IDEA in CMS: Use of the IDEA Encryption Algorithm in CMS
Adding IDEA encryption to secure email and messages
Teiwes, S., Hartmann, P., and D. Kuenzi, "Use of the IDEA Encryption Algorithm in CMS", RFC 3058, DOI 10.17487/RFC3058, February 2001, <https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc3058>.
@misc{rfc3058,
series = {Request for Comments},
number = 3058,
howpublished = {RFC 3058},
publisher = {RFC Editor},
doi = {10.17487/RFC3058},
url = {https://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc3058},
author = {S. Teiwes and P. Hartmann and D. Kuenzi},
title = {{Use of the IDEA Encryption Algorithm in CMS}},
pagetotal = 8,
year = 2001,
month = feb,
} RFC text
Contents
Network Working Group S. Teiwes
Request for Comments: 3058 P. Hartmann
Category:Informational iT_Security AG (Ltd.)
D. Kuenzi
724 Solutions Inc.
February 2001
Use of the IDEA Encryption Algorithm in CMS
Status of this Memo
This memo provides information for the Internet community. It does
not specify an Internet standard of any kind. Distribution of this
memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This memo specifies how to incorporate International Data Encryption
Algorithm (IDEA) into CMS or S/MIME as an additional strong algorithm
for symmetric encryption. For organizations who make use of IDEA for
data security purposes it is of high interest that IDEA is also
available in S/MIME. The intention of this memo is to provide the
OIDs and algorithms required that IDEA can be included in S/MIME for
symmetric content and key encryption.
1. Introduction
This memo specifies how to incorporate International Data Encryption
Algorithm (IDEA) [IDEA] into CMS or S/MIME [SMIME2, SMIME3] as an
additional strong algorithm for symmetric encryption. For
organizations who make use of IDEA for data security purposes it is
of high interest that IDEA is also available in S/MIME. The
intention of this memo is to provide the OIDs and algorithms required
that IDEA can be included in S/MIME for symmetric content and key
encryption.
The general functional capabilities and preferences of S/MIME are
specified by the registered list of S/MIME object identifiers (OIDs).
This list of OIDs is available from the Internet Mail Consortium at
<http://www.imc.org/ietf-smime/oids.html>. The set of S/MIME
functions provided by a client is expressed by the S/MIME
capabilities attribute. This attribute contains a list of OIDs of
supported cryptographic functions.
In this document, the terms MUST, MUST NOT, SHOULD, and SHOULD NOT
are used in capital letters. This conforms to the definitions in
[MUSTSHOULD].
2. Object Identifier for Content and Key Encryption
The Cryptographic Message Syntax [CMS], derived from PKCS#7 [PKCS7],
is the framework for the implementation of cryptographic functions in
S/MIME. It specifies data formats and encryption processes without
naming the cryptographic algorithms. Each algorithm which is used
for encryption purposes must be specified by a unique algorithm
identifier. For example, in the special case of content encryption
the ContentEncryptionAlgorithmIdentifier specifies the algorithm to
be applied. However, according to [CMS] any symmetric encryption
algorithm that a CMS implementation includes as a content-encryption
algorithm must also be included as a key-encryption algorithm.
IDEA is added to the set of optional symmetric encryption algorithms
in S/MIME by providing two unique object identifiers (OIDs). One OID
defines content encryption and the other one key encryption. Thus an
S/MIME agent can apply IDEA either for content or key encryption by
selecting the corresponding object identifier, supplying the required
parameter, and starting the program code.
For content encryption the use of IDEA in cipher block chaining (CBC)
mode is recommended. The key length is fixed to 128 bits.
The IDEA content-encryption algorithm in CBC mode has the object
identifier
IDEA-CBC OBJECT IDENTIFIER
::= { iso(1) identified-organization(3)
usdod(6) oid(1) private(4) enterprises(1)
ascom(188) systec(7) security(1) algorithms(1) 2 }
The identifier's parameters field contains the initialization vector
(IV) as an optional parameter.
IDEA-CBCPar ::= SEQUENCE {
iv OCTET STRING OPTIONAL } -- exactly 8 octets
If IV is specified as above, it MUST be used as initial vector. In
this case, the ciphertext MUST NOT include the initial vector. If IV
is not specified, the first 64 bits of the ciphertext MUST be
considered as the initial vector. However, this alternative of not
including IV into "iv OCTET STRING" of IDEA-CBCPar SHOULD NOT be
applied in CMS or S/MIME.
The key-wrap/unwrap algorithms used to encrypt/decrypt an IDEA
content-encryption key with an IDEA key-encryption key are specified
in the following section. Generation and distribution of IDEA key-
encryption keys are beyond the scope of this document.
The IDEA key-encryption algorithm has the object identifier
id-alg-CMSIDEAwrap OBJECT IDENTIFIER
::= { iso(1) identified-organization(3)
usdod(6) oid(1) private(4) enterprises(1)
ascom(188) systec(7) security(1) algorithms(1) 6 }
The identifier's parameters field MUST be NULL.
3. Key-Wrapping and Unwrapping
In the following subsections IDEA key-wrap and key-unwrap algorithms
are specified in conformance with [CMS], section 12.3.
3.1 IDEA Key Wrap
The IDEA key-wrap algorithm encrypts an IDEA content-encryption key
with an IDEA key-encryption key. The IDEA key-wrap algorithm is
defined by:
1. Let the content-encryption key (16 octets) be called CEK
2. Compute an 8 octet key checksum value on CEK as described in
[CMS], section 12.6.1, call the result ICV.
3. Let CEKICV := CEK || ICV.
4. Generate 8 octets at random, call the result IV.
5. Encrypt CEKICV using IDEA in CBC mode and the key-encryption key.
Use the random value generated in the previous step as the
initialization vector (IV). Call the ciphertext TEMP1.
6. Let TEMP2 = IV || TEMP1.
7. Reverse the order of the octets in TEMP2. That is, the most
significant (first) octet is swapped with the least significant
(last) octet, and so on. Call the result TEMP3.
8. Encrypt TEMP3 using IDEA in CBC mode and the key-encryption key.
Use an initialization vector (IV) of 0x4adda22c79e82105. The
ciphertext is 32 octets long.
3.2 IDEA Key Unwrap
The IDEA key-unwrap algorithm decrypts an IDEA content-encryption key
using an IDEA key-encryption key. The IDEA key-unwrap algorithm is
defined by:
1. If the wrapped content-encryption key is not 32 octets, then
error.
2. Decrypt the wrapped content-encryption key using IDEA in CBC mode
with the key-encryption key. Use an initialization vector (IV)
of 0x4adda22c79e82105. Call the output TEMP3.
3. Reverse the order of the octets in TEMP3. That is, the most
significant (first) octet is swapped with the least significant
(last) octet, and so on. Call the result TEMP2.
4. Decompose the TEMP2 into IV and TEMP1. IV is the most
significant (first) 8 octets, and TEMP1 is the remaining (last)
24 octets.
5. Decrypt TEMP1 using IDEA in CBC mode with the key-encryption key.
Use the IV value from the previous step as the initialization
vector. Call the plaintext CEKICV.
6. Decompose the CEKICV into CEK and ICV. CEK is the most
significant (first) 16 octets, and ICV is the least significant
(last) 8 octets.
7. Compute an 8 octet key checksum value on CEK as described in
[CMS], section 12.6.1. If the computed key checksum value does
not match the decrypted key checksum value, ICV, then error.
8. Use CEK as the content-encryption key.
4. SMIMECapabilities Attribute
An S/MIME client can announce the set of cryptographic functions it
supports by using the S/MIME capabilities attribute as specified in
[SMIME3]. This attribute provides a partial list of OIDs of
cryptographic functions and must be signed by the client. These OIDs
should be logically separated in functional categories and MUST be
ordered with respect to their preference. If an S/MIME client is
required to support symmetric encryption and key wrapping based on
IDEA, the capabilities attribute MUST contain the above specified
OIDs in the category of symmetric algorithms and key encipherment
algorithms. IDEA does not require additional OID parameters since it
has a fixed key length of 128 bits.
The SMIMECapability SEQUENCE representing the IDEA symmetric
encryption algorithm MUST include the IDEA-CBC OID in the
capabilityID field and the parameters field MUST be absent. The
SMIMECapability SEQUENCE for IDEA encryption SHOULD be included in
the symmetric encryption algorithms portion of the SMIMECapabilities
list. The SMIMECapability SEQUENCE representing IDEA MUST be DER-
encoded as follows: 300D 060B 2B06 0104 0181 3C07 0101 02.
The SMIMECapability SEQUENCE representing the IDEA key wrapping
algorithm MUST include the id-alg-CMSIDEAwrap OID in the capabilityID
field and the parameters field of KeyWrapAlgorithm MUST be absent.
The SMIMECapability SEQUENCE for IDEA key wrapping SHOULD be included
in the key encipherment algorithms portion of the SMIMECapabilities
list. The SMIMECapability SEQUENCE representing IDEA key wrapping
MUST be DER-encoded as follows: 300D 060B 2B06 0104 0181 3C07 0101
06.
The ASN.1 notation of the SMIMECapability SEQUENCE representing IDEA
is
SMIMECapability ::= SEQUENCE {
capabilityID OBJECT IDENTIFIER,
parameters ANY DEFINED BY capabilityID OPTIONAL }
where capabilityID is IDEA-CBC (no parameters) for IDEA content
encryption in CBC mode or capabilityID is id-alg-CMSIDEAwrap (no
parameters) for IDEA key wrapping.
5. Activation of IDEA in S/MIME Clients
When a sending agent creates an encrypted message, it has to decide
which type of encryption algorithm to use. In general the decision
process involves information obtained from the capabilities lists
included in messages received from the recipient, as well as other
information such as private agreements, user preferences, legal
restrictions, etc. If users require IDEA for symmetric encryption,
it must be supported by the S/MIME clients on both the sending and
receiving side, and it must be set in the user preferences.
A. References
[IDEA] X. Lai, "On the design and security of block ciphers",
ETH Series in Information Processing, J.L. Massey
(editor), vol. 1, Hartung-Gorre Verlag Konstanz,
Technische Hochschule (Zurich), 1992. A. J. Menezes,
P.C. v. Oorschot, S.A. Vanstone, "Handbook of Applied
Cryptography," CRC Press New York, 1997, p. 265. B.
Schneier, "Applied Cryptography," 2nd ed., John Wiley &
Sons Inc. New York, 1996, pp. 319-325. IPR: see the
"IETF Page of Intellectual Property Rights Notices",
http://www.ietf.org/ipr.html
[SMIME2] Dusse, S., Hoffman, P., Ramsdell, B., Lundblade, l. and
L. Repka, "S/MIME Version 2 Message Specification", RFC
2311, March 1998.
[SMIME2] Dusse, S., Hoffman, P., Ramsdell, B. and J. Weinstein,
"S/MIME Version 2 Certificate Handling", RFC 2312, March
1998.
[SMIME3] Dusse, S., Hoffman, P., Ramsdell, B. and J. Weinstein,
"S/MIME Version 3 Certificate Handling", RFC 2632, March
1998.
[SMIME3] Ramsdell, B., "S/MIME Version 3 Message Specification",
RFC 2633, June 1999.
[MUSTSHOULD] Bradner, S.,"Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate
Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997.
[CMS] Housley, R., "Cryptographic Message Syntax", RFC 2630,
June 1999.
[PKCS7] Kaliski, B., "PKCS #7: Cryptographic Message Syntax
Version 1.5", RFC 2315, March 1998.
B. Comments on IDEA Security and Standards
The IDEA algorithm was developed in a joint project involving the
Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Zurich (Dr. X. Lai and Prof.
J.L. Massey) and Ascom Ltd. The aim of the project was to develop a
strong encryption algorithm that could replace the DES algorithm.
IDEA uses 128-bit secret keys and encrypts one 64-bit block at a time
[IDEA]. It was particularly strengthened to protect against
differential cryptoanalysis attacks. For the full 8-round IDEA there
is no attack known which is better than exhaustive search on the
total 128-bit key space.
IDEA permits the implementation of standard Electronic Data
Interchange applications. It has been entered in the ISO/IEC
register for encryption algorithms and incorporated in the "SECURITY
GUIDE LINES" code list by the UNI/EDIFACT "SECURITY JOINT WORKING
GROUP".
C. Intellectual Property Rights Notice
Ascom Ltd. holds the patent to IDEA. In accordance with the
intellectual property rights procedures of the IETF standards
process, Ascom offers a non-exclusive license under reasonable and
non-discriminatory terms and conditions.
IDEA(TM) is protected by international copyright law and in addition
has been patented in several countries. Because Ascom wants to make
this highly secure algorithm widely available, the non-commercial use
of this algorithm is free.
Any party wishing to know more about IDEA or to request a license
should visit the web sites <http://www.media-crypt.com/>,
<http://www.it-sec.com/> or send an e-mail to info@media-crypt.com or
Idea@it-sec.com.
D. Acknowledgements
We would like to thank Russ Housley, Jim Schaad and Francois Zeller
for their contributions to this document.
E. Authors' Addresses
Stephan Teiwes
iT_Security AG (Ltd.)
Badenerstrasse 530
CH-8048 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 1 404 8200
Fax : +41 1 404 8201
EMail: stephan.teiwes@it-sec.com
Peter Hartmann
iT_Security AG (Ltd.)
Badenerstrasse 530
CH-8048 Zurich, Switzerland
Phone: +41 1 404 8200
Fax : +41 1 404 8201
EMail: peter.hartmann@it-sec.com
Diego Kuenzi
724 Solutions Inc.
Bahnhofstrasse 16
CH-5600 Lenzburg, Switzerland
Phone: +41 62 888 3070
Fax: +41 62 888 3071
EMail: dkuenzi@724.com
F. Full Copyright Statement
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2001). All Rights Reserved.
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and distributed, in whole or in part, without restriction of any
kind, provided that the above copyright notice and this paragraph are
included on all such copies and derivative works. However, this
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the copyright notice or references to the Internet Society or other
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English.
The limited permissions granted above are perpetual and will not be
revoked by the Internet Society or its successors or assigns.
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Acknowledgement
Funding for the RFC Editor function is currently provided by the
Internet Society.
AI ELI5
On this page
§1IDEA and Secure Email
IDEA (International Data Encryption Algorithm) is a strong encryption method that some organizations use for protecting sensitive data. CMS (Cryptographic Message Syntax) is the standard framework for adding encryption to email and other messages. S/MIME (Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions) uses CMS to let email clients encrypt and decrypt messages.
However, CMS and S/MIME come with a standard list of encryption algorithms, and IDEA was not on that list. This RFC fills that gap by specifying how to add IDEA to CMS and S/MIME. The RFC provides the technical identifiers and procedures so that email clients can recognize and use IDEA if the organization enables it.
IDEA is a secret code used by some companies. Email uses CMS, which is like a envelope with a lock. The lock can use many different secret codes, but IDEA was not one of them. This document says how to add IDEA as a lock option.
§2Algorithm Identifiers and Encryption Modes
In CMS, each encryption algorithm is identified by a unique object identifier (OID), which is a string of numbers that acts like a registered name. When the RFC specifies a new algorithm, it reserves an OID.
For IDEA encryption, the RFC defines two OIDs: one for encrypting the message content itself (called IDEA-CBC) and one for encrypting the encryption key (called id-alg-CMSIDEAwrap). IDEA-CBC uses cipher block chaining (CBC) mode with a fixed key length of 128 bits. This size is not adjustable; all IDEA keys are exactly 128 bits long.
When the content is encrypted with IDEA-CBC, an initialization vector (IV) is used (an 8-byte random value that varies the encryption so the same plaintext produces different ciphertext each time). The IV can be included in the message parameters or assumed to be the first 8 bytes of the ciphertext.
Each secret code gets a number ID so the email system knows which one is being used. IDEA gets two numbers: one for locking the message and one for locking the key that unlocks the message. IDEA uses very long secret keys (128 bits) and always uses them the same way.
§3Key Wrapping and Unwrapping
In CMS, there are two separate encryption keys: the content-encryption key (CEK), which encrypts the actual message, and the key-encryption key (KEK), which encrypts the CEK so that the CEK itself can be transmitted securely. The process of encrypting the CEK with the KEK is called key wrapping.
The RFC specifies how IDEA key wrapping works. The algorithm takes the 16-byte CEK, computes an 8-byte checksum, concatenates them, adds a random initialization vector, and encrypts the result using IDEA in CBC mode. The output is then reversed byte-by-byte and encrypted again with a fixed initialization vector. This two-stage process protects against tampering.
Key unwrapping reverses these steps: decrypt with the fixed IV, reverse the bytes, decrypt with the random IV, verify the checksum, and extract the original key. If the checksum does not match, unwrapping fails, indicating the key was corrupted or tampered with.
The message key is locked with another key. IDEA locks the message key in two stages: shake it up, reverse it, lock it again. Unlocking is the reverse: unlock, un-reverse, shake it again, and check nothing got broken.
§4S/MIME Capabilities and Client Support
An S/MIME client announces what encryption methods it can use by including a S/MIME capabilities attribute in its signed messages. This list tells other clients what algorithms the sender supports, so they can choose a method both sides understand.
If a client supports IDEA encryption, it MUST include the IDEA-CBC OID in the symmetric algorithms section of its capabilities list, and it MUST include the id-alg-CMSIDEAwrap OID in the key encipherment section. The RFC provides the exact hexadecimal encoding of these capabilities.
For IDEA to be used in practice, it must be activated in user preferences on both the sending and receiving clients. The sender's client checks the recipient's capabilities list to see if IDEA is supported. If both sides support IDEA and the user has configured it, encrypted messages can use IDEA.
When you send a signed email, you also send a list saying 'I can lock with IDEA, AES, and DES'. When the other person wants to send you a locked message, they check your list and pick one you both support.
§5IDEA Security and Standards Status
IDEA was developed jointly by the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology and Ascom Ltd. as a replacement for the aging DES algorithm. It uses 128-bit keys and encrypts one 64-bit block at a time. The full 8-round IDEA has no known attack better than trying all 128-bit keys (exhaustive search).
IDEA is particularly strong against differential cryptoanalysis, a technique used to break many encryption methods. The algorithm has been entered into the ISO/IEC register of encryption algorithms and is approved for use in EDI (Electronic Data Interchange) applications.
Ascom holds the patent for IDEA but offers a non-exclusive license under reasonable, non-discriminatory terms. Non-commercial use is free. Any organization wishing to use IDEA commercially should contact Ascom for licensing information.
IDEA is a very strong secret code. Mathematicians tried hard to break it and failed. The company that owns it lets people use it for free if it is not for business, or cheaply if it is.