Creating cryptographic agility with alternatives to OpenSSL
Emergency Response
When dangerous security flaws are discovered, being able to switch to alternative software can be crucial.
If you haven't heard by now, a recent kerfuffle was caused by an information leak in OpenSSL that could result in private keys being disclosed to a remote attacker. The majority of vendors got OpenSSL [1] updates out within a few hours of the issue going public, and many sites rolled out the updates not too long afterward. However, cryptographically agile sites willing to invest some time and effort in advance could swap cryptographic protocols and software suites within minutes or even seconds.
What exactly is cryptographic agility? Simply put, the idea is that you have a plan B ready to go in case plan A fails. For example, most SSL/TLS software suites support more than one algorithm for hashing, encryption, and so on. If a flaw is found in one (e.g., RC4), you can switch to another (e.g., AES).
However, the software suites themselves have problems. OpenSSL, GnuTLS, PolarSSL, and the like all have their share of CVEs for various security flaws. So, for example, if you use the Apache HTTPD web server, you can use mod_openssl and have mod_gnutls ready to switch to in case a flaw is found in mod_ssl or OpenSSL itself.
[...]
Buy this article as PDF
(incl. VAT)
Buy Linux Magazine
Subscribe to our Linux Newsletters
Find Linux and Open Source Jobs
Subscribe to our ADMIN Newsletters
Support Our Work
Linux Magazine content is made possible with support from readers like you. Please consider contributing when you’ve found an article to be beneficial.
News
-
Linux Foundation Report Indicates AI Driving Tech Hiring
Within growing security and skills gaps, AI has been found to be a positive driving force behind tech hiring trends in Europe.
-
United Nations Open Source Portal Goes Live
A new open source portal seeks to coordinate and scale open source efforts across the United Nations system.
-
KDE Linux Drops AUR
KDE Linux developers have dropped the Arch User Repository from the build pipeline due to security concerns; other distributions should consider doing the same.
-
California May Exempt Linux from Its Age-Verification Law
After backlash from the Linux community, California may be backing off on its promise to force all operating systems to verify age, but one platform may still have to comply.
-
Another Logic Bug Found in Linux Kernel
Qualys has discovered a vulnerability in the Linux kernel that can be used to elevate standard user privileges.
-
Ubuntu Core 26 Offers Game-Changing Enterprise Features
Ubuntu Core 26 could be a game-changer for organizations looking for increased security and reliability.
-
AI Flooding the Linux Kernel Security Mailing List
AI is giving Linus Torvalds a headache, but not in the way you might think.
-
Top Priorities for Open Source Pros Seeking a New Job
Professional fulfillment tops the list, according to LPI report.
-
Container-Based Fedora Hummingbird Designed for Agent-First Builders
Fedora Hummingbird brings the same approach to the host OS as it does to containers to level up security.
-
Linux kernel Developers Considering a Kill Switch
With the rise of Linux vulnerabilities, the kernel developers are now considering adding a component that could help temporarily mitigate against them… in the form of a kill switch.