None);
     }
+
+    // #345: prompts are attacker/service-controlled and every literal can be a
+    // valid i64 while the evaluation still overflows. Overflow must return
+    // None (unsolvable), never a debug panic or a wrapped wrong answer.
+
+    #[test]
+    fn arithmetic_overflow_returns_none() {
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("arithmetic", "What is 9223372036854775807 + 1?"),
+            None
+        );
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("arithmetic", "What is -9223372036854775808 - 1?"),
+            None
+        );
+        // Boundary-adjacent values still solve.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("arithmetic", "What is 9223372036854775806 + 1?").as_deref(),
+            Some("9223372036854775807")
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn algebra_overflow_returns_none() {
+        // num = i64::MIN, denom = -1: the quotient overflows.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("algebra", "Solve for x: x + 1 = 2x + -9223372036854775807"),
+            None
+        );
+        // sign * coefficient overflows at i64::MIN.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("algebra", "Solve for x: x - -9223372036854775808x = 1"),
+            None
+        );
+        // A large but solvable equation still solves.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve("algebra", "Solve for x: 4611686018427387904x + 0 = 0").as_deref(),
+            Some("0")
+        );
+    }
+
+    #[test]
+    fn sequence_overflow_returns_none() {
+        // First difference overflows (1 - i64::MIN).
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve(
+                "sequence",
+                "What is the next number in this sequence? -9223372036854775808, 1, 9223372036854775806, ?"
+            ),
+            None
+        );
+        // i64::MIN in an alternating-sign candidate: abs() overflows.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve(
+                "sequence",
+                "What is the next number in this sequence? 1, -9223372036854775808, 3, ?"
+            ),
+            None
+        );
+        // Perfect-square check near i64::MAX: candidate root squared overflows.
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve(
+                "sequence",
+                "What is the next number in this sequence? 9223372036854775807, 9223372036854775800, 9223372036854775801, ?"
+            ),
+            None
+        );
+        // Geometric next term overflows (r = 2, last * 2 > i64::MAX).
+        assert_eq!(
+            solve(
+                "sequence",
+                "What is the next number in this sequence? 2305843009213693951, 4611686018427387902, 9223372036854775804, ?"
+            ),
+            None
+        );
+    }
 }

crates/icaptcha-client/tests/icaptcha_stdin_e2e.rs

@@ -0,0 +1,134 @@
+//! #345 end-to-end: `obtain_proof` must not block or crash when stdin is an
+//! open, silent non-TTY and the challenge can't be solved deterministically.
+//!
+//! The unit seam can't fake a process stdin, so the parent spawns this test
+//! binary with a held-open pipe as stdin and the child runs the real
+//! `obtain_proof` against a mocked iCaptcha service over HTTP. Before the fix
+//! the child blocked in `read_line` forever (unsolvable type) or panicked /
+//! submitted a wrapped answer (overflowing arithmetic). After the fix it
+//! exits promptly with the "cannot solve" error.
+
+use std::process::{Command, Stdio};
+use std::time::{Duration, Instant};
+
+use icaptcha_client::{obtain_proof, IcaptchaCfg};
+
+const CHILD_ENV: &str = "ICAPTCHA_STDIN_E2E_CHILD";
+const URL_ENV: &str = "ICAPTCHA_STDIN_E2E_URL";
+const CHILD_TIMEOUT: Duration = Duration::from_secs(15);
+
+/// Child entry point: fetch the challenge from the mock service and run the
+/// full solve loop. Both scenarios must reach the same clean error.
+fn run_child() {
+    let url = std::env::var(URL_ENV).expect("child needs the mock url");
+    let cfg = IcaptchaCfg {
+        url,
+        did: "did:key:zTEST".to_string(),
+        level: 1,
+        api_key: None,
+    };
+    let err = obtain_proof(&cfg, None).expect_err("the challenge is unsolvable");
+    assert!(
+        err.to_string().contains("cannot solve iCaptcha challenge"),
+        "expected the unsolvable-challenge error, got: {err}"
+    );
+    println!("child-finished-cleanly");
+}
+
+/// Spawn the child with a held-open, empty pipe as stdin, wait with a
+/// deadline, and assert it printed the clean-exit marker.
+fn run_scenario(prompt_type: &str, prompt: &str, expect_answer_calls: usize) {
+    let mut server = mockito::Server::new();
+    let challenge = server
+        .mock("POST", "/v1/challenge")
+        .with_status(200)
+        .with_header("content-type", "application/json")
+        .with_body(format!(
+            r#"{{"challengeId":"c1","type":"{prompt_type}","difficulty":1,"prompt":"{prompt}","token":"tok-1"}}"#
+        ))
+        .expect(1)
+        .create();
+    // No answer may be submitted: an unsolvable prompt must produce no
+    // request to /v1/answer (a wrapped wrong answer would still hit it).
+    let answer = server
+        .mock("POST", "/v1/answer")
+        .expect(expect_answer_calls)
+        .create();
+
+    let exe = std::env::current_exe().expect("current test binary");
+    let mut cmd = Command::new(exe);
+    cmd.args([
+        "--exact",
+        "obtain_proof_does_not_block_on_silent_non_tty_stdin",
+        "--nocapture",
+    ])
+    .env(CHILD_ENV, "1")
+    .env(URL_ENV, server.url())
+    .stdin(Stdio::piped())
+    .stdout(Stdio::piped())
+    .stderr(Stdio::piped());
+    // The solver client honors proxy env; force direct connections so the
+    // loopback mock is always reachable regardless of the runner's env.
+    for var in [
+        "HTTP_PROXY",
+        "http_proxy",
+        "HTTPS_PROXY",
+        "https_proxy",
+        "ALL_PROXY",
+        "all_proxy",
+        "REQUEST_METHOD",
+    ] {
+        cmd.env_remove(var);
+    }
+    cmd.env("NO_PROXY", "*");
+    let mut child = cmd.spawn().expect("spawn child");
+
+    // Hold the write end open with no data: exactly the shape that hung.
+    let _held_stdin = child.stdin.take();
+
+    let deadline = Instant::now() + CHILD_TIMEOUT;
+    loop {
+        match child.try_wait().expect("poll child") {
+            Some(_) => break,
+            None if Instant::now() < deadline => std::thread::sleep(Duration::from_millis(50)),
+            None => {
+                let _ = child.kill();
+                panic!("obtain_proof blocked on an open, silent non-TTY stdin");
+            }
+        }
+    }
+    let out = child.wait_with_output().expect("collect child output");
+    let stdout = String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stdout);
+    let stderr = String::from_utf8_lossy(&out.stderr);
+    assert!(
+        out.status.success(),
+        "child failed: status {:?}\nstdout: {stdout}\nstderr: {stderr}",
+        out.status.code()
+    );
+    assert!(
+        stdout.contains("child-finished-cleanly"),
+        "child body did not run to completion: {stdout}"
+    );
+    assert!(
+        !stderr.contains("panicked"),
+        "child panicked instead of returning a clean error: {stderr}"
+    );
+    challenge.assert();
+    answer.assert();
+}
+
+#[test]
+fn obtain_proof_does_not_block_on_silent_non_tty_stdin() {
+    if std::env::var_os(CHILD_ENV).is_some() {
+        run_child();
+        return;
+    }
+
+    // An unsolvable challenge type falls through to the interactive prompt,
+    // which must decline the non-TTY stdin instead of blocking on read_line.
+    run_scenario("anagram", "listen", 0);
+
+    // An arithmetic prompt whose evaluation overflows i64 must also end at
+    // the unsolvable error: no panic, and no wrapped answer submitted.
+    run_scenario("arithmetic", "What is 9223372036854775807 + 1?", 0);
+}

docs/MAINTAINER-ROADMAP.md

@@ -41,7 +41,7 @@ Owner focus: protocol/auth.
 - Close default-open repo write authorization and wire trusted UCAN delegation into repository permissions.
 - Close the remaining visibility gaps: restrict or document task, pin, and anchor metadata routes, and publish an irreversible-publication policy.
 - Add UCAN revocation or blocklisting, with an emergency compromised-key runbook.
-- Add mutation-aware GraphQL auth before GraphQL becomes a public write API surface.
+- GraphQL mutations require a verified signer (shipped, #87). Keep the surface limited to the agent-task queue; do not expose an owner-gated repo-write mutation over GraphQL without its owner-gate and REST parity. The `every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate` fence forces any new mutation to be classified in its table (discovered from the schema SDL, with an introspection cross-check for hidden fields, so none can slip in unlisted) and requires `require_signer` plus actor binding in each registered resolver; the owner-gate and REST parity themselves stay the INV-1 review check, not something the fence proves.
 - Harden peer registration and outbound peer calls against SSRF and peer-list poisoning.
 - After all live peers upgrade, enable signed peer writes by default.
 

docs/OSS-READINESS-AUDIT.md

@@ -95,7 +95,7 @@ Live-network blockers to prioritize:
 - GraphQL POST is still open for compatibility; GraphQL mutations should get mutation-aware auth before it becomes a public write API surface.
 - Push authorization is still not capability-complete. A valid DID signature is authentication, not authorization. Owner checks are now enforced on every branch, protected or not (`GITLAWB_ENFORCE_OWNER_PUSH`, on by default); what remains is that a UCAN `git/push` capability is not yet honored, so a delegated or CI key cannot push.
 - UCAN chain validation is incomplete and UCAN revocation/blocklisting is not implemented as an operator feature.
-- Private repository reads are not enforced. `is_public` and `GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ` exist, but per-repository private-read behavior is not wired.
+- Private repository reads are enforced per repository through `is_public` and path-scoped visibility rules. `GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ` remains reserved and inert.
 - Peer URLs are self-asserted by DIDs. Signatures prove control of the DID key when present, not ownership/safety of the announced URL.
 - Outbound peer fetch/ping/sync paths should be reviewed for SSRF protections before accepting arbitrary public peer registrations.
 
@@ -146,8 +146,16 @@ Risks:
 ## Obvious live-network priorities
 
 1. Implement repo write authorization: owner checks, UCAN capability checks, and clear delegation semantics for push/PR/issue/bounty operations.
-2. Implement private-read enforcement or remove private repo affordances until it exists.
+2. Private reads are already enforced per repository (`is_public` plus path-scoped rules); retire the reserved and inert `GITLAWB_PUBLIC_READ` flag or document it as permanently reserved.
 3. Add UCAN revocation/blocklisting and operator docs for emergency key compromise.
 4. Harden peer registration and outbound fetch behavior against SSRF and peer-list poisoning.
 5. Add Docker/installer/release smoke tests to CI.
 6. Label PoS/economics docs consistently with the current live contract and rewards status.
+
+## Status updates (post-snapshot)
+
+These entries record security-posture changes after the 2026-05-28 inspection above. They do not rewrite that snapshot's command output or test counts.
+
+### 2026-08-30: GraphQL mutation auth and completeness fence (#87, #219)
+
+At `main` from `bfc44f92` onward, GraphQL mutations require a verified signer bound to the acting DID. The surface stays limited to the agent-task queue; repo writes are not exposed over GraphQL. PR #219 adds `every_graphql_mutation_has_its_gate`, a CI completeness fence that discovers mutations from the built schema SDL (with an introspection cross-check for hidden fields) and requires signer acquisition plus actor binding in each registered resolver.

docs/RUN-A-NODE.md

@@ -8,6 +8,7 @@ Step-by-step guide to staking $GITLAWB, registering your node on-chain, and earn
 
 - A wallet with at least **10,000 $GITLAWB** (minimum stake) plus a small amount of ETH on Base for gas
 - Docker or Rust 1.91+ (for running the node process)
+- PostgreSQL 16+ — the node uses `pg_input_is_valid`, which exists only on PostgreSQL 16 and later. The bundled `docker-compose.yml` pins `postgres:16-alpine`; if you supply your own `DATABASE_URL`, the server must be 16+.
 - A public HTTP URL (your-host.com) — can be a VPS, Fly.io app, or anything reachable. A Fly.io config is provided at `infra/fly/fly.toml` (deploy from the repo root with `fly deploy -c infra/fly/fly.toml`)
 
 ---

docs/graphql-pagination.md

@@ -0,0 +1,76 @@
+# GraphQL repository pagination
+
+`repos` returns the complete visible repository list when it contains at most
+200 entries. Larger lists return a GraphQL error directing the caller to
+`reposPage`; they are never silently truncated.
+
+Use `reposPage` for larger lists:
+
+```graphql
+query Repositories($after: String) {
+  reposPage(limit: 50, after: $after) {
+    nodes {
+      name
+      ownerDid
+    }
+    hasNextPage
+    endCursor
+  }
+}
+```
+
+Start with `after: null`. When `hasNextPage` is true, pass the returned
+`endCursor` as `after` on the next request. Stop when `hasNextPage` is false.
+An empty page has a null `endCursor`. The default limit is 50 and the maximum
+page size is 200; limits below 1 or above 200 are rejected (see Query budgets
+below). Malformed cursors, including decoded owner or name strings containing
+NUL, return `invalid repository cursor` before database access.
+
+Pages are ordered by normalized owner DID and repository name. Visibility and
+mirror deduplication are applied in the database before limiting the page;
+hidden and quarantined repositories do not occupy page slots or create a
+continuation signal. Cursors contain a position from the last returned visible
+repository, not a permission grant. Each request checks the current caller's
+visibility independently. Keep the same caller while traversing a list.
+Malformed reader lists in a repository's root visibility rule deny access to
+non-owners for that repository while other visible repositories remain listable.
+
+Pagination is not a snapshot: concurrent renames, ownership changes, or visibility
+changes can alter subsequent pages. Treat cursors as opaque and restart from the
+first page when a fresh complete traversal is needed. Small legacy `repos`
+queries retain their activity ordering.
+
+## Query budgets
+
+Every GraphQL document is validated against two budgets before any resolver
+runs. Both apply per document (per request), not per client: `/graphql` has
+no per-caller rate limiting, so a rejected document can always be retried
+smaller. The constants live in `crates/gitlawb-node/src/graphql/mod.rs`.
+
+- **Complexity budget: 400 per document** (`GRAPHQL_MAX_COMPLEXITY`). Each
+  root field carries a base cost plus the clamped page size plus the selected
+  child fields:
+  - `repos`: 50 + `MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE` + child fields. `repos`
+    always scans the full visible corpus, so it is priced as the full page
+    it is.
+  - `reposPage`: 50 + `MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE` + child fields. Every
+    page request sorts the full deduplicated corpus, so the price does not
+    depend on `limit`: seven `reposPage(limit: 1)` aliases cost the same as
+    seven max-size pages.
+  - `refUpdates`: 100 + clamped `limit` (`MAX_VISIBLE_REF_UPDATES`) + child
+    fields. The 100 base covers the collector's fixed scan (the deduplicated
+    repo set, the quarantined set, the visibility rules, and the bounded
+    up-to-2048-row walk past withheld rows); the limit term prices only the
+    rows returned.
+  - `tasks`: 50 + clamped `limit` (`MAX_VISIBLE_TASK_PAGE_SIZE`) + child
+    fields.
+  - `task`, mutations, subscriptions: 50 + child fields.
+
+  A document whose total exceeds 400 is rejected with
+  `Query is too complex.` before any resolver runs, so an over-budget
+  document needs fewer aliases or fewer child fields. A smaller `limit` does
+  not help `reposPage` or `repos`: both are priced at the full
+  `MAX_VISIBLE_REPO_PAGE_SIZE` scan regardless of `limit`.
+
+- **Depth cap: 14 per document** (`GRAPHQL_MAX_DEPTH`). Documents nested
+  deeper than 14 selections are rejected with `Query is nested too deep.`

scripts/ans104_golden.mjs

@@ -0,0 +1,33 @@
+import { createData, EthereumSigner } from "arbundles";
+import { createHash } from "node:crypto";
+import base64url from "base64url";
+
+const data = "abcdefghijklmnopqrstuvwxyzABCDEFGHIJKLMNOPQRSTUVWXYZ0123456789!@#$%^&*()_+-=[]{};':\",./<>?`~";
+const tags = [
+  { name: "tag1", value: "value1" },
+  { name: "tag2", value: "value2" },
+];
+const anchor = "thisSentenceIs32BytesLongTrustMe";
+const target = "OXcT1sVRSA5eGwt2k6Yuz8-3e3g9WJi5uSE99CWqsBs";
+const signer = new EthereumSigner("8da4ef21b864d2cc526dbdb2a120bd2874c36c9d0a1fb7f8c63d7f7a8b41de8f");
+
+const item = createData(data, signer, { anchor, target, tags });
+// Sign so the captured signature is real: `createData` alone leaves a
+// zeroed placeholder, whose id is just sha256(zeros).
+await item.sign(signer);
+const raw = item.getRaw();
+const id = item.id;
+
+// `item.signature` is base64url(rawSignature). Decode and sha256.
+const sigBytes = base64url.toBuffer(item.signature);
+const idCheck = base64url.encode(createHash("sha256").update(sigBytes).digest());
+if (idCheck !== id) {
+  console.error(`MISMATCH: id=${id} sha256(sig)=${idCheck}`);
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+
+console.log("id           =", id);
+console.log("signature_b64=", item.signature);
+console.log("signature_len=", sigBytes.length);
+console.log("binary_len   =", raw.length);
+console.log("binary_hex   =", raw.toString("hex"));

scripts/ans104_golden_ed25519.mjs

@@ -0,0 +1,40 @@
+import { createData, SolanaSigner } from "arbundles";
+import bs58 from "bs58";
+import { getPublicKey } from "@noble/ed25519";
+import { createHash } from "node:crypto";
+import base64url from "base64url";
+
+// Deterministic Ed25519 keypair from seed 0x01 * 32.
+const seed = Buffer.alloc(32, 0x01);
+const pub = await getPublicKey(seed);
+const secret64 = Buffer.concat([seed, Buffer.from(pub)]);
+const signer = new SolanaSigner(bs58.encode(secret64));
+
+const data = "hello gitlawb ed25519 golden";
+const tags = [
+  { name: "App-Name", value: "gitlawb" },
+  { name: "Schema", value: "gitlawb/ref-update/v1" },
+];
+
+const item = createData(data, signer, { tags });
+await item.sign(signer);
+const raw = Buffer.from(item.getRaw());
+const id = item.id;
+const sigBytes = base64url.toBuffer(item.signature);
+const idCheck = base64url.encode(createHash("sha256").update(sigBytes).digest());
+if (idCheck !== id) {
+  console.error(`MISMATCH: id=${id} sha256(sig)=${idCheck}`);
+  process.exit(1);
+}
+const sigData = await item.getSignatureData();
+console.log("id           =", id);
+console.log("signature_b64=", item.signature);
+console.log("signature_len=", sigBytes.length);
+console.log("owner_b64    =", item.owner);
+console.log("owner_len    =", base64url.toBuffer(item.owner).length);
+console.log("sigtype      =", item.signatureType);
+console.log("binary_len   =", raw.length);
+console.log("binary_hex   =", raw.toString("hex"));
+console.log("deephash_hex =", Buffer.from(sigData).toString("hex"));
+console.log("data_b64     =", base64url.encode(Buffer.from(data)));
+console.log("isValid      =", await item.isValid());

scripts/ans104_golden_output.txt

@@ -0,0 +1,39 @@
+ANS-104 golden vectors, captured from arbundles 0.10.x.
+
+To regenerate: run `npm ci` in scripts/, then `node ans104_golden_ed25519.mjs`.
+
+Ed25519 vector (the interop pin used by
+`ans104::tests::dataitem_matches_arbundles_golden_vector`):
+  captured by  = scripts/ans104_golden_ed25519.mjs (deterministic seed
+                 0x01 * 32 via SolanaSigner, sigtype 2, `await item.sign`)
+  data         = "hello gitlawb ed25519 golden"
+  tags         = [{name:"App-Name",value:"gitlawb"},
+                  {name:"Schema",value:"gitlawb/ref-update/v1"}]
+  target       = absent
+  anchor       = absent
+
+Outputs:
+  signature_type = 2 (Ed25519)
+  signature_len  = 64 bytes
+  owner_len      = 32 bytes
+  binary_len     = 192 bytes
+  id             = SGrcBs-ITTyzvd7eIB5kk2GdBWoxB_iTi9iJ6KOe_RE (base64url of sha256(signature))
+  deephash_hex   = f15c82431767f14ac9e66ab8e995a8cd08e094be3773245163b53c12feb50aefc55d9f8c1098fabcfbf11a462706d347
+                   (arbundles `getSignatureData` 8-element fold)
+
+binary_hex:
+0200da41825fd44ca3b2705af18fce86ed6d04d0204331965d9af5d5cb1a740fcc6587ee81501b1d7928c54c0f174fde8893560d785db4d988a3161113b10a2028038a88e3dd7409f195fd52db2d3cba5d72ca6709bf1d94121bf3748801b40f6f5c00000200000000000000300000000000000004104170702d4e616d650e6769746c6177620c536368656d612a6769746c6177622f7265662d7570646174652f76310068656c6c6f206769746c617762206564323535313920676f6c64656e
+
+The Rust side will:
+1. Parse binary via DataItem::from_binary (signature_type, signature,
+   owner, target, anchor, tags, data).
+2. Compute deep_hash via DataItem::deep_hash (the 8-element arbundles
+   fold) and compare to deephash_hex above.
+3. Verify the Ed25519 signature via DataItem::verify_data_item WITHOUT
+   re-signing.
+4. Assert sha256(signature_bytes) base64url-encodes to the captured id.
+5. Assert to_binary round-trips byte-exact (signature slot preserved).
+
+Legacy Ethereum script (scripts/ans104_golden.mjs) now signs before
+capture as well; its output is illustrative only — the node verifies
+Ed25519 (sigtype 2) on the verify path.