docs: add policy for consuming and upgrading dependencies

SECURITY-INSIGHTS.yml

@@ -32,6 +32,8 @@ dependencies:
   dependencies-lists:
     - https://github.com/kubernetes/kube-state-metrics/blob/main/go.mod
     - https://github.com/kubernetes/kube-state-metrics/blob/main/Dockerfile
+  env-dependencies-policy:
+    policy-url: https://github.com/kubernetes/kube-state-metrics/blob/main/docs/dependencies-policy.md
 documentation:
     - https://github.com/kubernetes/kube-state-metrics/tree/main/docs
 security-testing:

docs/dependencies-policy.md

@@ -0,0 +1,43 @@
+# Dependencies Policy
+
+## Purpose
+
+This policy describes how kube-state-metrics maintainers consume third-party packages.
+
+## Scope
+
+This policy applies to all kube-state-metrics maintainers and all third-party packages used in the kube-state-metrics project.
+
+## Policy
+
+kube-state-metrics maintainers must follow these guidelines when consuming third-party packages:
+
+* Only use third-party packages that are necessary for the functionality of kube-state-metrics.
+* Use the latest version of all third-party packages whenever possible.
+* Avoid using third-party packages that are known to have security vulnerabilities.
+* Pin all third-party packages to specific versions in the kube-state-metrics codebase.
+* Use a dependency management tool, such as Go modules, to manage third-party dependencies.
+
+## Procedure
+
+When adding a new third-party package to kube-state-metrics, maintainers must follow these steps:
+
+1. Evaluate the need for the package. Is it necessary for the functionality of kube-state-metrics?
+2. Research the package. Is it actively maintained? Does it have a good reputation?
+3. Choose a version of the package. Use the latest version whenever possible.
+4. Pin the package to the specific version in the kube-state-metrics codebase.
+5. Update the kube-state-metrics documentation to reflect the new dependency.
+
+## Enforcement
+
+This policy is enforced by the kube-state-metrics maintainers.
+
+Maintainers are expected to review each other's code changes to ensure that they comply with this policy.
+
+## Exceptions
+
+Exceptions to this policy may be granted by the kube-state-metrics project owners on a case-by-case basis.
+
+## Credits
+
+This policy was adapted from Kubescape's [Environment Dependencies Policy](https://github.com/kubescape/kubescape/blob/master/docs/environment-dependencies-policy.md).