The RISC Zero zkVM is a verifiable computer that works like a real embedded RISC-V micro-processor, enabling programmers to write ZK proofs like they write any other code.
Scope
In scope
Target
Type
Severity
Other
Critical
Focus Area
IN-SCOPE VULNERABILITIES
The list is not limited to the following submissions but it gives an overview of what issues we care about:
Affirmative verifiation of "false" receipt
Extraction of private inputs to zkVM guest program from a receipt
Information leakage in receipts that reveal knowledge of zkVM guest program execution (e.g. specific cycle counts, or memory access patterns).
Arbitrary code execution in the zkVM verifier based on a malicious receipt
Arbitrary code execution in the zkVM host from a malicious guest program (e.g. zkVM executor VM escapes).
Reading or writing to zkVM host memory or storage outside of defined I/O interface
OUT-OF-SCOPE VULNERABILITIES
Vulnerabilities in zkVM example or demo applications.
Documentation errors.
Security defects in third party guest programs or zkVM based applications.
Verification defects that require modification to the verifier to exploit.
zkVM host security defects that require modification the host software to exploit.
Attacks soundness with regards to crafted guest programs, such that the attack does not apply to an honestly written guest program.
RISC-V privileged modes M-mode and S-mode are introduced in v2 and m3 of zkVM. As the prover has full knowledge of system state, issues which allow code running in U-mode to gain knowledge about the state of privileged modes (M-mode or S-mode) will be assessed to have a severity of "low" or "none". This additionally applies to S-mode with respect to M-mode.
As of Jan 9 2026, the risc0/circuit/rv32im-sys directory contains pre-production code. Vulnerabilities in this system are not currently in scope, until closer to official release.
Bug reports should be made with reference to the latest patch release of a supported version of the RISC Zero libraries. The crate risc0-zkvm versions 2.x and 3.x are the currently supported versions, along with dependencies published by risc0. The main branch contains code under development, and issues reported that exist only on main will be awarded at reduced or no severity.
This program is only scoped to the targets above, RISC Zero web pages, demo applications, or SaaS services are not in scope for this program.
Make every effort not to damage or restrict the availability of products, services, or infrastructure
Avoid compromising any personal data, interruption, or degradation of any service
Perform testing only within the scope
Don’t spam forms or account creation flows using automated scanners
In case you find chain vulnerabilities we’ll pay only for vulnerability with the highest severity.
Don’t break any law and stay in the defined scope
Any details of found vulnerabilities must not be communicated to anyone who is not a HackenProof Team or an authorized employee of this Company without appropriate permission
Eligibility and Coordinated Disclosure
We are happy to thank everyone who submits valid reports which help us improve the security. However, only those that meet the following eligibility requirements may receive a monetary reward:
External audits are available for reference only, no bounties shall be paid against audit disclosed issues.
You must be the first reporter of a vulnerability.
The vulnerability must be a qualifying vulnerability
Any vulnerability found must be reported no later than 24 hours after discovery and exclusively through hackenproof.com
You must send a clear textual description of the report along with steps to reproduce the issue, include attachments such as screenshots or proof of concept code as necessary.
You must not be a former or current employee of us or one of its contractor.
ONLY USE the EMAIL under which you registered your HackerProof account (in case of violation, no bounty can be awarded)
Provide detailed but to-the point reproduction steps
Disclosure Guidelines
Do not discuss this program or any vulnerabilities (even resolved ones) outside of the program without express consent from the organization.
No vulnerability disclosure, including partial is allowed for the moment.