RE: SSL and negotiated key strength

[Graeme Rider <Graeme.Rider () colesmyer com au>]

the global certificates use Server Gated Cryptrography (which l think was
developed by Microsoft - so there is part of the problem)...this allows the
customers browser to be upgraded to 128bit..
the problem with your configuration is, as is with mine, you use Apache.
Apparently because it is open source, there are many versions of it and
Verisign (l use Esign certs which is the Aust. subsidiary of Verisign)do not
gaurantee that these certs will work.
You can get them to work but this requires determining which part of the
Apache configuration is not understanding SGC.
l have an added problem as we use Stronghold as well...l had to drop down to
standard certs to get it to work as it wouldn't work at all with 56 bit...
regards
graeme rider
technical security analyst
ColesMyer

-----Original Message-----
From: Scott, Richard [mailto:Richard.Scott () BestBuy com]
Sent: Thursday, 10 May 2001 2:39
To: firewall-wizards () nfr com
Subject: [fw-wiz] SSL and negotiated key strength


Greetings all,

I've been playing around with SSL and Certificates and have come across a
problem.  I'm using apache and IIS as the web servers, and for an example
IE5 with 56bit capable encryption.

This is what I am seeing:

(1) With a global certificate, 128 bit shout be enforced, and for all
browsers that do not support 128 bit, the browser is "stepped up" somehow.

- With my 56bit capable browser, only 40bit encryption is negotiated, not
128bit.
- With a 128bit browser, 128bit is supported.

Shouldn't it be the case that 128bit be used for all browsers with
Verisign's Global Certificates... ?  I shouldn't have to define in apache or
IIS to force 128bit, or should I? I am wondering whether the option in IIS,
for example, to enforce 128bit, only permits browsers with the high crypto
pack installed on the client?


(2) Connecting to Fortify.com, the SSL test for a 56bit capable browser only
negotiates to 40bit, why does it not use 56bit?


I believe that 128bit crypto can be exported now, please correct me if I am
wrong, and hence outside connections using SSL with 128bit encryption is
legal?

Cheers
r.


Richard Scott   
Information Security
? Best Buy World Headquarters
7075 Flying Cloud Drive
Eden Prairie, MN 55344 USA
The views expressed in this email do not represent Best Buy
or any of its subsidiaries.


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