Network Working Group R. Pereira
Request for Comments: 2451 TimeStep Corporation
Category: Standards Track R. Adams
Cisco Systems Inc.
November 1998
The ESP CBC-Mode Cipher Algorithms
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (1998). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This document describes how to use CBC-mode cipher algorithms with
the IPSec ESP (Encapsulating Security Payload) Protocol. It not only
clearly states how to use certain cipher algorithms, but also how to
use all CBC-mode cipher algorithms.
Table of Contents
1. IntrodUCtion...................................................2
1.1 Specification of Requirements...............................2
1.2 Intellectual Property Rights Statement......................2
2. Cipher Algorithms..............................................2
2.1 Mode........................................................3
2.2 Key Size....................................................3
2.3 Weak Keys...................................................4
2.4 Block Size and Padding......................................5
2.5 Rounds......................................................6
2.6 Backgrounds.................................................6
2.7 Performance.................................................8
3. ESP Payload....................................................8
3.1 ESP Environmental Considerations............................9
3.2 Keying Material.............................................9
4. Security Considerations........................................9
5. References....................................................10
6. Acknowledgments...............................................11
7. Editors" Addresses............................................12
8. Full Copyright Statement......................................14
1. Introduction
The Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP) [Kent98] provides
confidentiality for IP datagrams by encrypting the payload data to be
protected. This specification describes the ESP use of CBC-mode
cipher algorithms.
While this document does not describe the use of the default cipher
algorithm DES, the reader should be familiar with that document.
[Madson98]
It is assumed that the reader is familiar with the terms and concepts
described in the "Security Architecture for the Internet Protocol"
[Atkinson95], "IP Security Document Roadmap" [Thayer97], and "IP
Encapsulating Security Payload (ESP)" [Kent98] documents.
Furthermore, this document is a companion to [Kent98] and MUST be
read in its context.
1.1 Specification of Requirements
The keyWords "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT",
and "MAY" that appear in this document are to be interpreted as
described in [Bradner97].
1.2 Intellectual Property Rights Statement
The IETF takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any
intellectual property or other rights that might be claimed to
pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in
this document or the extent to which any license under such rights
might or might not be available; neither does it represent that it
has made any effort to identify any such rights. Information on the
IETF"s procedures with respect to rights in standards-track and
standards-related documentation can be found in BCP-11. Copies of
claims of rights made available for publication and any assurances of
licenses to be made available, or the result of an attempt made to
oBTain a general license or permission for the use of such
proprietary rights by implementers or users of this specification can
be obtained from the IETF Secretariat.
2. Cipher Algorithms
All symmetric block cipher algorithms share common characteristics
and variables. These include mode, key size, weak keys, block size,
and rounds. All of which will be eXPlained below.
While this document illustrates certain cipher algorithms such as
Blowfish [Schneier93], CAST-128 [Adams97], 3DES, IDEA [Lai] [MOV],
and RC5 [Baldwin96], any other block cipher algorithm may be used
with ESP if all of the variables described within this document are
clearly defined.
2.1 Mode
All symmetric block cipher algorithms described or insinuated within
this document use Cipher Block Chaining (CBC) mode. This mode
requires an Initialization Vector (IV) that is the same size as the
block size. Use of a randomly generated IV prevents generation of
identical ciphertext from packets which have identical data that
spans the first block of the cipher algorithm"s blocksize.
The IV is XOR"d with the first plaintext block, before it is
encrypted. Then for successive blocks, the previous ciphertext block
is XOR"d with the current plaintext, before it is encrypted.
More information on CBC mode can be obtained in [Schneier95].
2.2 Key Size
Some cipher algorithms allow for variable sized keys, while others
only allow a specific key size. The length of the key correlates
with the strength of that algorithm, thus larger keys are always
harder to break than shorter ones.
This document stipulates that all key sizes MUST be a multiple of 8
bits.
This document does specify the default key size for each cipher
algorithm. This size was chosen by consulting experts on the
algorithm and by balancing strength of the algorithm with
performance.
+==============+==================+=================+==========+
Algorithm Key Sizes (bits) Popular Sizes Default
+==============+==================+=================+==========+
CAST-128 [1] 40 to 128 40, 64, 80, 128 128
+--------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+
RC5 40 to 2040 40, 128, 160 128
+--------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+
IDEA 128 128 128
+--------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+
Blowfish 40 to 448 128 128
+--------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+
3DES [2] 192 192 192
+--------------+------------------+-----------------+----------+
Notes:
[1] With CAST-128, keys less than 128 bits MUST be padded with zeros
in the rightmost, or least significant, positions out to 128 bits
since the CAST-128 key schedule assumes an input key of 128 bits.
Thus if you had a key with a size of 80 bits "3B5D831CFE", it would
be padded to produce a key with a size of 128 bits
"3B5D831CFE000000".
[2] The first 3DES key is taken from the first 64 bits, the second
from the next 64 bits, and the third from the last 64 bits.
Implementations MUST take into consideration the parity bits when
initially accepting a new set of keys. Each of the three keys is
really 56 bits in length with the extra 8 bits used for parity.
The reader should note that the minimum key size for all of the above
cipher algorithms is 40 bits, and that the authors strongly advise
that implementations do NOT use key sizes smaller than 40 bits.
2.3 Weak Keys
Weak key checks SHOULD be performed. If such a key is found, the key
SHOULD be rejected and a new SA requested. Some cipher algorithms
have weak keys or keys that MUST not be used due to their weak
nature.
New weak keys might be discovered, so this document does not in any
way contain all possible weak keys for these ciphers. Please check
with other sources of cryptography such as [MOV] and [Schneier] for
further weak keys.
CAST-128:
No known weak keys.
RC5:
No known weak keys when used with 16 rounds.
IDEA:
IDEA has been found to have weak keys. Please check with [MOV] and
[Schneier] for more information.
Blowfish:
Weak keys for Blowfish have been discovered. Weak keys are keys that
produce the identical entries in a given S-box. Unfortunately, there
is no way to test for weak keys before the S- box values are
generated. However, the chances of randomly generating such a key
are small.
3DES:
DES has 64 known weak keys, including so-called semi-weak keys and
possibly-weak keys [Schneier95, pp 280-282]. The likelihood of
picking one at random is negligible.
For DES-EDE3, there is no known need to reject weak or
complementation keys. Any weakness is obviated by the use of
multiple keys.
However, if the first two or last two independent 64-bit keys are
equal (k1 == k2 or k2 == k3), then the 3DES operation is simply the
same as DES. Implementers MUST reject keys that exhibit this
property.
2.4 Block Size and Padding
All of the algorithms described in this document use a block size of
eight octets (64 bits).
Padding is used to align the payload type and pad length octets as
specified in [Kent98]. Padding must be sufficient to align the data
to be encrypted to an eight octet (64 bit) boundary.
2.5 Rounds
This variable determines how many times a block is encrypted. While
this variable MAY be negotiated, a default value MUST always exist
when it is not negotiated.
+====================+============+======================+
Algorithm Negotiable Default Rounds
+====================+============+======================+
CAST-128 No key<=80 bits, 12
key>80 bits, 16
+--------------------+------------+----------------------+
RC5 No 16
+--------------------+------------+----------------------+
IDEA No 8
+--------------------+------------+----------------------+
Blowfish No 16
+--------------------+------------+----------------------+
3DES No 48 (16x3)
+--------------------+------------+----------------------+
2.6 Backgrounds
CAST-128:
The CAST design procedure was originally developed by Carlisle Adams
and Stafford Tavares at Queen"s University, Kingston, Ontario,
Canada. Subsequent enhancements have been made over the years by
Carlisle Adams and Michael Wiener of Entrust Technologies. CAST-128
is the result of applying the CAST Design Procedure as outlined in
[Adams97].
RC5:
The RC5 encryption algorithm was developed by Ron Rivest for RSA Data
Security Inc. in order to address the need for a high- performance
software and hardware ciphering alternative to DES. It is patented
(pat.no. 5,724,428). A description of RC5 may be found in [MOV] and
[Schneier].
IDEA:
Xuejia Lai and James Massey developed the IDEA (International Data
Encryption Algorithm) algorithm. The algorithm is described in
detail in [Lai], [Schneier] and [MOV].
The IDEA algorithm is patented in Europe and in the United States
with patent application pending in Japan. Licenses are required for
commercial uses of IDEA.
For patent and licensing information, contact:
Ascom Systec AG, Dept. CMVV
Gewerbepark, CH-5506
Magenwil, Switzerland
Phone: +41 64 56 59 83
Fax: +41 64 56 59 90
idea@ascom.ch
http://www.ascom.ch/Web/systec/policy/normal/exhibit1.Html
Blowfish:
Bruce Schneier of Counterpane Systems developed the Blowfish block
cipher algorithm. The algorithm is described in detail in
[Schneier93], [Schneier95] and [Schneier].
3DES:
This DES variant, colloquially known as "Triple DES" or as DES-EDE3,
processes each block three times, each time with a different key.
This technique of using more than one DES operation was proposed in
[Tuchman79].
P1 P2 Pi

IV->->(X) +>->->->(X) +>->->->(X)
v ^ v ^ v
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
k1-> E ^ k1-> E ^ k1-> E
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
^ ^
v ^ v ^ v
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
k2-> D ^ k2-> D ^ k2-> D
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
^ ^
v ^ v ^ v
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
k3-> E ^ k3-> E ^ k3-> E
+-----+ ^ +-----+ ^ +-----+
^ ^
+>->->+ +>->->+ +>->->

C1 C2 Ci
The DES-EDE3-CBC algorithm is a simple variant of the DES-CBC
algorithm [FIPS-46]. The "outer" chaining technique is used.
In DES-EDE3-CBC, an Initialization Vector (IV) is XOR"d with the
first 64-bit (8 byte) plaintext block (P1). The keyed DES function
is iterated three times, an encryption (Ek1) followed by a decryption
(Dk2) followed by an encryption (Ek3), and generates the ciphertext
(C1) for the block. Each iteration uses an independent key: k1, k2
and k3.
For successive blocks, the previous ciphertext block is XOR"d with
the current plaintext (Pi). The keyed DES-EDE3 encryption function
generates the ciphertext (Ci) for that block.
To decrypt, the order of the functions is reversed: decrypt with k3,
encrypt with k2, decrypt with k1, and XOR the previous ciphertext
block.
Note that when all three keys (k1, k2 and k3) are the same, DES-
EDE3-CBC is equivalent to DES-CBC. This property allows the DES-EDE3
hardware implementations to operate in DES mode without modification.
For more explanation and implementation information for Triple DES,
see [Schneier95].
2.7 Performance
For a comparison table of the estimated speed of any of these and
other cipher algorithms, please see [Schneier97] or for an up-to-date
performance comparison, please see [Bosseleaers].
3. ESP Payload
The ESP payload is made up of the IV followed by raw cipher-text.
Thus the payload field, as defined in [Kent98], is broken down
according to the following diagram:
+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+

+ Initialization Vector (8 octets) +

+---------------+---------------+---------------+---------------+

~ Encrypted Payload (variable length) ~

+---------------------------------------------------------------+
1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8
The IV field MUST be same size as the block size of the cipher
algorithm being used. The IV MUST be chosen at random. Common
practice is to use random data for the first IV and the last block of
encrypted data from an encryption process as the IV for the next
encryption process.
Including the IV in each datagram ensures that decryption of each
received datagram can be performed, even when some datagrams are
dropped, or datagrams are re-ordered in transit.
To avoid ECB encryption of very similar plaintext blocks in different
packets, implementations MUST NOT use a counter or other low-Hamming
distance source for IVs.
3.1 ESP Environmental Considerations
Currently, there are no known issues regarding interactions between
these algorithms and other ASPects of ESP, such as use of certain
authentication schemes.
3.2 Keying Material
The minimum number of bits sent from the key exchange protocol to
this ESP algorithm must be greater or equal to the key size.
The cipher"s encryption and decryption key is taken from the first
<x> bits of the keying material, where <x> represents the required
key size.
4. Security Considerations
Implementations are encouraged to use the largest key sizes they can
when taking into account performance considerations for their
particular hardware and software configuration. Note that encryption
necessarily impacts both sides of a secure channel, so such
consideration must take into account not only the client side, but
the server as well.
For information on the case for using random values please see
[Bell97].
For further security considerations, the reader is encouraged to read
the documents that describe the actual cipher algorithms.
5. References
[Adams97] Adams, C, "The CAST-128 Encryption Algorithm",
RFC2144, 1997.
[Atkinson98]Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "Security Architecture for the
Internet Protocol", RFC2401, November 1998.
[Baldwin96] Baldwin, R. and R. Rivest, "The RC5, RC5-CBC, RC5-CBC-
Pad, and RC5-CTS Algorithms", RFC2040, October 1996.
[Bell97] S. Bellovin, "Probable Plaintext Cryptanalysis of the IP
Security Protocols", Proceedings of the Symposium on
Network and Distributed System Security, San Diego, CA,
pp. 155-160, February 1997 (also
http://www.research.att.com/~smb/probtxt.{ps, pdf}).
[Bosselaers]A. Bosselaers, "Performance of Pentium implementations",
http://www.esat.kuleuven.ac.be/~bosselae/
[Bradner97] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to indicate
Requirement Levels", BCP 14, RFC2119, March 1997.
[Crypto93] J. Daemen, R. Govaerts, J. Vandewalle, "Weak Keys for
IDEA", Advances in Cryptology, CRYPTO 93 Proceedings,
Springer-Verlag, pp. 224-230.
[FIPS-46] US National Bureau of Standards, "Data Encryption
Standard", Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS)
Publication 46, January 1977.
[Kent98] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "IP Encapsulating Security
Payload (ESP)", RFC2406, November 1998.
[Lai] X. Lai, "On the Design and Security of Block Ciphers",
ETH Series in Information Processing, v. 1, Konstanz:
Hartung-Gorre Verlag, 1992.
[Madson98] Madson, C. and N. Dorswamy, "The ESP DES-CBC Cipher
Algorithm With Explicit IV", RFC2405, November 1998.
[MOV] A. Menezes, P. Van Oorschot, S. Vanstone, "Handbook of
Applied Cryptography", CRC Press, 1997. ISBN 0-8493-
8523-7
[Schneier] B. Schneier, "Applied Cryptography Second Edition", John
Wiley & Sons, New York, NY, 1995. ISBN 0-471-12845-7
[Schneier93]B. Schneier, "Description of a New Variable-Length Key,
64-Bit Block Cipher", from "Fast Software Encryption,
Cambridge Security Workshop Proceedings", Springer-
Verlag, 1994, pp. 191-204.
http://www.counterpane.com/bfsverlag.html
[Schneier95]B. Schneier, "The Blowfish Encryption Algorithm - One
Year Later", Dr. Dobb"s Journal, September 1995,
http://www.counterpane.com/bfdobsoyl.html
[Schneier97]B. Scheier, "Speed Comparisons of Block Ciphers on a
Pentium." February 1997,
http://www.counterpane.com/speed.html
[Thayer97] Thayer, R., Doraswamy, N. and R. Glenn, "IP Security
Document Roadmap", RFC2411, November 1998.
[Tuchman79] Tuchman, W, "Hellman Presents No Shortcut Solutions to
DES", IEEE Spectrum, v. 16 n. 7, July 1979, pp. 40-41.
6. Acknowledgments
This document is a merger of most of the ESP cipher algorithm
documents. This merger was done to facilitate greater understanding
of the commonality of all of the ESP algorithms and to further the
development of these algorithm within ESP.
The content of this document is based on suggestions originally from
Stephen Kent and subsequent discussions from the IPSec mailing list
as well as other IPSec documents.
Special thanks to Carlisle Adams and Paul Van Oorschot both of
Entrust Technologies who provided input and review of CAST.
Thanks to all of the editors of the previous ESP 3DES documents; W.
Simpson, N. Doraswamy, P. Metzger, and P. Karn.
Thanks to Brett Howard from TimeStep for his original work of ESP-
RC5.
Thanks to Markku-Juhani Saarinen, Helger Lipmaa and Bart Preneel for
their input on IDEA and other ciphers.
7. Editors" Addresses
Roy Pereira
TimeStep Corporation
Phone: +1 (613) 599-3610 x 4808
EMail: rpereira@timestep.com
Rob Adams
Cisco Systems Inc.
Phone: +1 (408) 457-5397
EMail: adams@cisco.com
Contributors:
Robert W. Baldwin
RSA Data Security, Inc.
Phone: +1 (415) 595-8782
EMail: baldwin@rsa.com or baldwin@lcs.mit.edu
Greg Carter
Entrust Technologies
Phone: +1 (613) 763-1358
EMail: carterg@entrust.com
Rodney Thayer
Sable Technology Corporation
Phone: +1 (617) 332-7292
EMail: rodney@sabletech.com
The IPSec working group can be contacted via the IPSec working
group"s mailing list (ipsec@tis.com) or through its chairs:
Robert Moskowitz
International Computer Security Association
EMail: rgm@icsa.net
Theodore Y. Ts"o
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
EMail: tytso@MIT.EDU
8. Full Copyright Statement
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