< draft-ietf-lamps-cms-hash-sig-08.txt   draft-ietf-lamps-cms-hash-sig-10.txt >
INTERNET-DRAFT R. Housley INTERNET-DRAFT R. Housley
Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Vigil Security Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF) Vigil Security
Intended Status: Proposed Standard Intended Status: Proposed Standard
Expires: 11 November 2019 10 May 2019 Expires: 18 March 2020 18 September 2019
Use of the HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm Use of the HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm
in the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) in the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS)
<draft-ietf-lamps-cms-hash-sig-08> <draft-ietf-lamps-cms-hash-sig-10>
Abstract Abstract
This document specifies the conventions for using the the HSS/LMS This document specifies the conventions for using the Hierarchical
hash-based signature algorithm with the Cryptographic Message Syntax Signature System (HSS) / Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) hash-based
(CMS). In addition, the algorithm identifier and public key syntax signature algorithm with the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS). In
are provided. The HSS/LMS algorithm is one form of hash-based addition, the algorithm identifier and public key syntax are
digital signature; it is described in RFC 8554. provided. The HSS/LMS algorithm is one form of hash-based digital
signature; it is described in RFC 8554.
Status of this Memo Status of this Memo
This Internet-Draft is submitted to IETF in full conformance with the This Internet-Draft is submitted to IETF in full conformance with the
provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79. provisions of BCP 78 and BCP 79.
Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering Internet-Drafts are working documents of the Internet Engineering
Task Force (IETF), its areas, and its working groups. Note that Task Force (IETF), its areas, and its working groups. Note that
other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet- other groups may also distribute working documents as Internet-
Drafts. Drafts.
skipping to change at page 2, line 25 skipping to change at page 2, line 25
to this document. Code Components extracted from this document must to this document. Code Components extracted from this document must
include Simplified BSD License text as described in Section 4.e of include Simplified BSD License text as described in Section 4.e of
the Trust Legal Provisions and are provided without warranty as the Trust Legal Provisions and are provided without warranty as
described in the Simplified BSD License. described in the Simplified BSD License.
Table of Contents Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.1. ASN.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.1. ASN.1 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.2. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.2. Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
1.3. Algorithm Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1.3. Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm Overview . . . . . . . 4 2. HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm Overview . . . . . . . 4
2.1. Hierarchical Signature System (HSS) . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.1. Hierarchical Signature System (HSS) . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2. Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.2. Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3. Leighton-Micali One-time Signature Algorithm (LM-OTS) . . 6 2.3. Leighton-Micali One-time Signature Algorithm (LM-OTS) . . 6
3. Algorithm Identifiers and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3. Algorithm Identifiers and Parameters . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
4. HSS/LMS Public Key Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 4. HSS/LMS Public Key Identifier . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
5. Signed-data Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 5. Signed-data Conventions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
6. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
7. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 8. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 8.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 8.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Appendix: ASN.1 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Appendix: ASN.1 Module . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Author's Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14 Author's Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
This document specifies the conventions for using the HSS/LMS hash- This document specifies the conventions for using the Hierarchical
based signature algorithm with the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) Signature System (HSS) / Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) hash-based
[CMS] signed-data content type. The Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) signature algorithm with the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) [CMS]
system provides a one-time digital signature that is a variant of signed-data content type. The LMS system provides a one-time digital
Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS). The Hierarchical Signature System signature that is a variant of Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS). The HSS
(HSS) is built on top of the LMS system to efficiently scale for a is built on top of the LMS system to efficiently scale for a larger
larger numbers of signatures. The HSS/LMS algorithm is one form of numbers of signatures. The HSS/LMS algorithm is one form of hash-
hash-based digital signature, and it is described in [HASHSIG]. The based digital signature, and it is described in [HASHSIG]. The
HSS/LMS signature algorithm can only be used for a fixed number of HSS/LMS signature algorithm can only be used for a fixed number of
signing operations. The number of signing operations depends upon signing operations with a given private key, and the number of
the size of the tree. The HSS/LMS signature algorithm uses small signing operations depends upon the size of the tree. The HSS/LMS
public keys, and it has low computational cost; however, the signature algorithm uses small public keys, and it has low
signatures are quite large. The HSS/LMS private key can be very computational cost; however, the signatures are quite large. The
small when the signer is willing to perform additional computation at HSS/LMS private key can be very small when the signer is willing to
signing time; alternatively, the private key can consume additional perform additional computation at signing time; alternatively, the
memory and provide a faster signing time. private key can consume additional memory and provide a faster
signing time. The HSS/LMS signatures [HASHSIG] are currently defined
to use exclusively SHA-256 [SHS].
1.1. ASN.1 1.1. ASN.1
CMS values are generated using ASN.1 [ASN1-B], using the Basic CMS values are generated using ASN.1 [ASN1-B], using the Basic
Encoding Rules (BER) and the Distinguished Encoding Rules (DER) Encoding Rules (BER) and the Distinguished Encoding Rules (DER)
[ASN1-E]. [ASN1-E].
1.2. Terminology 1.2. Terminology
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "NOT RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and
"OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in "OPTIONAL" in this document are to be interpreted as described in
BCP 14 [RFC2119] [RFC8174] when, and only when, they appear in all BCP 14 [RFC2119] [RFC8174] when, and only when, they appear in all
capitals, as shown here. capitals, as shown here.
1.3. Algorithm Considerations 1.3. Motivation
There have been recent advances in cryptanalysis and advances in the
development of quantum computers. Each of these advances pose a
threat to widely deployed digital signature algorithms.
At Black Hat USA 2013, some researchers gave a presentation on the Recent advances in cryptanalysis [BH2013] and progress in the
current state of public key cryptography. They said: "Current development of quantum computers [NAS2019] pose a threat to widely
cryptosystems depend on discrete logarithm and factoring which has deployed digital signature algorithms. As a result, there is a need
seen some major new developments in the past 6 months" [BH2013]. Due to prepare for a day that cryptosystems such as RSA and DSA that
to advances in cryptanalysis, they encouraged preparation for a day depend on discrete logarithm and factoring cannot be depended upon.
when RSA and DSA cannot be depended upon.
If large-scale quantum computers are ever built, these computers will If large-scale quantum computers are ever built, these computers will
be able to break many of the public-key cryptosystems currently in be able to break many of the public-key cryptosystems currently in
use. A post-quantum cryptosystem [PQC] is a system that is secure use. A post-quantum cryptosystem [PQC] is a system that is secure
against quantum computers that have more than a trivial number of against quantum computers that have more than a trivial number of
quantum bits (qu-bits). It is open to conjecture when it will be quantum bits (qubits). It is open to conjecture when it will be
feasible to build such computers; however, RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and EdDSA feasible to build such computers; however, RSA, DSA, ECDSA, and EdDSA
are all vulnerable if large-scale quantum computers come to pass. are all vulnerable if large-scale quantum computers come to pass.
The HSS/LMS signature algorithm does not depend on the difficulty of Since the HSS/LMS signature algorithm does not depend on the
discrete logarithm or factoring, as a result these algorithms are difficulty of discrete logarithm or factoring, the HSS/LMS signature
considered to be post-quantum secure. algorithm is considered to be post-quantum secure. One use of post-
quantum secure signatures is the protection of software updates,
Hash-based signatures [HASHSIG] are currently defined to use perhaps using the format described in [FWPROT], to enable deployment
exclusively SHA-256 [SHS]. An IANA registry is defined so that other of software that implements new cryptosystems.
hash functions could be used in the future. LM-OTS signature
generation prepends a random string as well as other metadata before
computing the hash value. The inclusion of the random value reduces
the chances of an attacker being able to find collisions, even if the
attacker has a large-scale quantum computer.
Today, RSA is often used to digitally sign software updates. This
means that the distribution of software updates could be compromised
if a significant advance is made in factoring or a large-scale
quantum computer is invented. The use of HSS/LMS hash-based
signatures to protect software update distribution, perhaps using the
format described in [FWPROT], will allow the deployment of software
that implements new cryptosystems.
2. HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm Overview 2. HSS/LMS Hash-based Signature Algorithm Overview
Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS) are a method for signing a large but Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS) are a method for signing a large but
fixed number of messages. An MTS system depends on a one-time fixed number of messages. An MTS system depends on a one-time
signature method and a collision-resistant hash function. signature method and a collision-resistant hash function.
This specification makes use of the hash-based algorithm specified in This specification makes use of the hash-based algorithm specified in
[HASHSIG], which is the Leighton and Micali adaptation [LM] of the [HASHSIG], which is the Leighton and Micali adaptation [LM] of the
original Lamport-Diffie-Winternitz-Merkle one-time signature system original Lamport-Diffie-Winternitz-Merkle one-time signature system
[M1979][M1987][M1989a][M1989b]. [M1979][M1987][M1989a][M1989b].
As implied by the name, the hash-based signature algorithm depends on As implied by the name, the hash-based signature algorithm depends on
a collision-resistant hash function. The hash-based signature a collision-resistant hash function. The hash-based signature
algorithm specified in [HASHSIG] currently uses only the SHA-256 one- algorithm specified in [HASHSIG] uses only the SHA-256 one-way hash
way hash function [SHS], but it also establishes an IANA registry to function [SHS], but it establishes an IANA registry [IANA-LMS] to
permit the registration of additional one-way hash functions in the permit the registration of additional one-way hash functions in the
future. future.
2.1. Hierarchical Signature System (HSS) 2.1. Hierarchical Signature System (HSS)
The MTS system specified in [HASHSIG] uses a hierarchy of trees. The The MTS system specified in [HASHSIG] uses a hierarchy of trees. The
Hierarchical N-time Signature System (HSS) allows subordinate trees Hierarchical N-time Signature System (HSS) allows subordinate trees
to be generated when needed by the signer. Otherwise, generation of to be generated when needed by the signer. Otherwise, generation of
the entire tree might take weeks or longer. the entire tree might take weeks or longer.
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tree signs the actual message. The signature over the public key and tree signs the actual message. The signature over the public key and
the signature over the actual message are LMS signatures as described the signature over the actual message are LMS signatures as described
in Section 2.2. in Section 2.2.
The elements of the HSS signature value for a stand-alone tree (a top The elements of the HSS signature value for a stand-alone tree (a top
tree with no children) can be summarized as: tree with no children) can be summarized as:
u32str(0) || u32str(0) ||
lms_signature /* signature of message */ lms_signature /* signature of message */
where, u32str() and || are used as defined in [HASHSIG].
The elements of the HSS signature value for a tree with Nspk signed The elements of the HSS signature value for a tree with Nspk signed
public keys can be summarized as: public keys can be summarized as:
u32str(Nspk) || u32str(Nspk) ||
signed_public_key[0] || signed_public_key[0] ||
signed_public_key[1] || signed_public_key[1] ||
... ...
signed_public_key[Nspk-2] || signed_public_key[Nspk-2] ||
signed_public_key[Nspk-1] || signed_public_key[Nspk-1] ||
lms_signature /* signature of message */ lms_signature /* signature of message */
where, as defined in Section 3.3 of [HASHSIG], a signed_public_key is where, as defined in Section 3.3 of [HASHSIG], the signed_public_key
the lms_signature over the public key followed by the public key structure contains the lms_signature over the public key followed by
itself. Note that Nspk is the number of levels in the hierarchy of the public key itself. Note that Nspk is the number of levels in the
trees minus 1. hierarchy of trees minus 1.
2.2. Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS) 2.2. Leighton-Micali Signature (LMS)
Each tree in the system specified in [HASHSIG] uses the Leighton- Each tree in the system specified in [HASHSIG] uses the Leighton-
Micali Signature (LMS) system. LMS systems have two parameters. The Micali Signature (LMS) system. LMS systems have two parameters. The
first parameter is the height of the tree, h, which is the number of first parameter is the height of the tree, h, which is the number of
levels in the tree minus one. The [HASHSIG] specification supports levels in the tree minus one. The [HASHSIG] specification supports
five values for this parameter: h=5; h=10; h=15; h=20; and h=25. five values for this parameter: h=5; h=10; h=15; h=20; and h=25.
Note that there are 2^h leaves in the tree. The second parameter is Note that there are 2^h leaves in the tree. The second parameter, m,
the number of bytes output by the hash function, m, which is the is the number of bytes output by the hash function, and it is the
amount of data associated with each node in the tree. The [HASHSIG] amount of data associated with each node in the tree. The [HASHSIG]
specification supports only the SHA-256 hash function [SHS], with specification supports only the SHA-256 hash function [SHS], with
m=32. m=32. As a result, the [HASHSIG] specification supports five tree
sizes; they are identified as:
The [HASHSIG] specification supports five tree sizes:
LMS_SHA256_M32_H5; LMS_SHA256_M32_H5;
LMS_SHA256_M32_H10; LMS_SHA256_M32_H10;
LMS_SHA256_M32_H15; LMS_SHA256_M32_H15;
LMS_SHA256_M32_H20; and LMS_SHA256_M32_H20; and
LMS_SHA256_M32_H25. LMS_SHA256_M32_H25.
The [HASHSIG] specification establishes an IANA registry to permit The [HASHSIG] specification establishes an IANA registry [IANA-LMS]
the registration of additional hash functions and additional tree to permit the registration of additional hash functions and
sizes in the future. additional tree sizes in the future.
The LMS public key is the string consists of four elements: the As specified in [HASHSIG], the LMS public key consists of four
lms_algorithm_type from the list above, the otstype to identify the elements: the lms_algorithm_type from the list above, the otstype to
LM-OTS type as discussed in Section 2.3, the private key identifier identify the LM-OTS type as discussed in Section 2.3, the private key
(I) as described in Section 5.3 of [HASHSIG], and the m-byte string identifier (I) as described in Section 5.3 of [HASHSIG], and the m-
associated with the root node of the tree. byte string associated with the root node of the tree (T[1]).
The LMS public key can be summarized as: The LMS public key can be summarized as:
u32str(lms_algorithm_type) || u32str(otstype) || I || T[1] u32str(lms_algorithm_type) || u32str(otstype) || I || T[1]
An LMS signature consists of four elements: the number of the leaf As specified in [HASHSIG], an LMS signature consists of four
(q) associated with the LM-OTS signature, an LM-OTS signature as elements: the number of the leaf (q) associated with the LM-OTS
described in Section 2.3, a typecode indicating the particular LMS signature, an LM-OTS signature as described in Section 2.3, a
algorithm, and an array of values that is associated with the path typecode indicating the particular LMS algorithm, and an array of
through the tree from the leaf associated with the LM-OTS signature values that is associated with the path through the tree from the
to the root. The array of values contains the siblings of the nodes leaf associated with the LM-OTS signature to the root. The array of
on the path from the leaf to the root but does not contain the nodes values contains the siblings of the nodes on the path from the leaf
on the path itself. The array for a tree with height h will have h to the root but does not contain the nodes on the path itself. The
values. The first value is the sibling of the leaf, the next value array for a tree with height h will have h values. The first value
is the sibling of the parent of the leaf, and so on up the path to is the sibling of the leaf, the next value is the sibling of the
the root. parent of the leaf, and so on up the path to the root.
The four elements of the LMS signature value can be summarized as: The four elements of the LMS signature value can be summarized as:
u32str(q) || u32str(q) ||
ots_signature || ots_signature ||
u32str(type) || u32str(type) ||
path[0] || path[1] || ... || path[h-1] path[0] || path[1] || ... || path[h-1]
2.3. Leighton-Micali One-time Signature Algorithm (LM-OTS) 2.3. Leighton-Micali One-time Signature Algorithm (LM-OTS)
Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS) depend on a one-time signature method. Merkle Tree Signatures (MTS) depend on a one-time signature method,
and [HASHSIG] specifies the use of the LM-OTS, which has five
[HASHSIG] specifies the use of the LM-OTS. An LM-OTS has five parameters:
parameters.
n - The number of bytes associated with the hash function. n - The length in bytes of the hash function output. [HASHSIG]
[HASHSIG] supports only SHA-256 [SHS], with n=32. supports only SHA-256 [SHS], with n=32.
H - A preimage-resistant hash function that accepts byte strings H - A preimage-resistant hash function that accepts byte strings
of any length, and returns an n-byte string. of any length, and returns an n-byte string.
w - The width in bits of the Winternitz coefficients. [HASHSIG] w - The width in bits of the Winternitz coefficients. [HASHSIG]
supports four values for this parameter: w=1; w=2; w=4; and supports four values for this parameter: w=1; w=2; w=4; and
w=8. w=8.
p - The number of n-byte string elements that make up the LM-OTS p - The number of n-byte string elements that make up the LM-OTS
signature. signature.
ls - The number of left-shift bits used in the checksum function, ls - The number of bits that are left-shifted in the final step of
which is defined in Section 4.4 of [HASHSIG]. the checksum function, which is defined in Section 4.4 of
[HASHSIG].
The values of p and ls are dependent on the choices of the parameters The values of p and ls are dependent on the choices of the parameters
n and w, as described in Appendix B of [HASHSIG]. n and w, as described in Appendix B of [HASHSIG].
The [HASHSIG] specification supports four LM-OTS variants: The [HASHSIG] specification supports four LM-OTS variants:
LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W1; LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W1;
LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W2; LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W2;
LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W4; and LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W4; and
LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W8. LMOTS_SHA256_N32_W8.
The [HASHSIG] specification establishes an IANA registry to permit The [HASHSIG] specification establishes an IANA registry [IANA-LMS]
the registration of additional variants in the future. to permit the registration of additional variants in the future.
Signing involves the generation of C, an n-byte random value. Signing involves the generation of C, an n-byte random value.
The LM-OTS signature value can be summarized as the identifier of the The LM-OTS signature value can be summarized as the identifier of the
LM-OTS variant, the random value, and a sequence of hash values that LM-OTS variant, the random value, and a sequence of hash values (y[0]
correspond to the elements of the public key as described in Section through y[p-1]) that correspond to the elements of the public key as
4.5 of [HASHSIG]: described in Section 4.5 of [HASHSIG]:
u32str(otstype) || C || y[0] || ... || y[p-1] u32str(otstype) || C || y[0] || ... || y[p-1]
3. Algorithm Identifiers and Parameters 3. Algorithm Identifiers and Parameters
The algorithm identifier for an HSS/LMS hash-based signatures is: The algorithm identifier for an HSS/LMS hash-based signatures is:
id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig OBJECT IDENTIFIER ::= { iso(1) id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig OBJECT IDENTIFIER ::= { iso(1)
member-body(2) us(840) rsadsi(113549) pkcs(1) pkcs9(9) member-body(2) us(840) rsadsi(113549) pkcs(1) pkcs9(9)
smime(16) alg(3) 17 } smime(16) alg(3) 17 }
When this object identifier is used for a HSS/LMS signature, the When this object identifier is used for an HSS/LMS signature, the
AlgorithmIdentifier parameters field MUST be absent (that is, the AlgorithmIdentifier parameters field MUST be absent (that is, the
parameters are not present; the parameters are not set to NULL). parameters are not present; the parameters are not set to NULL).
The signature value is a large OCTET STRING. The signature format is The signature value is a large OCTET STRING as described in Section 2
designed for easy parsing. Each format includes a counter and type of this document. The signature format is designed for easy parsing.
codes that indirectly providing all of the information that is needed The HSS, LMS, and LMOTS component of the signature value each format
to parse the value during signature validation. include a counter and a type code that indirectly provide all of the
information that is needed to parse the value during signature
validation.
The signature value identifies the hash function used in the HSS/LMS The signature value identifies the hash function used in the HSS/LMS
tree. In [HASHSIG] only the SHA-256 hash function [SHS] is tree. In [HASHSIG] uses only the SHA-256 hash function [SHS], but it
supported, but it also establishes an IANA registry to permit the establishes an IANA registry [IANA-LMS] to permit the registration of
registration of additional hash functions in the future. additional hash functions in the future.
4. HSS/LMS Public Key Identifier 4. HSS/LMS Public Key Identifier
The AlgorithmIdentifier for an HSS/LMS public key uses the id-alg- The AlgorithmIdentifier for an HSS/LMS public key uses the id-alg-
hss-lms-hashsig object identifier, and the parameters field MUST be hss-lms-hashsig object identifier, and the parameters field MUST be
absent. absent.
When this AlgorithmIdentifier appears in the SubjectPublicKeyInfo When this AlgorithmIdentifier appears in the SubjectPublicKeyInfo
field of an X.509 certificate [RFC5280], the certificate key usage field of an X.509 certificate [RFC5280], the certificate key usage
extension MAY contain digitalSignature, nonRepudiation, keyCertSign, extension MAY contain digitalSignature, nonRepudiation, keyCertSign,
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Note that the id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig algorithm identifier is also Note that the id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig algorithm identifier is also
referred to as id-alg-mts-hashsig. This synonym is based on the referred to as id-alg-mts-hashsig. This synonym is based on the
terminology used in an early draft of the document that became terminology used in an early draft of the document that became
[HASHSIG]. [HASHSIG].
The public key value is an OCTET STRING. Like the signature format, The public key value is an OCTET STRING. Like the signature format,
it is designed for easy parsing. The value is the number of levels it is designed for easy parsing. The value is the number of levels
in the public key, L, followed by the LMS public key. in the public key, L, followed by the LMS public key.
The HSS/LMS public key value can be summarized as: The HSS/LMS public key value can be described as:
u32str(L) || lms_public_key u32str(L) || lms_public_key
Note that the public key for the top-most LMS tree is the public key Note that the public key for the top-most LMS tree is the public key
of the HSS system. When L=1, the HSS system is a single tree. of the HSS system. When L=1, the HSS system is a single tree.
5. Signed-data Conventions 5. Signed-data Conventions
As specified in [CMS], the digital signature is produced from the As specified in [CMS], the digital signature is produced from the
message digest and the signer's private key. The signature is message digest and the signer's private key. The signature is
computed over different value depending on whether signed attributes computed over different values depending on whether signed attributes
are absent or present. When signed attributes are absent, the are absent or present.
HSS/LMS signature is computed over the content. When signed
attributes are present, a hash is computed over the content using the When signed attributes are absent, the HSS/LMS signature is computed
same hash function that is used in the HSS/LMS tree, and then a over the content. When signed attributes are present, a hash is
message-digest attribute is constructed with the resulting hash computed over the content using the same hash function that is used
value, and then DER encode the set of signed attributes, which MUST in the HSS/LMS tree, and then a message-digest attribute is
include a content-type attribute and a message-digest attribute, and constructed with the hash of the content, and then the HSS/LMS
then the HSS/LMS signature is computed over the output of the DER- signature is computed over the DER-encoded set of signed attributes
encode operation. In summary: (which MUST include a content-type attribute and a message-digest
attribute). In summary:
IF (signed attributes are absent) IF (signed attributes are absent)
THEN HSS_LMS_Sign(content) THEN HSS_LMS_Sign(content)
ELSE message-digest attribute = Hash(content); ELSE message-digest attribute = Hash(content);
HSS_LMS_Sign(DER(SignedAttributes)) HSS_LMS_Sign(DER(SignedAttributes))
When using [HASHSIG], the fields in the SignerInfo are used as When using [HASHSIG], the fields in the SignerInfo are used as
follows: follows:
digestAlgorithm MUST contain the one-way hash function used to in digestAlgorithm MUST contain the one-way hash function used in the
the HSS/LMS tree. In [HASHSIG], SHA-256 is the only supported HSS/LMS tree. In [HASHSIG], SHA-256 is the only supported hash
hash function, but other hash functions might be registered in function, but other hash functions might be registered in the
the future. For convenience, the AlgorithmIdentifier for future. For convenience, the AlgorithmIdentifier for SHA-256
SHA-256 from [PKIXASN1] is repeated here: from [PKIXASN1] is repeated here:
mda-sha256 DIGEST-ALGORITHM ::= { mda-sha256 DIGEST-ALGORITHM ::= {
IDENTIFIER id-sha256 IDENTIFIER id-sha256
PARAMS TYPE NULL ARE preferredAbsent } PARAMS TYPE NULL ARE preferredAbsent }
id-sha256 OBJECT IDENTIFIER ::= { joint-iso-itu-t(2) id-sha256 OBJECT IDENTIFIER ::= { joint-iso-itu-t(2)
country(16) us(840) organization(1) gov(101) csor(3) country(16) us(840) organization(1) gov(101) csor(3)
nistAlgorithms(4) hashalgs(2) 1 } nistAlgorithms(4) hashalgs(2) 1 }
signatureAlgorithm MUST contain id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig, and the signatureAlgorithm MUST contain id-alg-hss-lms-hashsig, and the
skipping to change at page 10, line 11 skipping to change at page 9, line 44
signature contains the single HSS signature value resulting from signature contains the single HSS signature value resulting from
the signing operation as specified in [HASHSIG]. the signing operation as specified in [HASHSIG].
6. Security Considerations 6. Security Considerations
Implementations MUST protect the private keys. Compromise of the Implementations MUST protect the private keys. Compromise of the
private keys may result in the ability to forge signatures. Along private keys may result in the ability to forge signatures. Along
with the private key, the implementation MUST keep track of which with the private key, the implementation MUST keep track of which
leaf nodes in the tree have been used. Loss of integrity of this leaf nodes in the tree have been used. Loss of integrity of this
tracking data can cause an one-time key to be used more than once. tracking data can cause a one-time key to be used more than once. As
As a result, when a private key and the tracking data are stored on a result, when a private key and the tracking data are stored on non-
non-volatile media or stored in a virtual machine environment, care volatile media or stored in a virtual machine environment, failed
must be taken to preserve confidentiality and integrity. writes, virtual machine snapshotting or cloning, and other
operational concerns must be considered to ensure confidentiality and
integrity.
When generating a LMS key pair, an implementation MUST generate each When generating an LMS key pair, an implementation MUST generate each
key pair independently of all other key pairs in the HSS tree. key pair independently of all other key pairs in the HSS tree.
An implementation MUST ensure that a LM-OTS private key is used to An implementation MUST ensure that a LM-OTS private key is used to
generate a signature only one time, and ensure that it cannot be used generate a signature only one time, and ensure that it cannot be used
for any other purpose. for any other purpose.
The generation of private keys relies on random numbers. The use of The generation of private keys relies on random numbers. The use of
inadequate pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) to generate these inadequate pseudo-random number generators (PRNGs) to generate these
values can result in little or no security. An attacker may find it values can result in little or no security. An attacker may find it
much easier to reproduce the PRNG environment that produced the keys, much easier to reproduce the PRNG environment that produced the keys,
searching the resulting small set of possibilities, rather than brute searching the resulting small set of possibilities, rather than brute
force searching the whole key space. The generation of quality force searching the whole key space. The generation of quality
random numbers is difficult, and [RFC4086] offers important guidance random numbers is difficult, and [RFC4086] offers important guidance
in this area. in this area.
The generation of hash-based signatures also depends on random The generation of hash-based signatures also depends on random
numbers. While the consequences of an inadequate pseudo-random numbers. While the consequences of an inadequate pseudo-random
number generator (PRNGs) to generate these values is much less severe number generator (PRNG) to generate these values is much less severe
than the generation of private keys, the guidance in [RFC4086] than in the generation of private keys, the guidance in [RFC4086]
remains important. remains important.
When computing signatures, the same hash function SHOULD be used to When computing signatures, the same hash function SHOULD be used to
compute the message digest of the content and the signed attributes, compute the message digest of the content and the signed attributes,
if they are present. if they are present.
7. IANA Considerations 7. IANA Considerations
SMI Security for S/MIME Module Identifier (1.2.840.113549.1.9.16.0) SMI Security for S/MIME Module Identifier (1.2.840.113549.1.9.16.0)
registry, change the reference for value 64 to point to this registry, change the reference for value 64 to point to this
skipping to change at page 12, line 28 skipping to change at page 12, line 16
for the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) and the Public for the Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) and the Public
Key Infrastructure Using X.509 (PKIX)", RFC 6268, DOI Key Infrastructure Using X.509 (PKIX)", RFC 6268, DOI
10.17487/RFC6268, July 2011, <http://www.rfc- 10.17487/RFC6268, July 2011, <http://www.rfc-
editor.org/info/rfc6268>. editor.org/info/rfc6268>.
[FWPROT] Housley, R., "Using Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) to [FWPROT] Housley, R., "Using Cryptographic Message Syntax (CMS) to
Protect Firmware Packages", RFC 4108, DOI Protect Firmware Packages", RFC 4108, DOI
10.17487/RFC4108, August 2005, <http://www.rfc- 10.17487/RFC4108, August 2005, <http://www.rfc-
editor.org/info/rfc4108>. editor.org/info/rfc4108>.
[IANA-LMS] IANA Registry for Leighton-Micali Signatures (LMS).
<https://www.iana.org/assignments/leighton-micali-
signatures/leighton-micali-signatures.xhtml>.
[LM] Leighton, T. and S. Micali, "Large provably fast and [LM] Leighton, T. and S. Micali, "Large provably fast and
secure digital signature schemes from secure hash secure digital signature schemes from secure hash
functions", U.S. Patent 5,432,852, July 1995. functions", U.S. Patent 5,432,852, July 1995.
[M1979] Merkle, R., "Secrecy, Authentication, and Public Key [M1979] Merkle, R., "Secrecy, Authentication, and Public Key
Systems", Stanford University Information Systems Systems", Stanford University Information Systems
Laboratory Technical Report 1979-1, 1979. Laboratory Technical Report 1979-1, 1979.
[M1987] Merkle, R., "A Digital Signature Based on a Conventional [M1987] Merkle, R., "A Digital Signature Based on a Conventional
Encryption Function", Lecture Notes in Computer Science Encryption Function", Lecture Notes in Computer Science
crypto87, 1988. crypto87, 1988.
[M1989a] Merkle, R., "A Certified Digital Signature", Lecture Notes [M1989a] Merkle, R., "A Certified Digital Signature", Lecture Notes
in Computer Science crypto89, 1990. in Computer Science crypto89, 1990.
[M1989b] Merkle, R., "One Way Hash Functions and DES", Lecture Notes [M1989b] Merkle, R., "One Way Hash Functions and DES", Lecture Notes
in Computer Science crypto89, 1990. in Computer Science crypto89, 1990.
[NAS2019] National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, and Medicine,
"Quantum Computing: Progress and Prospects", The National
Academies Press, DOI 10.17226/25196, 2019.
[PKIXASN1] Hoffman, P. and J. Schaad, "New ASN.1 Modules for the [PKIXASN1] Hoffman, P. and J. Schaad, "New ASN.1 Modules for the
Public Key Infrastructure Using X.509 (PKIX)", RFC 5912, Public Key Infrastructure Using X.509 (PKIX)", RFC 5912,
DOI 10.17487/RFC5912, June 2010, <http://www.rfc- DOI 10.17487/RFC5912, June 2010, <http://www.rfc-
editor.org/info/rfc5912>. editor.org/info/rfc5912>.
[PQC] Bernstein, D., "Introduction to post-quantum [PQC] Bernstein, D., "Introduction to post-quantum
cryptography", 2009. cryptography", 2009.
<http://www.pqcrypto.org/www.springer.com/cda/content/ <http://www.pqcrypto.org/www.springer.com/cda/content/
document/cda_downloaddocument/9783540887010-c1.pdf> document/cda_downloaddocument/9783540887010-c1.pdf>
skipping to change at page 14, line 34 skipping to change at page 14, line 34
SMimeCaps SMIME-CAPS ::= SMimeCaps SMIME-CAPS ::=
{ sa-HSS-LMS-HashSig.&smimeCaps, ... } { sa-HSS-LMS-HashSig.&smimeCaps, ... }
END END
<CODE ENDS> <CODE ENDS>
Acknowledgements Acknowledgements
Many thanks to Scott Fluhrer, Jonathan Hammell, Panos Kampanakis, Many thanks to Scott Fluhrer, Jonathan Hammell, Ben Kaduk, Panos
John Mattsson, Jim Schaad, Sean Turner, and Daniel Van Geest for Kampanakis, Barry Leiba, John Mattsson, Jim Schaad, Sean Turner,
Daniel Van Geest, Roman Danyliw, Dale Worley, and Joe Clarke for
their careful review and comments. their careful review and comments.
Author's Address Author's Address
Russ Housley Russ Housley
Vigil Security, LLC Vigil Security, LLC
516 Dranesville Road 516 Dranesville Road
Herndon, VA 20170 Herndon, VA 20170
USA USA
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