v0.0.17 - Add n_OS_tr agent migration guide for deny-by-default approval workflow

documents/N_OS_TR_AGENT_CHANGES.md

@@ -0,0 +1,56 @@
+# n_OS_tr Agent Guide: Handling n_signer v0.0.16 Changes
+
+This is a short operational guide for the n_OS_tr agent after the approval-model update in `n_signer`.
+
+## What changed
+
+- `n_signer` is now **deny-by-default**.
+- First-time caller/index combinations require approval unless preapproved.
+- `nostr_index` values can be auto-derived on approval.
+- Policy decisions are visible in activity labels: `:preapprove`, `:session-grant`, `:prompt`, `:no-match`.
+
+## What the agent should do
+
+1. **Always send explicit selector options** in the last `params` item:
+   - Prefer `{"nostr_index": N}` for service identities.
+2. **Expect `policy_denied` on first contact** if caller/index is not preapproved.
+3. **Do not retry blindly** on `policy_denied`.
+   - Surface a clear status: "approval needed".
+4. **Treat `unknown_role` as actionable**:
+   - If using `nostr_index`, request again only after human approval or valid preapprove config.
+5. **Use stable caller identity** (service name / VM identity) so preapprove rules match reliably.
+
+## Required startup pattern for n_OS_tr services
+
+Launch `n_signer` with explicit `--preapprove` entries for each boot service that must sign without prompts.
+
+Example:
+
+```ini
+ExecStart=/usr/bin/n_signer \
+  --preapprove caller=qubes:nostr-relay,role=main \
+  --preapprove caller=qubes:dm-handler,nostr_index=1 \
+  --preapprove caller=qubes:contacts,nostr_index=2 \
+  --preapprove caller=qubes:zaps,nostr_index=3
+```
+
+## Agent error-handling policy (recommended)
+
+- `policy_denied` → stop, mark as "awaiting approval/preapprove".
+- `unknown_role` with `nostr_index` → stop, mark as "identity not yet approved/created".
+- `purpose_mismatch` / `curve_mismatch` → configuration bug; fail hard and alert.
+- `ambiguous_role_selector` → client bug; send exactly one selector field.
+
+## Observability checks
+
+When troubleshooting, inspect n_signer activity lines:
+
+- `ALLOWED:preapprove` → expected for boot services.
+- `ALLOWED:session-grant` → interactive approval happened earlier this session.
+- `ALLOWED:prompt` → just approved now.
+- `DENIED:no-match` → no policy entry matched caller/index.
+
+## Operational rule of thumb
+
+For n_OS_tr system services, rely on `--preapprove` at startup.
+For ad-hoc/manual clients, rely on interactive prompt approvals.

src/main.c

@@ -468,8 +468,8 @@ int socket_name_random(char *out, size_t out_len);
 /* Version information (auto-updated by build/version tooling) */
 #define NSIGNER_VERSION_MAJOR 0
 #define NSIGNER_VERSION_MINOR 0
-#define NSIGNER_VERSION_PATCH 16
-#define NSIGNER_VERSION "v0.0.16"
+#define NSIGNER_VERSION_PATCH 17
+#define NSIGNER_VERSION "v0.0.17"
 
 
 /* NSIGNER_HEADERLESS_DECLS_END */