A New Simplified Federated Single Sign-on System

The work presented in this MPhil thesis addresses this challenge by developing a new simplified FSSO system that allows end-users to access desktop systems, web-based services/applications and non-web based services/applications using one authentication process. This new system achieves this using two major components: an “Authentication Infrastructure Integration Program (AIIP) and an “Integration of Desktop Authentication and Web-based Authentication (IDAWA). The AIIP acquires Kerberos tickets (for end-users who have been authenticated by a Kerberos single sign-on system in one net- work domain) from Kerberos single sign-on systems in different network domains without establishing trust between these Kerberos single sign-on systems. The IDAWA is an extension to the web-based authentication systems (i.e. the web portal), and it authenticates end-users by verifying the end-users\u27 Kerberos tickets. This research also developed new criteria to determine which FSSO system can deliver true single sign-on to the end-users (i.e. allowing end-users to access desktop systems, web-based services/applications and non-web based services/applications using one authentication process). The evaluation shows that the new simplified FSSO system (i.e. the combination of AIIP and IDAWA) can deliver true single sign-on to the end- users. In addition, the evaluation shows the new simplified FSSO system has advantages over existing FSSO systems as it does not require additional modifications to network domains\u27 existing non-web based authentication infrastructures (i.e. Kerberos single sign- on systems) and their firewall rules

Analysing the behaviour of a smart card based model for secure communication with remote computers over the internet

This dissertation presents the findings of a generic model aimed at providing secure communication with remote computers via the Internet, based on smart cards. The results and findings are analysed and presented in great detail, in particular the behaviour and performance of smart cards when used to provide the cryptographic functionality. Two implemented models are presented. The first model uses SSL to secure the communication channel over the Internet while using smart cards for user authentication and storage of cryptographic keys. The second model presents the SSH for channel security and smart cards for user authentication, key storage and actual encryption and decryption of data. The model presented is modular and generic by nature, meaning that it can easily be modified to accept the newer protocol by simply including the protocols in a library and with a minor or no modification to both server and client application software. For example, any new algorithm for encryption, key exchange, signature, or message digest, can be easily accommodated into the system, which proves that the model is generic and can easily be integrated into newer technologies. Similarly, smart cards are used for cryptography. Two options are presented: first the smart cards only store the algorithm keys and user authentication, and secondly, smart cards are used for storing the algorithm keys, user authentication, and actual data encryption or decryption, as the requirement may dictate. This is very useful, for example, if data to be transferred is limited to a few bytes, then actual data encryption and decryption is performed using smart cards. On the other hand, if a great deal of data is to be transferred, then only authentication and key storage are performed with smart cards. The model currently uses 3DES with smart card encryption and decryption, because this is faster and consumes fewer resources when compared to RSA. Once again, the model design is flexible to accommodate new algorithms such as AES or IDEA. Important aspects of the dissertation are the study and analysis of the security attacks on smart card use. Several smart card attack scenarios are presented in CHAPTER 3, and their possible prevention is also discussed in detail. AFRIKAANS : Hierdie verhandeling bied die bevindinge van 'n generiese model wat daarop gemik is om veilige kommunikasie te voorsien met 'n afstandsrekenaar via die Internet en op slimkaarte gebaseer. Die resultate en bevindings word ontleed en breedvoerig aangebied, veral die gedrag en werkverrigting van slimkaarte wanneer hulle gebruik word om die kriptografiese funksionaliteit te voorsien. Daar word twee geïmplementeerde modelle aangebied. Die eerste model gebruik SSL om die kommunikasiekanaal oor die Internet te beveilig terwyl slimkaarte vir gebruikerbekragtiging en stoor van kriptografiese sleutels gebruik word. Die tweede model bied die SSH vir kanaalsekuriteit en slimkaarte vir gebruikergeldigheidvasstelling, sleutelstoor en werklike kodering en dekodering van data. Die model wat aangebied word, is modulêr en generies van aard, wat beteken dat dit maklik gewysig kan word om die jongste protokolle te aanvaar deur bloot die protokolle by 'n programbiblioteek met geringe of geen wysiging van beide die bediener- en kliënttoepassingsagteware in te sluit. Byvoorbeeld, enige nuwe algoritme vir kodering, sleuteluitruiling, handtekening of boodskapbondeling kan maklik in die stelsel gehuisves word, wat bewys dat die model generies is en maklik in jonger tegnologieë geïntegreer kan word. Slimkaarte word op soortgelyke wyse vir kriptografie gebruik. Daar word twee keuses aangebied: eerstens stoor die slimkaarte slegs die algoritmesleutels en gebruikergeldigheidvasstelling en tweedens word slimkaarte gebruik om die algoritmesleutels, gebruikergeldigheidvasstelling en werklike datakodering en –dekodering te stoor na gelang van wat vereis word. Dit is baie nuttig, byvoorbeeld, wanneer data wat oorgedra moet word, tot 'n paar grepe beperk is, word die eintlike datakodering en – dekodering uitgevoer deur slimkaarte te gebruik. Andersyds, indien 'n groot hoeveelheid data oorgedra moet word, word slegs geldigheidvasstelling en stoor met slimkaarte uitgevoer. Die model gebruik tans 3DES met slimkaartkodering en –dekodering omdat dit vinniger is en minder hulpbronne gebruik vergeleke met RSA. Die modelontwerp is weer eens buigsaam om nuwe algoritmes soos AES of IDEA te huisves. Nog 'n belangrike aspek van die verhandeling is om die sekuriteitaanvalle op slimkaartgebruik te ondersoek en te ontleed. Verskeie slimkaartaanvalscenario's word in Hoofstuk 3 aangebied en die moontlike voorkoming daarvan word ook breedvoerig bespreek.Dissertation (MEng)--University of Pretoria, 2011.Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineeringunrestricte

Adapting Kerberos for a browser-based environment

Thesis: M. Eng., Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Department of Electrical Engineering and Computer Science, 2013.Cataloged from PDF version of thesis.Includes bibliographical references (pages 63-65).This thesis presents Webathena, a browser-centric implementation of the Kerberos network authentication protocol. It consists of a JavaScript Kerberos client, paired with a simple, untrusted, server-side proxy to wrap the protocol in HTTP. This is used to implement a trusted credential manager with a cross-origin protocol to delegate credentials to untrusted Web applications. To evaluate Webathena, we present Roost, a Web-based client for the Zephyr messaging and notification in use at MIT, along with a host of proof-of-concept applications. We find that it is possible to build Web-based clients for Kerberized services similar to or better than existing native ones with no modifications to either the Kerberos KDCs or the services themselves. Finally, we discuss possible modifications to Kerberos to better support this kind of credential delegation.by David Benjamin.M. Eng

Performance Evaluation of SNMPv1/2c/3 using Different Security Models on Raspberry Pi

The Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP) is one of the dominant protocols for network monitoring and configuration. The first two versions of SNMP (v1 and v2c) use the Community-based Security Model (CSM), where the community is transferred in clear text, resulting in a low level of security. With the release of SNMPv3, the User-based Security Model (USM) and Transport Security Model (TSM) were proposed, with strong authentication and privacy at different levels. The Raspberry Pi family of Single-Board Computers (SBCs) is widely used for many applications. To help their integration into network management systems, it is essential to study the impact of the different versions and security models of SNMP on these SBCs. In this work, we carried out a performance analysis of SNMP agents running in three different Raspberry Pis (Pi Zero W, Pi 3 Model B, and Pi 3 Model B+). Our comparisons are based on the response time, defined as the time required to complete a request/response exchange between a manager and an agent. Since we did not find an adequate tool for our assessments, we developed our own benchmarking tool. We did numerous experiments, varying different parameters such as the type of requests, the number of objects involved per request, the security levels of SNMPv3/USM, the authentication and privacy protocols of SNMPv3/USM, the transport protocols, and the versions and security models of SNMP. Our experiments were executed with Net-SNMP, an open-source and comprehensive distribution of SNMP. Our tests indicate that SNMPv1 and SNMPv2c have similar performance. SNMPv3 has a longer response time, due to the overhead caused by the security services (authentication and privacy). The Pi 3 Model B and Pi 3 Model B+ have comparable performance, and significantly outperform the Pi Zero W

Segurança na arquitetura TCP/IP : de firewalls a canais seguros

Orientador: Paulo Licio de GeusArquivo incompleto - falta página 78Dissertação (mestrado) - Universidade Estadual de Campinas, Instituto de ComputaçãoResumo: O espectro de protocolos e aplicações TCP/IP é provavelmente tão amplo quanto é premente a necessidade de mecanismos de segurança nesta arquitetura. O alcance deste aspecto de segurança vai desde a segurança intrínseca de sistemas operacionais, passando por firewalls, criptografia e canais seguros, até aplicações especificas. De maneira geral, poucas referências tratam este problema de maneira completa, especialmente no que se refere à criptografia e sua relação com os protocolos TCP/IP seguros. Desta forma, o foco principal deste trabalho é enumerar os problemas inerentes à arquitetura TCP/IP, tratando as questões de segurança com especial ênfase na tecnologia de firewalls e nos algoritmos de criptografia, assim como na sua relação na construção de canais seguros de comunicação. Como aplicação deste estudo, obteve-se diretrizes para o desenvolvimento de aplicações críticas do ponto de vista de segurança em ambiente HTML/HTTPS, as quais serviram de base para a implementação do produto de Internet banking do BankBoston no Brasil.Abstract: The range of TCP/IP protocols and applications is probably as wide as is strong the need for security mechanisms in this architecture. The scope of the security aspects goes from the inherent security of operating systems, through firewalls, cryptography and secure channels, up to specific applications. As a general rule, little literature deals thoroughly with this issue, especially with regards to cryptography and its relation to secure TCP/IP protocols. As such, this work focuses on enumerating the intrinsic problems of the TCP/IP architecture, dealing with the security issues with special emphasis in firewall technology and in cryptographic algorithms, as well as in their relation with regards to building secure communication channels. As an application for this study, directions for the development of critical security applications in an HTML/HTTPS environment were obtained, which were the basis for the implementation of the Internet banking system for BankBoston in Brazil.MestradoMestre em Ciência da Computaçã

Security for Grid Services

Grid computing is concerned with the sharing and coordinated use of diverse resources in distributed "virtual organizations." The dynamic and multi-institutional nature of these environments introduces challenging security issues that demand new technical approaches. In particular, one must deal with diverse local mechanisms, support dynamic creation of services, and enable dynamic creation of trust domains. We describe how these issues are addressed in two generations of the Globus Toolkit. First, we review the Globus Toolkit version 2 (GT2) approach; then, we describe new approaches developed to support the Globus Toolkit version 3 (GT3) implementation of the Open Grid Services Architecture, an initiative that is recasting Grid concepts within a service oriented framework based on Web services. GT3's security implementation uses Web services security mechanisms for credential exchange and other purposes, and introduces a tight least-privilege model that avoids the need for any privileged network service.Comment: 10 pages; 4 figure

Survey of Security in Grid Services

This article provides a survey of Security in Grid Services coming from a study of many papers most of which were done by the Grid Forum OGSA-SEC (Open Grid Service Architecture Security) working group, GSI (Grid Security Infrastructure) working group, and Globus Alliance team and other people who contributed to Grid. It describes the best practice in terms of Grid Security Challenges, Grid Security Requirements, and the GT3 (Globus Toolkit version 3) Security Model for OGSA. Most of these were further refined in separate documents

A Security Model for Mobile Agents using X.509 Proxy Certificates

Mobile agent technology presents an attractive alternative to the client-server paradigm for several network and real-time applications. However, for most applications, the lack of a viable agent security model has limited the adoption of the agent paradigm. This thesis presents a security model for mobile agents based on a security infrastructure for Computational Grids, and specifically, on X.509 Proxy Certificates. Proxy Certificates serve as credentials for Grid applications, and their primary purpose is temporary delegation of authority. Exploiting the similarity between Grid applications and mobile agent applications, this thesis motivates the use of Proxy Certificates as credentials for mobile agents. A new extension for Proxy Certificates is proposed in order to make them suited to mobile agent applications, and mechanisms are presented for agent-to-host authentication, restriction of agent privileges, and secure delegation of authority during spawning of new agents. Finally, the implementation of the proposed security mechanisms as modules within a multi-lingual and modular agent infrastructure, the Distributed Agent Delivery System, is discussed

{SoK}: {An} Analysis of Protocol Design: Avoiding Traps for Implementation and Deployment

Today's Internet utilizes a multitude of different protocols. While some of these protocols were first implemented and used and later documented, other were first specified and then implemented. Regardless of how protocols came to be, their definitions can contain traps that lead to insecure implementations or deployments. A classical example is insufficiently strict authentication requirements in a protocol specification. The resulting Misconfigurations, i.e., not enabling strong authentication, are common root causes for Internet security incidents. Indeed, Internet protocols have been commonly designed without security in mind which leads to a multitude of misconfiguration traps. While this is slowly changing, to strict security considerations can have a similarly bad effect. Due to complex implementations and insufficient documentation, security features may remain unused, leaving deployments vulnerable. In this paper we provide a systematization of the security traps found in common Internet protocols. By separating protocols in four classes we identify major factors that lead to common security traps. These insights together with observations about end-user centric usability and security by default are then used to derive recommendations for improving existing and designing new protocols---without such security sensitive traps for operators, implementors and users

{SoK}: {An} Analysis of Protocol Design: Avoiding Traps for Implementation and Deployment

Today's Internet utilizes a multitude of different protocols. While some of these protocols were first implemented and used and later documented, other were first specified and then implemented. Regardless of how protocols came to be, their definitions can contain traps that lead to insecure implementations or deployments. A classical example is insufficiently strict authentication requirements in a protocol specification. The resulting Misconfigurations, i.e., not enabling strong authentication, are common root causes for Internet security incidents. Indeed, Internet protocols have been commonly designed without security in mind which leads to a multitude of misconfiguration traps. While this is slowly changing, to strict security considerations can have a similarly bad effect. Due to complex implementations and insufficient documentation, security features may remain unused, leaving deployments vulnerable. In this paper we provide a systematization of the security traps found in common Internet protocols. By separating protocols in four classes we identify major factors that lead to common security traps. These insights together with observations about end-user centric usability and security by default are then used to derive recommendations for improving existing and designing new protocols---without such security sensitive traps for operators, implementors and users