Skip to main content
Blog

Enhancing Cybersecurity – CARAF & Quantum-Safe SSH: Part 2 of 8

By October 3, 2024November 7th, 2024No Comments
In today’s rapidly evolving digital landscape, staying ahead of cybersecurity threats is crucial. This blog post explores two key topics: the Crypto Agility Risk Assessment Framework (CARAF) and methods to validate quantum-safe algorithms in SSH protocol version 2.

Crypto Agility Risk Assessment Framework (CARAF)

As organizations face increasing cybersecurity challenges, the need for adaptable and robust cryptographic solutions has never been greater. CARAF offers a structured approach to support rapid adaptations of new cryptography with minimal organizational impact.
 
CARAF consists of five essential phases:
  1. Identify Threats: This initial phase involves recognizing potential security risks and vulnerabilities that could impact your organization’s cryptographic systems.
  2. Inventory of Assets: Here, you catalog all cryptographic assets within your organization, including hardware, software, and data that rely on cryptographic protection.
  3. Risk Estimation: This phase involves assessing the likelihood and potential impact of identified threats to your cryptographic assets.
  4. Secure Assets through Risk Mitigation: Based on the risk assessment, implement measures to protect your assets and reduce identified risks.
  5. Organizational Roadmap: Develop a comprehensive plan for ongoing crypto agility, including timelines for updates, training, and resource allocation.
By following this framework, organizations can enhance their ability to adapt to new cryptographic challenges and maintain robust security measures.

Validating Quantum-Safe Algorithms in SSH Protocol Version 2

As quantum computing advances, ensuring the security of our communication protocols becomes increasingly important. Here are several methods to validate the use of quantum algorithms in SSH protocol version 2, both with and without using packet sniffing technologies.

Methods Without Packet Sniffing

  1. Review SSH Configuration and Logs
    • Check the SSH server’s configuration file (usually `/etc/ssh/sshd_config` on Linux) for references to quantum-safe algorithms.
    • Inspect SSH logs (typically in `/var/log/auth.log` or `/var/log/secure`) for details about negotiated key exchange methods and algorithms.
  2. Use SSH Client Debug Mode
    • Run SSH in debug mode to view detailed information about the key exchange process:
       ssh -vvv user@hostname 
    • This provides verbose output about the connection, including the algorithms used.
  3. SSH Fingerprint Verification
    • Some SSH implementations allow you to see the fingerprint of the host’s public key, which may reveal the type of algorithm in use.
    • Use the following command:
      ssh-keygen -l -f /etc/ssh/ssh_host_ed25519_key.pub
  4. Inspect OpenSSH Version and Algorithm Support
    • Check the version of OpenSSH or the SSH server in use.
    • List all supported key exchange algorithms:
      ssh -Q kex
    • This command will show if quantum-safe algorithms are supported.

Methods Using Packet Sniffing Technologies

If you’re open to using packet sniffing tools, you can gain even more detailed insights into the SSH protocol and its use of quantum-safe algorithms. Here are some approaches:
  1. Using Wireshark
    • Capture SSH Traffic:
      1. Start Wireshark and select the appropriate network interface.
      2. Begin capturing packets and initiate an SSH connection to the server.
    • Filter SSH Traffic:
      1. Use the filter `tcp.port == 22` to focus on SSH-related packets.
    • Analyze the Key Exchange:
      1. Look for SSH_MSG_KEXINIT messages in the captured packets.
      2. Inspect the details of these packets to check for quantum-safe algorithms (e.g., Kyber, Dilithium).
  2. Using `tcpdump`
    • Capture SSH Traffic:
      sudo tcpdump -i <interface> port 22 -w ssh_capture.pcap
    • Analyze the Capture:
      1. Open the generated `ssh_capture.pcap` file in Wireshark for detailed analysis.
  3. Using `ssldump`
    • While primarily for SSL/TLS, `ssldump` can be configured for SSH traffic analysis:
      ssldump -AdN -i <interface> port 22
    • Review the output for key exchange process details and algorithms used.
  4. Using `tshark` (Command-line Wireshark)
    • Capture SSH Traffic:
      sudo tshark -i <interface> -Y "tcp.port == 22" -w ssh_capture.pcap
    • Analyze the Packets:
      tshark -r ssh_capture.pcap -V | grep "Key Exchange"
    • This provides detailed information about the key exchange process.
By employing these methods, you can thoroughly validate the use of quantum-safe algorithms in your SSH implementation. The packet sniffing approach offers a more in-depth view of the protocol in action, allowing for comprehensive validation.
 
As we navigate the complex world of cybersecurity, frameworks like CARAF and techniques for validating quantum-safe algorithms will play crucial roles in maintaining robust and adaptable security measures. Stay informed, stay secure!
 

Check back next week for the best ways to discover Quantum-Vulnerable Algorithms in Windows and Linux Non-executables. 

 

Learn More