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security(spp_api_v2_gis): proximity 'beyond' count enables differencing of a small 'within' count [Severity: Low] #368

Description

@gonzalesedwin1123

Follow-up from the GIS count-leak fix (PR #366).

Finding

/gis/query/proximity supports relation="beyond", which returns registrants NOT within the radius — effectively total_population − within. beyond counts are typically large (≥k) and pass through unsuppressed. An attacker who can also learn the total population (e.g. a very large polygon / large-radius within, both ≥k and unsuppressed) can compute within = total − beyond for a small buffer whose direct within count was suppressed — recovering the small count the suppression was meant to hide.

Options to weigh

  • Suppress/relativize beyond when the complementary within would be below k (requires computing both).
  • Only expose beyond at a coarser granularity, or gate it behind a stricter scope.
  • Accept as documented residual and rely on rate-limiting/audit.

Needs a design decision. Source: internal/plans/sec-gis-count-kanon-suppression-research.md.

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