< draft-ietf-tls-http-upgrade-04.txt   draft-ietf-tls-http-upgrade-05.txt >
Network Working Group R. Khare Network Working Group R. Khare
Internet-Draft 4K Associates / UC Irvine Internet-Draft 4K Associates / UC Irvine
Expires: April 21, 2000 S. Lawrence Expires: July 5, 2000 S. Lawrence
Agranat Systems, Inc. Agranat Systems, Inc.
October 22, 1999 January 5, 2000
Upgrading to TLS Within HTTP/1.1 Upgrading to TLS Within HTTP/1.1
draft-ietf-tls-http-upgrade-04.txt draft-ietf-tls-http-upgrade-05.txt
Status of this Memo Status of this Memo
This document is an Internet-Draft and is in full conformance with This document is an Internet-Draft and is in full conformance with
all provisions of Section 10 of RFC2026. all provisions of Section 10 of RFC2026.
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Copyright Notice Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1999). All Rights Reserved. Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2000). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract Abstract
This memo explains how to use the Upgrade mechanism in HTTP/1.1 to This memo explains how to use the Upgrade mechanism in HTTP/1.1 to
initiate Transport Layer Security (TLS) over an existing TCP initiate Transport Layer Security (TLS) over an existing TCP
connection. This allows unsecured and secured HTTP traffic to share connection. This allows unsecured and secured HTTP traffic to share
the same well known port (in this case, http: at 80 rather than the same well known port (in this case, http: at 80 rather than
https: at 443). It also enables "virtual hosting," so a single HTTP https: at 443). It also enables "virtual hosting," so a single HTTP
+ TLS server can disambiguate traffic intended for several hostnames + TLS server can disambiguate traffic intended for several hostnames
at a single IP address. at a single IP address.
Since HTTP/1.1[1] defines Upgrade as a hop-by-hop mechanism, this Since HTTP/1.1[1] defines Upgrade as a hop-by-hop mechanism, this
memo also documents the HTTP CONNECT method for establishing memo also documents the HTTP CONNECT method for establishing
end-to-end tunnels across HTTP proxies. Finally, this memo end-to-end tunnels across HTTP proxies. Finally, this memo
establishes new IANA registries for public HTTP status codes, as establishes new IANA registries for public HTTP status codes, as
well as public or private Upgrade product tokens. well as public or private Upgrade product tokens.
This memo does NOT affect the current definition of the 'https' URI This memo does NOT affect the current definition of the 'https' URI
scheme, which already defines a separate namespace scheme, which already defines a separate namespace
(http://example.org/ and https://example.org/ are not equivalent). (http://example.org/ and https://example.org/ are not equivalent).
Status Notes Status Notes
This memo is intended to proceed directly to Proposed Standard, This memo is intended to proceed directly to Proposed Standard,
since its functionality has been extensively debated, but not since its functionality has been extensively debated, but not
implemented, over the last two years. It is expected to update RFC implemented, over the last two years. It is expected to update RFC
2616. 2616.
Table of Contents Table of Contents
1. Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1. Motivation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
3. Client Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.1 Requirements Terminology . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.1 Optional Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3. Client Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.2 Mandatory Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 3.1 Optional Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
3.3 Server Acceptance of Upgrade Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.2 Mandatory Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
4. Server Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS . . . . . . . . . . 5 3.3 Server Acceptance of Upgrade Request . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.1 Optional Advertisement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4. Server Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS . . . . . . . . . . 5
4.2 Mandatory Advertisement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 4.1 Optional Advertisement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5. Upgrade across Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 4.2 Mandatory Advertisement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
5.1 Implications of Hop By Hop Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5. Upgrade across Proxies . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.2 Requesting a Tunnel with CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 5.1 Implications of Hop By Hop Upgrade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
5.3 Establishing a Tunnel with CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 5.2 Requesting a Tunnel with CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
6. Rationale for the use of a 4xx (client error) Status Code . . 8 5.3 Establishing a Tunnel with CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
7. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 6. Rationale for the use of a 4xx (client error) Status Code . . 8
7.1 HTTP Status Code Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
7.2 HTTP Upgrade Token Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 7.1 HTTP Status Code Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
8. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9 7.2 HTTP Upgrade Token Registry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8.1 Implications for the https: URI Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
8.2 Security Considerations for CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8.1 Implications for the https: URI Scheme . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 8.2 Security Considerations for CONNECT . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
A. Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 Authors' Addresses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Full Copyright Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 A. Acknowledgments . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
Full Copyright Statement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
1. Motivation 1. Motivation
The historical practice of deploying HTTP over SSL3 [3] has The historical practice of deploying HTTP over SSL3 [3] has
distinguished the combination from HTTP alone by a unique URI scheme distinguished the combination from HTTP alone by a unique URI scheme
and the TCP port number. The scheme 'http' meant the HTTP protocol and the TCP port number. The scheme 'http' meant the HTTP protocol
alone on port 80, while 'https' meant the HTTP protocol over SSL on alone on port 80, while 'https' meant the HTTP protocol over SSL on
port 443. Parallel well-known port numbers have similarly been port 443. Parallel well-known port numbers have similarly been
requested -- and in some cases, granted -- to distinguish between requested -- and in some cases, granted -- to distinguish between
secured and unsecured use of other application protocols (e.g. secured and unsecured use of other application protocols (e.g.
snews, ftps). This approach effectively halves the number of snews, ftps). This approach effectively halves the number of
available well known ports. available well known ports.
At the Washington DC IETF meeting in December 1997, the Applications At the Washington DC IETF meeting in December 1997, the Applications
Area Directors and the IESG reaffirmed that the practice of issuing Area Directors and the IESG reaffirmed that the practice of issuing
parallel "secure" port numbers should be deprecated. The HTTP/1.1 parallel "secure" port numbers should be deprecated. The HTTP/1.1
Upgrade mechanism can apply Transport Layer Security[6] to an open Upgrade mechanism can apply Transport Layer Security[6] to an open
HTTP connection. HTTP connection.
In the nearly two years since, there has been broad acceptance of In the nearly two years since, there has been broad acceptance of
the concept behind this proposal, but little interest in the concept behind this proposal, but little interest in
implementing alternatives to port 443 for generic Web browsing. In implementing alternatives to port 443 for generic Web browsing. In
fact, nothing in this memo affects the current interpretation of fact, nothing in this memo affects the current interpretation of
https: URIs. However, new application protocols built atop HTTP, https: URIs. However, new application protocols built atop HTTP,
such as the Internet Printing Protocol[7], call for just such a such as the Internet Printing Protocol[7], call for just such a
mechanism in order to move ahead in the IETF standards process. mechanism in order to move ahead in the IETF standards process.
The Upgrade mechanism also solves the "virtual hosting" problem. The Upgrade mechanism also solves the "virtual hosting" problem.
Rather than allocating multiple IP addresses to a single host, an Rather than allocating multiple IP addresses to a single host, an
HTTP/1.1 server will use the Host: header to disambiguate the HTTP/1.1 server will use the Host: header to disambiguate the
intended web service. As HTTP/1.1 usage has grown more prevalent, intended web service. As HTTP/1.1 usage has grown more prevalent,
more ISPs are offering name-based virtual hosting, thus delaying IP more ISPs are offering name-based virtual hosting, thus delaying IP
address space exhaustion. address space exhaustion.
TLS (and SSL) have been hobbled by the same limitation as earlier TLS (and SSL) have been hobbled by the same limitation as earlier
versions of HTTP: the initial handshake does not specify the versions of HTTP: the initial handshake does not specify the
intended hostname, relying exclusively on the IP address. Using a intended hostname, relying exclusively on the IP address. Using a
cleartext HTTP/1.1 Upgrade: preamble to the TLS handshake -- cleartext HTTP/1.1 Upgrade: preamble to the TLS handshake --
choosing the certificates based on the initial Host: header -- will choosing the certificates based on the initial Host: header -- will
allow ISPs to provide secure name-based virtual hosting as well. allow ISPs to provide secure name-based virtual hosting as well.
2. Introduction 2. Introduction
TLS, a/k/a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) establishes a private TLS, a/k/a SSL (Secure Sockets Layer) establishes a private
end-to-end connection, optionally including strong mutual end-to-end connection, optionally including strong mutual
authentication, using a variety of cryptosystems. Initially, a authentication, using a variety of cryptosystems. Initially, a
handshake phase uses three subprotocols to set up a record layer, handshake phase uses three subprotocols to set up a record layer,
authenticate endpoints, set parameters, as well as report errors. authenticate endpoints, set parameters, as well as report errors.
Then, there is an ongoing layered record protocol that handles Then, there is an ongoing layered record protocol that handles
encryption, compression, and reassembly for the remainder of the encryption, compression, and reassembly for the remainder of the
connection. The latter is intended to be completely transparent. For connection. The latter is intended to be completely transparent. For
example, there is no dependency between TLS's record markers and or example, there is no dependency between TLS's record markers and or
certificates and HTTP/1.1's chunked encoding or authentication. certificates and HTTP/1.1's chunked encoding or authentication.
Either the client or server can use the HTTP/1.1[1] Upgrade Either the client or server can use the HTTP/1.1[1] Upgrade
mechanism (Section 14.42) to indicate that a TLS-secured connection mechanism (Section 14.42) to indicate that a TLS-secured connection
is desired or necessary. This draft defines the "TLS/1.0" Upgrade is desired or necessary. This draft defines the "TLS/1.0" Upgrade
token, and a new HTTP Status Code, "426 Upgrade Required". token, and a new HTTP Status Code, "426 Upgrade Required".
Section 3 and Section 4 describe the operation of a directly Section 3 and Section 4 describe the operation of a directly
connected client and server. Intermediate proxies must establish an connected client and server. Intermediate proxies must establish an
end-to-end tunnel before applying those operations, as explained in end-to-end tunnel before applying those operations, as explained in
Section 5. Section 5.
2.1 Requirements Terminology
Keywords "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT" and
"MAY" that appear in this document are to be interpreted as
described in RFC 2119[11].
3. Client Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS 3. Client Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS
When the client sends an HTTP/1.1 request with an Upgrade header When the client sends an HTTP/1.1 request with an Upgrade header
field containing the token "TLS/1.0", it is requesting the server to field containing the token "TLS/1.0", it is requesting the server to
complete the current HTTP/1.1 request after switching to TLS/1.0. complete the current HTTP/1.1 request after switching to TLS/1.0.
3.1 Optional Upgrade 3.1 Optional Upgrade
A client MAY offer to switch to secured operation during any clear A client MAY offer to switch to secured operation during any clear
HTTP request when an unsecured response would be acceptable: HTTP request when an unsecured response would be acceptable:
GET http://example.bank.com/acct_stat.html?749394889300 HTTP/1.1 GET http://example.bank.com/acct_stat.html?749394889300 HTTP/1.1
Host: example.bank.com Host: example.bank.com
Upgrade: TLS/1.0 Upgrade: TLS/1.0
Connection: Upgrade Connection: Upgrade
In this case, the server MAY respond to the clear HTTP operation In this case, the server MAY respond to the clear HTTP operation
normally, OR switch to secured operation (as detailed in the next normally, OR switch to secured operation (as detailed in the next
section). section).
Note that HTTP/1.1[1] specifies "the upgrade keyword MUST be Note that HTTP/1.1[1] specifies "the upgrade keyword MUST be
supplied within a Connection header field (section 14.10) whenever supplied within a Connection header field (section 14.10) whenever
Upgrade is present in an HTTP/1.1 message." Upgrade is present in an HTTP/1.1 message."
3.2 Mandatory Upgrade 3.2 Mandatory Upgrade
If an unsecured response would be unacceptable, a client MUST send If an unsecured response would be unacceptable, a client MUST send
an OPTIONS request first to complete the switch to TLS/1.0 (if an OPTIONS request first to complete the switch to TLS/1.0 (if
possible). possible).
OPTIONS * HTTP/1.1 OPTIONS * HTTP/1.1
Host: example.bank.com Host: example.bank.com
Upgrade: TLS/1.0 Upgrade: TLS/1.0
Connection: Upgrade Connection: Upgrade
3.3 Server Acceptance of Upgrade Request 3.3 Server Acceptance of Upgrade Request
As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], if the server is prepared to initiate As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], if the server is prepared to initiate
the TLS handshake, it MUST send the intermediate "101 Switching the TLS handshake, it MUST send the intermediate "101 Switching
Protocol" and MUST include an Upgrade response header specifying the Protocol" and MUST include an Upgrade response header specifying the
tokens of the protocol stack it is switching to: tokens of the protocol stack it is switching to:
HTTP/1.1 101 Switching Protocols HTTP/1.1 101 Switching Protocols
Upgrade: TLS/1.0, HTTP/1.1 Upgrade: TLS/1.0, HTTP/1.1
Connection: Upgrade Connection: Upgrade
Note that the protocol tokens listed in the Upgrade header of a 101 Note that the protocol tokens listed in the Upgrade header of a 101
Switching Protocols response specify an ordered 'bottom-up' stack. Switching Protocols response specify an ordered 'bottom-up' stack.
As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], Section 10.1.2: "The server will As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], Section 10.1.2: "The server will
switch protocols to those defined by the response's Upgrade header switch protocols to those defined by the response's Upgrade header
field immediately after the empty line which terminates the 101 field immediately after the empty line which terminates the 101
response." response."
Once the TLS handshake completes successfully, the server MUST Once the TLS handshake completes successfully, the server MUST
continue with the response to the original request. Any TLS continue with the response to the original request. Any TLS
handshake failure MUST lead to disconnection, per the TLS error handshake failure MUST lead to disconnection, per the TLS error
alert specification. alert specification.
4. Server Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS 4. Server Requested Upgrade to HTTP over TLS
The Upgrade response header field advertises possible protocol The Upgrade response header field advertises possible protocol
upgrades a server MAY accept. In conjunction with the "426 Upgrade upgrades a server MAY accept. In conjunction with the "426 Upgrade
Required" status code, a server can advertise the exact protocol Required" status code, a server can advertise the exact protocol
upgrade(s) that a client MUST accept to complete the request. upgrade(s) that a client MUST accept to complete the request.
4.1 Optional Advertisement 4.1 Optional Advertisement
As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], the server MAY include an Upgrade As specified in HTTP/1.1[1], the server MAY include an Upgrade
header in any response other than 101 or 426 to indicate a header in any response other than 101 or 426 to indicate a
willingness to switch to any (combination) of the protocols listed. willingness to switch to any (combination) of the protocols listed.
4.2 Mandatory Advertisement 4.2 Mandatory Advertisement
A server MAY indicate that a client request can not be completed A server MAY indicate that a client request can not be completed
without TLS using the "426 Upgrade Required" status code, which MUST without TLS using the "426 Upgrade Required" status code, which MUST
include an an Upgrade header field specifying the token of the include an an Upgrade header field specifying the token of the
required TLS version. required TLS version.
HTTP/1.1 426 Upgrade Required HTTP/1.1 426 Upgrade Required
Upgrade: TLS/1.0, HTTP/1.1 Upgrade: TLS/1.0, HTTP/1.1
Connection: Upgrade Connection: Upgrade
The server SHOULD include a message body in the 426 response which The server SHOULD include a message body in the 426 response which
indicates in human readable form the reason for the error and indicates in human readable form the reason for the error and
describes any alternative courses which may be available to the describes any alternative courses which may be available to the
user. user.
Note that even if a client is willing to use TLS, it must use the Note that even if a client is willing to use TLS, it must use the
operations in Section 3 to proceed; the TLS handshake cannot begin operations in Section 3 to proceed; the TLS handshake cannot begin
immediately after the 426 response. immediately after the 426 response.
5. Upgrade across Proxies 5. Upgrade across Proxies
As a hop-by-hop header, Upgrade is negotiated between each pair of As a hop-by-hop header, Upgrade is negotiated between each pair of
HTTP counterparties. If a User Agent sends a request with an HTTP counterparties. If a User Agent sends a request with an
Upgrade header to a proxy, it is requesting a change to the protocol Upgrade header to a proxy, it is requesting a change to the protocol
between itself and the proxy, not an end-to-end change. between itself and the proxy, not an end-to-end change.
Since TLS, in particular, requires end-to-end connectivity to Since TLS, in particular, requires end-to-end connectivity to
provide authentication and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, this provide authentication and prevent man-in-the-middle attacks, this
memo specifies the CONNECT method to establish a tunnel across memo specifies the CONNECT method to establish a tunnel across
proxies. proxies.
Once a tunnel is established, any of the operations in Section 3 can Once a tunnel is established, any of the operations in Section 3 can
be used to establish a TLS connection. be used to establish a TLS connection.
5.1 Implications of Hop By Hop Upgrade 5.1 Implications of Hop By Hop Upgrade
If an origin server receives an Upgrade header from a proxy and If an origin server receives an Upgrade header from a proxy and
responds with a 101 Switching Protocols response, it is changing the responds with a 101 Switching Protocols response, it is changing the
protocol only on the connection between the proxy and itself. protocol only on the connection between the proxy and itself.
Similarly, a proxy might return a 101 response to its client to Similarly, a proxy might return a 101 response to its client to
change the protocol on that connection independently of the change the protocol on that connection independently of the
protocols it is using to communicate toward the origin server. protocols it is using to communicate toward the origin server.
These scenarios also complicate diagnosis of a 426 response. Since These scenarios also complicate diagnosis of a 426 response. Since
Upgrade is a hop-by-hop header, a proxy that does not recognize 426 Upgrade is a hop-by-hop header, a proxy that does not recognize 426
might remove the accompanying Upgrade header and prevent the client might remove the accompanying Upgrade header and prevent the client
from determining the required protocol switch. If a client receives from determining the required protocol switch. If a client receives
a 426 status without an accompanying Upgrade header, it will need to a 426 status without an accompanying Upgrade header, it will need to
request an end to end tunnel connection as described in Section 5.2 request an end to end tunnel connection as described in Section 5.2
and repeat the request in order to obtain the required upgrade and repeat the request in order to obtain the required upgrade
information. information.
This hop-by-hop definition of Upgrade was a deliberate choice. It This hop-by-hop definition of Upgrade was a deliberate choice. It
allows for incremental deployment on either side of proxies, and for allows for incremental deployment on either side of proxies, and for
optimized protocols between cascaded proxies without the knowledge optimized protocols between cascaded proxies without the knowledge
of the parties that are not a part of the change. of the parties that are not a part of the change.
5.2 Requesting a Tunnel with CONNECT 5.2 Requesting a Tunnel with CONNECT
A CONNECT method requests that a proxy establish a tunnel connection A CONNECT method requests that a proxy establish a tunnel connection
on its behalf. The Request-URI portion of the Request-Line is always on its behalf. The Request-URI portion of the Request-Line is always
an 'authority' as defined by URI Generic Syntax[2], which is to say an 'authority' as defined by URI Generic Syntax[2], which is to say
the host name and port number destination of the requested the host name and port number destination of the requested
connection separated by a colon: connection separated by a colon:
CONNECT server.example.com:80 HTTP/1.1 CONNECT server.example.com:80 HTTP/1.1
Host: server.example.com:80 Host: server.example.com:80
Other HTTP mechanisms can be used normally with the CONNECT method Other HTTP mechanisms can be used normally with the CONNECT method
-- except end-to-end protocol Upgrade requests, of course, since the -- except end-to-end protocol Upgrade requests, of course, since the
tunnel must be established first. tunnel must be established first.
For example, proxy authentication might be used to establish the For example, proxy authentication might be used to establish the
authority to create a tunnel: authority to create a tunnel:
CONNECT server.example.com:80 HTTP/1.1 CONNECT server.example.com:80 HTTP/1.1
Host: server.example.com:80 Host: server.example.com:80
Proxy-Authorization: basic aGVsbG86d29ybGQ= Proxy-Authorization: basic aGVsbG86d29ybGQ=
Like any other pipelined HTTP/1.1 request, data to be tunneled may Like any other pipelined HTTP/1.1 request, data to be tunneled may
be sent immediately after the blank line. The usual caveats also be sent immediately after the blank line. The usual caveats also
apply: data may be discarded if the eventual response is negative, apply: data may be discarded if the eventual response is negative,
and the connection may be reset with no response if more than one and the connection may be reset with no response if more than one
TCP segment is outstanding. TCP segment is outstanding.
5.3 Establishing a Tunnel with CONNECT 5.3 Establishing a Tunnel with CONNECT
Any successful (2xx) response to a CONNECT request indicates that Any successful (2xx) response to a CONNECT request indicates that
the proxy has established a connection to the requested host and the proxy has established a connection to the requested host and
port, and has switched to tunneling the current connection to that port, and has switched to tunneling the current connection to that
server connection. server connection.
It may be the case that the proxy itself can only reach the It may be the case that the proxy itself can only reach the
requested origin server through another proxy. In this case, the requested origin server through another proxy. In this case, the
first proxy SHOULD make a CONNECT request of that next proxy, first proxy SHOULD make a CONNECT request of that next proxy,
requesting a tunnel to the authority. A proxy MUST NOT respond with requesting a tunnel to the authority. A proxy MUST NOT respond with
any 2xx status code unless it has either a direct or tunnel any 2xx status code unless it has either a direct or tunnel
connection established to the authority. connection established to the authority.
An origin server which receives a CONNECT request for itself MAY An origin server which receives a CONNECT request for itself MAY
respond with a 2xx status code to indicate that a connection is respond with a 2xx status code to indicate that a connection is
established. established.
If at any point either one of the peers gets disconnected, any If at any point either one of the peers gets disconnected, any
outstanding data that came from that peer will be passed to the outstanding data that came from that peer will be passed to the
other one, and after that also the other connection will be other one, and after that also the other connection will be
terminated by the proxy. If there is outstanding data to that peer terminated by the proxy. If there is outstanding data to that peer
undelivered, that data will be discarded. undelivered, that data will be discarded.
6. Rationale for the use of a 4xx (client error) Status Code 6. Rationale for the use of a 4xx (client error) Status Code
Reliable, interoperable negotiation of Upgrade features requires an Reliable, interoperable negotiation of Upgrade features requires an
unambiguous failure signal. The 426 Upgrade Required status code unambiguous failure signal. The 426 Upgrade Required status code
allows a server to definitively state the precise protocol allows a server to definitively state the precise protocol
extensions a given resource must be served with. extensions a given resource must be served with.
It might at first appear that the response should have been some It might at first appear that the response should have been some
form of redirection (a 3xx code), by analogy to an old-style form of redirection (a 3xx code), by analogy to an old-style
redirection to an https: URI. User agents that do not understand redirection to an https: URI. User agents that do not understand
Upgrade: preclude this. Upgrade: preclude this.
Suppose that a 3xx code had been assigned for "Upgrade Required"; a Suppose that a 3xx code had been assigned for "Upgrade Required"; a
user agent that did not recognize it would treat it as 300. It user agent that did not recognize it would treat it as 300. It
would then properly look for a "Location" header in the response and would then properly look for a "Location" header in the response and
attempt to repeat the request at the URL in that header field. Since attempt to repeat the request at the URL in that header field. Since
it did not know to Upgrade to incorporate the TLS layer, it would at it did not know to Upgrade to incorporate the TLS layer, it would at
best fail again at the new URL. best fail again at the new URL.
7. IANA Considerations 7. IANA Considerations
IANA shall create registries for two name spaces, as described in IANA shall create registries for two name spaces, as described in
BCP 26[10]: BCP 26[10]:
o HTTP Status Codes o HTTP Status Codes
o HTTP Upgrade Tokens o HTTP Upgrade Tokens
7.1 HTTP Status Code Registry 7.1 HTTP Status Code Registry
The HTTP Status Code Registry defines the name space for the The HTTP Status Code Registry defines the name space for the
Status-Code token in the Status line of an HTTP response. The Status-Code token in the Status line of an HTTP response. The
initial values for this name space are those specified by initial values for this name space are those specified by
1. Draft Standard for HTTP/1.1[1] 1. Draft Standard for HTTP/1.1[1]
2. Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning[4] [defines 420-424] 2. Web Distributed Authoring and Versioning[4] [defines 420-424]
3. WebDAV Advanced Collections[5] (Work in Progress) [defines 425] 3. WebDAV Advanced Collections[5] (Work in Progress) [defines 425]
4. Section 6 [defines 426] 4. Section 6 [defines 426]
Values to be added to this name space SHOULD be subject to review in Values to be added to this name space SHOULD be subject to review in
the form of a standards track document within the IETF Applications the form of a standards track document within the IETF Applications
Area. Any such document SHOULD be traceable through statuses of Area. Any such document SHOULD be traceable through statuses of
either 'Obsoletes' or 'Updates' to the Draft Standard for either 'Obsoletes' or 'Updates' to the Draft Standard for
HTTP/1.1[1]. HTTP/1.1[1].
7.2 HTTP Upgrade Token Registry 7.2 HTTP Upgrade Token Registry
The HTTP Upgrade Token Registry defines the name space for product The HTTP Upgrade Token Registry defines the name space for product
tokens used to identify protocols in the Upgrade HTTP header field. tokens used to identify protocols in the Upgrade HTTP header field.
Each registered token should be associated with one or a set of Each registered token should be associated with one or a set of
specifications, and with contact information. specifications, and with contact information.
The Draft Standard for HTTP/1.1[1] specifies that these tokens obey The Draft Standard for HTTP/1.1[1] specifies that these tokens obey
the production for 'product': the production for 'product':
product = token ["/" product-version] product = token ["/" product-version]
product-version = token product-version = token
Registrations should be allowed on a First Come First Served basis Registrations should be allowed on a First Come First Served basis
as described in BCP 26[10]. These specifications need not be IETF as described in BCP 26[10]. These specifications need not be IETF
documents or be subject to IESG review, but should obey the documents or be subject to IESG review, but should obey the
following rules: following rules:
1. A token, once registered, stays registered forever. 1. A token, once registered, stays registered forever.
2. The registration MUST name a responsible party for the 2. The registration MUST name a responsible party for the
registration. registration.
3. The registration MUST name a point of contact. 3. The registration MUST name a point of contact.
4. The registration MAY name the documentation required for the 4. The registration MAY name the documentation required for the
token. token.
5. The responsible party MAY change the registration at any time. 5. The responsible party MAY change the registration at any time.
The IANA will keep a record of all such changes, and make them The IANA will keep a record of all such changes, and make them
available upon request. available upon request.
6. The responsible party for the first registration of a "product" 6. The responsible party for the first registration of a "product"
token MUST approve later registrations of a "version" token token MUST approve later registrations of a "version" token
together with that "product" token before they can be registered. together with that "product" token before they can be registered.
7. If absolutely required, the IESG MAY reassign the responsibility 7. If absolutely required, the IESG MAY reassign the responsibility
for a token. This will normally only be used in the case when a for a token. This will normally only be used in the case when a
responsible party cannot be contacted. responsible party cannot be contacted.
This specification defines the protocol token "TLS/1.0" as the This specification defines the protocol token "TLS/1.0" as the
identifier for the protocol specified by The TLS Protocol[6]. identifier for the protocol specified by The TLS Protocol[6].
It is NOT required that specifications for upgrade tokens be made It is NOT required that specifications for upgrade tokens be made
publicly available, but the contact information for the registration publicly available, but the contact information for the registration
SHOULD be. SHOULD be.
8. Security Considerations 8. Security Considerations
The potential for a man-in-the-middle attack (deleting the Upgrade The potential for a man-in-the-middle attack (deleting the Upgrade
header) remains the same as current, mixed http/https practice: header) remains the same as current, mixed http/https practice:
o Removing the Upgrade header is similar to rewriting web pages to o Removing the Upgrade header is similar to rewriting web pages to
change https:// links to http:// links. change https:// links to http:// links.
o The risk is only present if the server is willing to vend such o The risk is only present if the server is willing to vend such
information over both a secure and an insecure channel in the information over both a secure and an insecure channel in the
first place. first place.
o If the client knows for a fact that a server is TLS-compliant, it o If the client knows for a fact that a server is TLS-compliant, it
can insist on it by only sending an Upgrade request with a no-op can insist on it by only sending an Upgrade request with a no-op
method like OPTIONS. method like OPTIONS.
o Finally, as the https: specification warns, "users should o Finally, as the https: specification warns, "users should
carefully examine the certificate presented by the server to carefully examine the certificate presented by the server to
determine if it meets their expectations." determine if it meets their expectations."
Furthermore, for clients that do not explicitly try to invoke TLS, Furthermore, for clients that do not explicitly try to invoke TLS,
servers can use the Upgrade header in any response other than 101 or servers can use the Upgrade header in any response other than 101 or
426 to advertise TLS compliance. Since TLS compliance should be 426 to advertise TLS compliance. Since TLS compliance should be
considered a feature of the server and not the resource at hand, it considered a feature of the server and not the resource at hand, it
should be sufficient to send it once, and let clients cache that should be sufficient to send it once, and let clients cache that
fact. fact.
8.1 Implications for the https: URI Scheme 8.1 Implications for the https: URI Scheme
While nothing in this memo affects the definition of the 'https' URI While nothing in this memo affects the definition of the 'https' URI
scheme, widespread adoption of this mechanism for HyperText content scheme, widespread adoption of this mechanism for HyperText content
could use 'http' to identify both secure and non-secure resources. could use 'http' to identify both secure and non-secure resources.
The choice of what security characteristics are required on the The choice of what security characteristics are required on the
connection is left to the client and server. This allows either connection is left to the client and server. This allows either
party to use any information available in making this determination. party to use any information available in making this determination.
For example, user agents may rely on user preference settings or For example, user agents may rely on user preference settings or
information about the security of the network such as 'TLS required information about the security of the network such as 'TLS required
on all POST operations not on my local net', or servers may apply on all POST operations not on my local net', or servers may apply
resource access rules such as 'the FORM on this page must be served resource access rules such as 'the FORM on this page must be served
and submitted using TLS'. and submitted using TLS'.
8.2 Security Considerations for CONNECT 8.2 Security Considerations for CONNECT
A generic TCP tunnel is fraught with security risks. First, such A generic TCP tunnel is fraught with security risks. First, such
authorization should be limited to a small number of known ports. authorization should be limited to a small number of known ports.
The Upgrade: mechanism defined here only requires onward tunneling The Upgrade: mechanism defined here only requires onward tunneling
at port 80. Second, since tunneled data is opaque to the proxy, at port 80. Second, since tunneled data is opaque to the proxy,
there are additional risks to tunneling to other well-known or there are additional risks to tunneling to other well-known or
reserved ports. A putative HTTP client CONNECTing to port 25 could reserved ports. A putative HTTP client CONNECTing to port 25 could
relay spam via SMTP, for example. relay spam via SMTP, for example.
References References
[1] Fielding, R.T. and et. al, "Hypertext Transfer Protocol -- [1] Fielding, R.T. and et. al, "Hypertext Transfer Protocol --
HTTP/1.1", RFC 2616, June 1999. HTTP/1.1", RFC 2616, June 1999.
[2] Berners-Lee, T., Fielding, R.T. and L. Masinter, "URI Generic [2] Berners-Lee, T., Fielding, R.T. and L. Masinter, "URI Generic
Syntax", RFC 2396, August 1998. Syntax", RFC 2396, August 1998.
[3] Rescorla, E.K., "HTTP Over TLS", Internet-Draft (Work In [3] Rescorla, E.K., "HTTP Over TLS", Internet-Draft (Work In
Progress) (Non-Normative Background Information) Progress) (Non-Normative Background Information)
draft-ietf-tls-https-02, September 1998. draft-ietf-tls-https-02, September 1998.
[4] Goland, Y.Y., Whitehead, E.J. and et. al, "Web Distributed [4] Goland, Y.Y., Whitehead, E.J. and et. al, "Web Distributed
Authoring and Versioning", RFC 2518, February 1999. Authoring and Versioning", RFC 2518, February 1999.
[5] Slein, J., Whitehead, E.J. and et. al, "WebDAV Advanced [5] Slein, J., Whitehead, E.J. and et. al, "WebDAV Advanced
Collections Protocol", Internet-Draft (Work In Progress) Collections Protocol", Internet-Draft (Work In Progress)
(Non-Normative Background Information) (Non-Normative Background Information)
draft-ietf-webdav-collection-protocol-04, June 1999. draft-ietf-webdav-collection-protocol-04, June 1999.
[6] Dierks, T. and C. Allen, "The TLS Protocol", RFC 2246, January [6] Dierks, T. and C. Allen, "The TLS Protocol", RFC 2246, January
1999. 1999.
[7] Herriot, R., Butler, S., Moore, P. and R. Turner, "Internet [7] Herriot, R., Butler, S., Moore, P. and R. Turner, "Internet
Printing Protocol/1.0: Encoding and Transport", RFC 2565, April Printing Protocol/1.0: Encoding and Transport", RFC 2565, April
1999. 1999.
[8] Luotonen, A., "Tunneling TCP based protocols through Web proxy [8] Luotonen, A., "Tunneling TCP based protocols through Web proxy
servers", Internet-Draft (Work In Progress) (Non-Normative servers", Internet-Draft (Work In Progress) (Non-Normative
Historical Information; Also available in: Luotonen, Ari. Web Historical Information; Also available in: Luotonen, Ari. Web
Proxy Servers, Prentice-Hall, 1997 ISBN:0136806120) Proxy Servers, Prentice-Hall, 1997 ISBN:0136806120)
draft-luotonen-web-proxy-tunneling-01, August 1998. draft-luotonen-web-proxy-tunneling-01, August 1998.
[9] Rose, M.T., "Writing I-Ds and RFCs using XML", RFC 2629, June [9] Rose, M.T., "Writing I-Ds and RFCs using XML", RFC 2629, June
1999. 1999.
[10] Narten, T. and H.T. Alvestrand, "Guidelines for Writing an [10] Narten, T. and H.T. Alvestrand, "Guidelines for Writing an
IANA Considerations Section in RFCs", BCP 26, October 1998. IANA Considerations Section in RFCs", BCP 26, October 1998.
Authors' Addresses [11] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
Requirement Levels", RFC 2119, BCP 14, March 1997.
Rohit Khare Authors' Addresses
4K Associates / UC Irvine
3207 Palo Verde
Irvine, CA 92612
US
Phone: +1 626 806 7574 Rohit Khare
EMail: rohit@4K-associates.com 4K Associates / UC Irvine
URI: http://www.4K-associates.com/ 3207 Palo Verde
Irvine, CA 92612
US
Scott Lawrence Phone: +1 626 806 7574
Agranat Systems, Inc. EMail: rohit@4K-associates.com
5 Clocktower Place URI: http://www.4K-associates.com/
Suite 400 Scott Lawrence
Maynard, MA 01754 Agranat Systems, Inc.
US 5 Clocktower Place
Suite 400
Maynard, MA 01754
US
Phone: +1 978 461 0888 Phone: +1 978 461 0888
EMail: lawrence@agranat.com EMail: lawrence@agranat.com
URI: http://www.agranat.com/ URI: http://www.agranat.com/
Appendix A. Acknowledgments Appendix A. Acknowledgments
The CONNECT method was originally described in an Internet-Draft The CONNECT method was originally described in an Internet-Draft
titled Tunneling TCP based protocols through Web proxy servers[8] by titled Tunneling TCP based protocols through Web proxy servers[8] by
Ari Luotonen of Netscape Communications Corporation. It was widely Ari Luotonen of Netscape Communications Corporation. It was widely
implemented by HTTP proxies, but was never made a part of any IETF implemented by HTTP proxies, but was never made a part of any IETF
Standards Track document. The method name CONNECT was reserved, but Standards Track document. The method name CONNECT was reserved, but
not defined in [1]. not defined in [1].
The definition provided here is derived directly from that earlier The definition provided here is derived directly from that earlier
draft, with some editorial changes and conformance to the stylistic draft, with some editorial changes and conformance to the stylistic
conventions since established in other HTTP specifications. conventions since established in other HTTP specifications.
Additional Thanks to: Additional Thanks to:
o Paul Hoffman for his work on the STARTTLS command extension for o Paul Hoffman for his work on the STARTTLS command extension for
ESMTP. ESMTP.
o Roy Fielding for assistance with the rationale behind Upgrade: o Roy Fielding for assistance with the rationale behind Upgrade:
and its interaction with OPTIONS. and its interaction with OPTIONS.
o Eric Rescorla for his work on standardizing the existing https: o Eric Rescorla for his work on standardizing the existing https:
practice to compare with. practice to compare with.
o Marshall Rose, for the xml2rfc document type description and o Marshall Rose, for the xml2rfc document type description and
tools[9]. tools[9].
o Jim Whitehead, for sorting out the current range of available o Jim Whitehead, for sorting out the current range of available
HTTP status codes. HTTP status codes.
o Henrik Frystyk Nielsen, whose work on the Mandatory extension o Henrik Frystyk Nielsen, whose work on the Mandatory extension
mechanism pointed out a hop-by-hop Upgrade still requires mechanism pointed out a hop-by-hop Upgrade still requires
tunneling. tunneling.
o Harald Alvestrand for improvements to the token registration o Harald Alvestrand for improvements to the token registration
rules. rules.
Full Copyright Statement Full Copyright Statement
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1999). All Rights Reserved. Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2000). All Rights Reserved.
This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to This document and translations of it may be copied and furnished to
others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it others, and derivative works that comment on or otherwise explain it
or assist in its implementation may be prepared, copied, published or assist in its implmentation may be prepared, copied, published
and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any
kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph
are included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this are included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this
document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing document itself may not be modified in any way, such as by removing
the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other
Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of Internet organizations, except as needed for the purpose of
developing Internet standards in which case the procedures for developing Internet standards in which case the procedures for
copyrights defined in the Internet Standards process must be copyrights defined in the Internet Standards process must be
followed, or as required to translate it into languages other than followed, or as required to translate it into languages other than
English. English.
The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be
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This document and the information contained herein is provided on an This document and the information contained herein is provided on an
"AS IS" basis and THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET ENGINEERING "AS IS" basis and THE INTERNET SOCIETY AND THE INTERNET ENGINEERING
TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING TASK FORCE DISCLAIMS ALL WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING
BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION BUT NOT LIMITED TO ANY WARRANTY THAT THE USE OF THE INFORMATION
HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF HEREIN WILL NOT INFRINGE ANY RIGHTS OR ANY IMPLIED WARRANTIES OF
MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE. MERCHANTABILITY OR FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE.
Acknowledgement Acknowledgement
Funding for the RFC editor function is currently provided by the Funding for the RFC editor function is currently provided by the
Internet Society. Internet Society.
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