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CodeTracked since May 19, 2026

Add scanner_fail_open option to keep non-executable skill writes unblocked during moderation outages

bytedance/deer-flow PR #3060 introduces a new `scanner_fail_open` flag so `scan_skill_content()` can stop treating all non-executable skill writes as hard failures when the moderation model is down, reducing a fail-closed behavior that could stop all skill evolution, while executable skill files remain blocked whenever scanning cannot run.

deer-flowscanner_fail_openscan_skill_contentskill-evolution

What Happened

  • bytedance/deer-flow PR #3060 introduces a new `scanner_fail_open` flag so `scan_skill_content()` can stop treating all non-executable skill writes as hard failures when the moderation model is down, reducing a fail-closed behavior that could stop all skill evolution, while executable skill files remain blocked whenever scanning cannot run.
  • bytedance/deer-flow PR #3060 introduces a new `scanner_fail_open` flag so `scan_skill_content()` can stop treating all non-executable skill writes as hard failures when the moderation model is down, reducing a fail-closed behavior that could stop all skill evolution, while executable skill files remain blocked whenever scanning cannot run.
  • 1 evidence item attached for review.

What is Different

Before

Scattered source updates, isolated context, and manual follow-up across multiple feeds.

Now

Introduces a configuration switch for scanner fallback behavior: when enabled, moderation model outages now produce a warning-only path for non-executable skill content instead of blocking every skill write, with tests added for default fail-closed behavior, warning mode, and enforced blocking of executable content.

Why Track This

Why It Matters

Operators using skill evolution can avoid complete skill-write outages during moderation service interruptions by turning on `scanner_fail_open=true`, so non-executable updates continue with warnings instead of blocking entire workflows, while executable content stays blocked; watch deployment configs closely for accidental enablement and monitor warning logs for repeated policy-risky non-executable changes that may need tighter review and alerting. The implementation explicitly limits this exception to non-executable files and preserves hard blocking for executable files when the scanner is unavailable, and adds regression tests for all three fallback cases.

Impact

Operators using skill evolution can avoid complete skill-write outages during moderation service interruptions by turning on `scanner_fail_open=true`, so non-executable updates continue with warnings instead of blocking entire workflows, while executable content stays blocked; watch deployment configs closely for accidental enablement and monitor warning logs for repeated policy-risky non-executable changes that may need tighter review and alerting. The implementation explicitly limits this exception to non-executable files and preserves hard blocking for executable files when the scanner is unavailable, and adds regression tests for all three fallback cases.

What To Watch Next

  • Watch whether deer-flow becomes a repeated pattern.
  • Track follow-up changes around AI Safety and Alignment.
  • Compare future signals against this evidence trail.
  • Re-check risk flags: fail_open_default_is_false, non_executable_warn_mode_misuse.
Open Topic TimelineOpen Technical EventOpen Original Sourcefail_open_default_is_false / non_executable_warn_mode_misuse / ensure_executable_block_enforced / monitor_warning_flood_or_abuse

Supporting Evidence

GITHUB PULL REQUESTHigh Trust

bytedance/deer-flow PR #3060: fix(skills): add scanner_fail_open to avoid skill-evolution DoS on moderation outage

The change adds `skill_evolution.scanner_fail_open` (default `false`) with a new warn path for non-executable skills when the moderation model is unavailable; executable skills are still blocked in all failure cases.