draft-ietf-dnsext-rfc2538bis-03.txt   draft-ietf-dnsext-rfc2538bis-04.txt 
Network Working Group S. Josefsson Network Working Group S. Josefsson
Expires: December 12, 2005 Expires: March 3, 2006
Storing Certificates in the Domain Name System (DNS) Storing Certificates in the Domain Name System (DNS)
draft-ietf-dnsext-rfc2538bis-03 draft-ietf-dnsext-rfc2538bis-04
Status of this Memo Status of this Memo
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This Internet-Draft will expire on December 12, 2005. This Internet-Draft will expire on March 3, 2006.
Copyright Notice Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2005). Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2005).
Abstract Abstract
Cryptographic public key are frequently published and their Cryptographic public keys are frequently published and their
authenticity demonstrated by certificates. A CERT resource record authenticity demonstrated by certificates. A CERT resource record
(RR) is defined so that such certificates and related certificate (RR) is defined so that such certificates and related certificate
revocation lists can be stored in the Domain Name System (DNS). revocation lists can be stored in the Domain Name System (DNS).
This document obsolete RFC 2538. This document obsoletes RFC 2538.
Table of Contents Table of Contents
1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 1. Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2. The CERT Resource Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3 2. The CERT Resource Record . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
2.1 Certificate Type Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4 2.1. Certificate Type Values . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
2.2 Text Representation of CERT RRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5 2.2. Text Representation of CERT RRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5
2.3 X.509 OIDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 2.3. X.509 OIDs . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3. Appropriate Owner Names for CERT RRs . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 3. Appropriate Owner Names for CERT RRs . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
3.1 Content-based X.509 CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . . 7 3.1. Content-based X.509 CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
3.2 Purpose-based X.509 CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . . 8 3.2. Purpose-based X.509 CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . . 8
3.3 Content-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.3. Content-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.4 Purpose-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.4. Purpose-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names . . . . . . . . . . . 9
3.5 Owner names for IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP . . . . . . . . . . 9 3.5. Owner names for IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP . . . . . . . . . . 9
4. Performance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 4. Performance Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
5. Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 5. Contributors . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
6. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 6. Acknowledgements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
7. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 7. Security Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10
8. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 8. IANA Considerations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
9. Changes since RFC 2538 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11 9. Changes since RFC 2538 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
Author's Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Appendix A. Copying conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
10. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 10. References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
10.1 Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 10.1. Normative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12
10.2 Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12 10.2. Informative References . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13
A. Copying conditions . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13 Author's Address . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14
Intellectual Property and Copyright Statements . . . . . . . 14 Intellectual Property and Copyright Statements . . . . . . . . . . 15
1. Introduction 1. Introduction
Public keys are frequently published in the form of a certificate and Public keys are frequently published in the form of a certificate and
their authenticity is commonly demonstrated by certificates and their authenticity is commonly demonstrated by certificates and
related certificate revocation lists (CRLs). A certificate is a related certificate revocation lists (CRLs). A certificate is a
binding, through a cryptographic digital signature, of a public key, binding, through a cryptographic digital signature, of a public key,
a validity interval and/or conditions, and identity, authorization, a validity interval and/or conditions, and identity, authorization,
or other information. A certificate revocation list is a list of or other information. A certificate revocation list is a list of
certificates that are revoked, and incidental information, all signed certificates that are revoked, and incidental information, all signed
by the signer (issuer) of the revoked certificates. Examples are by the signer (issuer) of the revoked certificates. Examples are
X.509 certificates/CRLs in the X.500 directory system or OpenPGP X.509 certificates/CRLs in the X.500 directory system or OpenPGP
certificates/revocations used by OpenPGP software. certificates/revocations used by OpenPGP software.
Section 2 below specifies a CERT resource record (RR) for the storage Section 2 below specifies a CERT resource record (RR) for the storage
of certificates in the Domain Name System. of certificates in the Domain Name System [1] [2].
Section 3 discusses appropriate owner names for CERT RRs. Section 3 discusses appropriate owner names for CERT RRs.
Sections 4, 5, and 6 below cover performance, IANA, and security Sections 4, 5, and 6 below cover performance, IANA, and security
considerations, respectively. considerations, respectively.
The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT", The key words "MUST", "MUST NOT", "REQUIRED", "SHALL", "SHALL NOT",
"SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this "SHOULD", "SHOULD NOT", "RECOMMENDED", "MAY", and "OPTIONAL" in this
document are to be interpreted as described in [3]. document are to be interpreted as described in [3].
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1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 2 3 3
0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 0 1
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
| type | key tag | | type | key tag |
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+ +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+
| algorithm | / | algorithm | /
+---------------+ certificate or CRL / +---------------+ certificate or CRL /
/ / / /
+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-| +-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-+-|
The type field is the certificate type as define in section 2.1 The type field is the certificate type as defined in section 2.1
below. below.
The algorithm field has the same meaning as the algorithm field in
DNSKEY and RRSIG RRs [10] except that a zero algorithm field
indicates the algorithm is unknown to a secure DNS, which may simply
be the result of the algorithm not having been standardized for
DNSSEC.
The key tag field is the 16 bit value computed for the key embedded The key tag field is the 16 bit value computed for the key embedded
in the certificate, using the RRSIG Key Tag algorithm described in in the certificate, using the RRSIG Key Tag algorithm described in
Appendix B of [10]. This field is used as an efficiency measure to Appendix B of [10]. This field is used as an efficiency measure to
pick which CERT RRs may be applicable to a particular key. The key pick which CERT RRs may be applicable to a particular key. The key
tag can be calculated for the key in question and then only CERT RRs tag can be calculated for the key in question and then only CERT RRs
with the same key tag need be examined. However, the key must always with the same key tag need be examined. However, the key must always
be transformed to the format it would have as the public key portion be transformed to the format it would have as the public key portion
of a DNSKEY RR before the key tag is computed. This is only possible of a DNSKEY RR before the key tag is computed. This is only possible
if the key is applicable to an algorithm (and limits such as key size if the key is applicable to an algorithm (and limits such as key size
limits) defined for DNS security. If it is not, the algorithm field limits) defined for DNS security. If it is not, the algorithm field
MUST BE zero and the tag field is meaningless and SHOULD BE zero. MUST BE zero and the tag field is meaningless and SHOULD BE zero.
2.1 Certificate Type Values The algorithm field has the same meaning as the algorithm field in
DNSKEY and RRSIG RRs [10], except that a zero algorithm field
indicates the algorithm is unknown to a secure DNS, which may simply
be the result of the algorithm not having been standardized for
DNSSEC.
2.1. Certificate Type Values
The following values are defined or reserved: The following values are defined or reserved:
Value Mnemonic Certificate Type Value Mnemonic Certificate Type
----- -------- ----------- ---- ----- -------- ----------------
0 reserved 0 reserved
1 PKIX X.509 as per PKIX 1 PKIX X.509 as per PKIX
2 SPKI SPKI certificate 2 SPKI SPKI certificate
3 PGP OpenPGP packet 3 PGP OpenPGP packet
4 IPKIX The URL of an X.509 data object 4 IPKIX The URL of an X.509 data object
5 ISPKI The URL of an SPKI certificate 5 ISPKI The URL of an SPKI certificate
6 IPGP The URL of an OpenPGP packet 6 IPGP The URL of an OpenPGP packet
7-252 available for IANA assignment 7-252 available for IANA assignment
253 URI URI private 253 URI URI private
254 OID OID private 254 OID OID private
255-65534 available for IANA assignment 255-65534 available for IANA assignment
65535 reserved 65535 reserved
The PKIX type is reserved to indicate an X.509 certificate conforming The PKIX type is reserved to indicate an X.509 certificate conforming
to the profile being defined by the IETF PKIX working group. The to the profile being defined by the IETF PKIX working group. The
certificate section will start with a one byte unsigned OID length certificate section will start with a one-byte unsigned OID length
and then an X.500 OID indicating the nature of the remainder of the and then an X.500 OID indicating the nature of the remainder of the
certificate section (see 2.3 below). (NOTE: X.509 certificates do certificate section (see 2.3 below). (NOTE: X.509 certificates do
not include their X.500 directory type designating OID as a prefix.) not include their X.500 directory type designating OID as a prefix.)
The SPKI type is reserved to indicate the SPKI certificate format The SPKI type is reserved to indicate the SPKI certificate format
[13], for use when the SPKI documents are moved from experimental [13], for use when the SPKI documents are moved from experimental
status. status.
The PGP type indicates an OpenPGP packet as described in [6] and its The PGP type indicates an OpenPGP packet as described in [6] and its
extensions and successors. Two uses are to transfer public key extensions and successors. Two uses are to transfer public key
material and revocation signatures. The data is binary, and MUST NOT material and revocation signatures. The data is binary, and MUST NOT
be encoded into an ASCII armor. An implementation SHOULD process be encoded into an ASCII armor. An implementation SHOULD process
transferable public keys as described in section 10.1 of [5], but it transferable public keys as described in section 10.1 of [6], but it
MAY handle additional OpenPGP packets. MAY handle additional OpenPGP packets.
The IPKIX, ISPKI and IPGP types indicate a URL which will serve the The IPKIX, ISPKI and IPGP types indicate a URL which will serve the
content that would have been in the "certificate, CRL or URL" field content that would have been in the "certificate, CRL or URL" field
of the corresponding (PKIX, SPKI or PGP) packet types. These types of the corresponding (PKIX, SPKI or PGP) packet types. These types
are known as "indirect". These packet types MUST be used when the are known as "indirect". These packet types MUST be used when the
content is too large to fit in the CERT RR, and MAY be used at the content is too large to fit in the CERT RR, and MAY be used at the
implementations discretion. They SHOULD NOT be used where the entire implementer's discretion. They SHOULD NOT be used where the entire
UDP packet would have fit in 512 bytes. UDP packet would have fit in 512 bytes.
The URI private type indicates a certificate format defined by an The URI private type indicates a certificate format defined by an
absolute URI. The certificate portion of the CERT RR MUST begin with absolute URI. The certificate portion of the CERT RR MUST begin with
a null terminated URI [5] and the data after the null is the private a null terminated URI [5] and the data after the null is the private
format certificate itself. The URI SHOULD be such that a retrieval format certificate itself. The URI SHOULD be such that a retrieval
from it will lead to documentation on the format of the certificate. from it will lead to documentation on the format of the certificate.
Recognition of private certificate types need not be based on URI Recognition of private certificate types need not be based on URI
equality but can use various forms of pattern matching so that, for equality but can use various forms of pattern matching so that, for
example, subtype or version information can also be encoded into the example, subtype or version information can also be encoded into the
URI. URI.
The OID private type indicates a private format certificate specified The OID private type indicates a private format certificate specified
by a an ISO OID prefix. The certificate section will start with a by an ISO OID prefix. The certificate section will start with a one-
one byte unsigned OID length and then a BER encoded OID indicating byte unsigned OID length and then a BER encoded OID indicating the
the nature of the remainder of the certificate section. This can be nature of the remainder of the certificate section. This can be an
an X.509 certificate format or some other format. X.509 certificates X.509 certificate format or some other format. X.509 certificates
that conform to the IETF PKIX profile SHOULD be indicated by the PKIX that conform to the IETF PKIX profile SHOULD be indicated by the PKIX
type, not the OID private type. Recognition of private certificate type, not the OID private type. Recognition of private certificate
types need not be based on OID equality but can use various forms of types need not be based on OID equality but can use various forms of
pattern matching such as OID prefix. pattern matching such as OID prefix.
2.2 Text Representation of CERT RRs 2.2. Text Representation of CERT RRs
The RDATA portion of a CERT RR has the type field as an unsigned The RDATA portion of a CERT RR has the type field as an unsigned
decimal integer or as a mnemonic symbol as listed in section 2.1 decimal integer or as a mnemonic symbol as listed in section 2.1
above. above.
The key tag field is represented as an unsigned decimal integer. The key tag field is represented as an unsigned decimal integer.
The algorithm field is represented as an unsigned decimal integer or The algorithm field is represented as an unsigned decimal integer or
a mnemonic symbol as listed in [10]. a mnemonic symbol as listed in [10].
The certificate / CRL portion is represented in base 64 [14] and may The certificate / CRL portion is represented in base 64 [14] and may
be divided up into any number of white space separated substrings, be divided up into any number of white space separated substrings,
down to single base 64 digits, which are concatenated to obtain the down to single base 64 digits, which are concatenated to obtain the
full signature. These substrings can span lines using the standard full signature. These substrings can span lines using the standard
parenthesis. parenthesis.
Note that the certificate / CRL portion may have internal sub-fields Note that the certificate / CRL portion may have internal sub-fields,
but these do not appear in the master file representation. For but these do not appear in the master file representation. For
example, with type 254, there will be an OID size, an OID, and then example, with type 254, there will be an OID size, an OID, and then
the certificate / CRL proper. But only a single logical base 64 the certificate / CRL proper. But only a single logical base 64
string will appear in the text representation. string will appear in the text representation.
2.3 X.509 OIDs 2.3. X.509 OIDs
OIDs have been defined in connection with the X.500 directory for OIDs have been defined in connection with the X.500 directory for
user certificates, certification authority certificates, revocations user certificates, certification authority certificates, revocations
of certification authority, and revocations of user certificates. of certification authority, and revocations of user certificates.
The following table lists the OIDs, their BER encoding, and their The following table lists the OIDs, their BER encoding, and their
length prefixed hex format for use in CERT RRs: length-prefixed hex format for use in CERT RRs:
id-at-userCertificate id-at-userCertificate
= { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 36 } = { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 36 }
== 0x 03 55 04 24 == 0x 03 55 04 24
id-at-cACertificate id-at-cACertificate
= { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 37 } = { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 37 }
== 0x 03 55 04 25 == 0x 03 55 04 25
id-at-authorityRevocationList id-at-authorityRevocationList
= { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 38 } = { joint-iso-ccitt(2) ds(5) at(4) 38 }
== 0x 03 55 04 26 == 0x 03 55 04 26
skipping to change at page 6, line 39 skipping to change at page 6, line 43
It is recommended that certificate CERT RRs be stored under a domain It is recommended that certificate CERT RRs be stored under a domain
name related to their subject, i.e., the name of the entity intended name related to their subject, i.e., the name of the entity intended
to control the private key corresponding to the public key being to control the private key corresponding to the public key being
certified. It is recommended that certificate revocation list CERT certified. It is recommended that certificate revocation list CERT
RRs be stored under a domain name related to their issuer. RRs be stored under a domain name related to their issuer.
Following some of the guidelines below may result in the use in DNS Following some of the guidelines below may result in the use in DNS
names of characters that require DNS quoting which is to use a names of characters that require DNS quoting which is to use a
backslash followed by the octal representation of the ASCII code for backslash followed by the octal representation of the ASCII code for
the character such as \000 for NULL. the character (e.g., \000 for NULL).
The choice of name under which CERT RRs are stored is important to The choice of name under which CERT RRs are stored is important to
clients that perform CERT queries. In some situations, the client clients that perform CERT queries. In some situations, the clients
may not know all information about the CERT RR object it wishes to may not know all information about the CERT RR object it wishes to
retrieve. For example, a client may not know the subject name of an retrieve. For example, a client may not know the subject name of an
X.509 certificate, or the e-mail address of the owner of an OpenPGP X.509 certificate, or the e-mail address of the owner of an OpenPGP
key. Further, the client might only know the hostname of a service key. Further, the client might only know the hostname of a service
that uses X.509 certificates or the Key ID of an OpenPGP key. that uses X.509 certificates or the Key ID of an OpenPGP key.
This motivates describing two different owner name guidelines. We Therefore, two owner name guidelines are defined: content-based owner
call the two rules content-based owner names and purpose-based owner names and purpose-based owner names. A content-based owner name is
names. A content-based owner name is derived from the content of the derived from the content of the CERT RR data; for example, the
CERT RR data; for example the Subject field in an X.509 certificate Subject field in an X.509 certificate or the User ID field in OpenPGP
or the User ID field in OpenPGP keys. A purpose-based owner name is keys. A purpose-based owner name is a name that a client retrieving
selected to be a name that clients that wishes to retrieve CERT RRs CERT RRs MUST already know; for example, the host name of an X.509
are expected to know; for example the host name of a X.509 protected protected service or the Key ID of an OpenPGP key. The content-based
service or a Key ID of an OpenPGP key. Note that in some situations, and purpose-based owner name MAY be the same; for example, when a
the content-based and purpose-based owner name can be the same; for client looks up a key based on the From: address of an incoming
example when a client look up keys based on e-mail addresses for e-mail.
incoming e-mail.
Implementations SHOULD use the purpose-based owner name guidelines Implementations SHOULD use the purpose-based owner name guidelines
described in this document, and MAY use CNAMEs at content-based owner described in this document, and MAY use CNAMEs of content-based owner
names (or other names), pointing to the purpose-based owner name. names (or other names), pointing to the purpose-based owner name.
3.1 Content-based X.509 CERT RR Names 3.1. Content-based X.509 CERT RR Names
Some X.509 versions permit multiple names to be associated with Some X.509 versions permit multiple names to be associated with
subjects and issuers under "Subject Alternate Name" and "Issuer subjects and issuers under "Subject Alternate Name" and "Issuer
Alternate Name". For example, x.509v3 has such Alternate Names with Alternate Name". For example, X.509v3 has such Alternate Names with
an ASN.1 specification as follows: an ASN.1 specification as follows:
GeneralName ::= CHOICE { GeneralName ::= CHOICE {
otherName [0] INSTANCE OF OTHER-NAME, otherName [0] INSTANCE OF OTHER-NAME,
rfc822Name [1] IA5String, rfc822Name [1] IA5String,
dNSName [2] IA5String, dNSName [2] IA5String,
x400Address [3] EXPLICIT OR-ADDRESS.&Type, x400Address [3] EXPLICIT OR-ADDRESS.&Type,
directoryName [4] EXPLICIT Name, directoryName [4] EXPLICIT Name,
ediPartyName [5] EDIPartyName, ediPartyName [5] EDIPartyName,
uniformResourceIdentifier [6] IA5String, uniformResourceIdentifier [6] IA5String,
skipping to change at page 7, line 44 skipping to change at page 7, line 46
registeredID [8] OBJECT IDENTIFIER registeredID [8] OBJECT IDENTIFIER
} }
The recommended locations of CERT storage are as follows, in priority The recommended locations of CERT storage are as follows, in priority
order: order:
1. If a domain name is included in the identification in the 1. If a domain name is included in the identification in the
certificate or CRL, that should be used. certificate or CRL, that should be used.
2. If a domain name is not included but an IP address is included, 2. If a domain name is not included but an IP address is included,
then the translation of that IP address into the appropriate then the translation of that IP address into the appropriate
inverse domain name should be used. inverse domain name should be used.
3. If neither of the above it used but a URI containing a domain 3. If neither of the above is used, but a URI containing a domain
name is present, that domain name should be used. name is present, that domain name should be used.
4. If none of the above is included but a character string name is 4. If none of the above is included but a character string name is
included, then it should be treated as described for OpenPGP included, then it should be treated as described for OpenPGP
names below. names below.
5. If none of the above apply, then the distinguished name (DN) 5. If none of the above apply, then the distinguished name (DN)
should be mapped into a domain name as specified in [4]. should be mapped into a domain name as specified in [4].
Example 1: Assume that an X.509v3 certificate is issued to /CN=John Example 1: An X.509v3 certificate is issued to /CN=John Doe /DC=Doe/
Doe/DC=Doe/DC=com/DC=xy/O=Doe Inc/C=XY/ with Subject Alternative DC=com/DC=xy/O=Doe Inc/C=XY/ with Subject Alternative Names of (a)
names of (a) string "John (the Man) Doe", (b) domain name john- string "John (the Man) Doe", (b) domain name john-doe.com, and (c)
doe.com, and (c) uri <https://www.secure.john-doe.com:8080/>. Then uri <https://www.secure.john-doe.com:8080/>. The storage locations
the storage locations recommended, in priority order, would be recommended, in priority order, would be
1. john-doe.com, 1. john-doe.com,
2. www.secure.john-doe.com, and 2. www.secure.john-doe.com, and
3. Doe.com.xy. 3. Doe.com.xy.
Example 2: Assume that an X.509v3 certificate is issued to /CN=James Example 2: An X.509v3 certificate is issued to /CN=James Hacker/
Hacker/L=Basingstoke/O=Widget Inc/C=GB/ with Subject Alternate names L=Basingstoke/O=Widget Inc/C=GB/ with Subject Alternate names of (a)
of (a) domain name widget.foo.example, (b) IPv4 address domain name widget.foo.example, (b) IPv4 address 10.251.13.201, and
10.251.13.201, and (c) string "James Hacker (c) string "James Hacker <hacker@mail.widget.foo.example>". The
<hacker@mail.widget.foo.example>". Then the storage locations storage locations recommended, in priority order, would be
recommended, in priority order, would be
1. widget.foo.example, 1. widget.foo.example,
2. 201.13.251.10.in-addr.arpa, and 2. 201.13.251.10.in-addr.arpa, and
3. hacker.mail.widget.foo.example. 3. hacker.mail.widget.foo.example.
3.2 Purpose-based X.509 CERT RR Names 3.2. Purpose-based X.509 CERT RR Names
It is difficult for clients that do not already posses a certificate Due to the difficulty for clients that do not already possess a
to reconstruct the content-based owner name that should be used to certificate to reconstruct the content-based owner name, purpose-
retrieve the certificate. For this reason, purpose-based owner names based owner names are recommended in this section. Recommendations
are recommended in this section. Because purpose-based owner names for purpose-based owner names vary per scenario. The following table
by nature depend on the specific scenario, or purpose, for which the summarizes the purpose-based X.509 CERT RR owner name guidelines for
certificate will be used, there are more than one recommendation. use with S/MIME [16], SSL/TLS [11], and IPSEC [12]:
The following table summarize the purpose-based X.509 CERT RR owner
name guidelines for use with S/MIME [16], SSL/TLS [11], and IPSEC
[12].
Scenario Owner name Scenario Owner name
------------------------------------------------------------------- ------------------ ----------------------------------------------
S/MIME Certificate Standard translation of RFC 822 email address. S/MIME Certificate Standard translation of an RFC 2822 email
Example: A S/MIME certificate for address. Example: An S/MIME certificate for
"postmaster@example.org" will use a standard "postmaster@example.org" will use a standard
hostname translation of the owner name, hostname translation of the owner name,
i.e. "postmaster.example.org". "postmaster.example.org".
TLS Certificate Hostname of the TLS server. TLS Certificate Hostname of the TLS server.
IPSEC Certificate Hostname of the IPSEC machine, and/or for IPSEC Certificate Hostname of the IPSEC machine and/or, for IPv4
IPv4 or IPv6 addresses the fully qualified or IPv6 addresses, the fully qualified domain
domain name in the appropriate reverse domain. name in the appropriate reverse domain.
An alternative approach for IPSEC is to store raw public keys [15]. An alternate approach for IPSEC is to store raw public keys [15].
3.3 Content-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names 3.3. Content-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names
OpenPGP signed keys (certificates) use a general character string OpenPGP signed keys (certificates) use a general character string
User ID [6]. However, it is recommended by OpenPGP that such names User ID [6]. However, it is recommended by OpenPGP that such names
include the RFC 2822 [8] email address of the party, as in "Leslie include the RFC 2822 [8] email address of the party, as in "Leslie
Example <Leslie@host.example>". If such a format is used, the CERT Example <Leslie@host.example>". If such a format is used, the CERT
should be under the standard translation of the email address into a should be under the standard translation of the email address into a
domain name, which would be leslie.host.example in this case. If no domain name, which would be leslie.host.example in this case. If no
RFC 2822 name can be extracted from the string name no specific RFC 2822 name can be extracted from the string name, no specific
domain name is recommended. domain name is recommended.
If a user has more than one email address, the CNAME type can be used If a user has more than one email address, the CNAME type can be used
to reduce the amount of data stored in the DNS. For example: to reduce the amount of data stored in the DNS. Example:
$ORIGIN example.org. $ORIGIN example.org.
smith IN CERT PGP 0 0 <OpenPGP binary> smith IN CERT PGP 0 0 <OpenPGP binary>
john.smith IN CNAME smith john.smith IN CNAME smith
js IN CNAME smith js IN CNAME smith
3.4 Purpose-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names 3.4. Purpose-based OpenPGP CERT RR Names
Applications that receive an OpenPGP packet containing encrypted or Applications that receive an OpenPGP packet containing encrypted or
signed data but do not know the email address of the sender will have signed data but do not know the email address of the sender will have
difficulties constructing the correct owner name and cannot use the difficulties constructing the correct owner name and cannot use the
content-based owner name guidelines. However, these clients commonly content-based owner name guidelines. However, these clients commonly
know the key fingerprint or the Key ID. The key ID is found in know the key fingerprint or the Key ID. The key ID is found in
OpenPGP packets, and the key fingerprint is commonly found in OpenPGP packets, and the key fingerprint is commonly found in
auxilliary data that may be available. For these situations, it is auxilliary data that may be available. In this case, use of an owner
recommended to use an owner name identical to the key fingerprint and name identical to the key fingerprint and the key ID expressed in
key ID expressed in hexadecimal [14]. For example: hexadecimal [14] is recommended. Example:
$ORIGIN example.org. $ORIGIN example.org.
0424D4EE81A0E3D119C6F835EDA21E94B565716F IN CERT PGP ... 0424D4EE81A0E3D119C6F835EDA21E94B565716F IN CERT PGP ...
F835EDA21E94B565716F IN CERT PGP ... F835EDA21E94B565716F IN CERT PGP ...
B565716F IN CERT PGP ... B565716F IN CERT PGP ...
If the same key material is stored at several owner names, the use of If the same key material is stored for several owner names, the use
CNAME may be used to avoid data duplication. Note that CNAME is not of CNAME may be used to avoid data duplication. Note that CNAME is
always applicable, because it map an owner names to the other for all not always applicable, because it maps one owner name to the other
purposes, and this may be sub-optimal when two keys with the same Key for all purposes, which may be sub-optimal when two keys with the
ID are stored. same Key ID are stored.
3.5 Owner names for IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP 3.5. Owner names for IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP
These types are stored under the same owner names, both purpose- and These types are stored under the same owner names, both purpose- and
content-based, as the PKIX, SPKI and PGP types, respectively. content-based, as the PKIX, SPKI and PGP types.
4. Performance Considerations 4. Performance Considerations
Current Domain Name System (DNS) implementations are optimized for Current Domain Name System (DNS) implementations are optimized for
small transfers, typically not more than 512 bytes including small transfers, typically not more than 512 bytes including
overhead. While larger transfers will perform correctly and work is overhead. While larger transfers will perform correctly and work is
underway to make larger transfers more efficient, it is still underway to make larger transfers more efficient, it is still
advisable at this time to make every reasonable effort to minimize advisable at this time to make every reasonable effort to minimize
the size of certificates stored within the DNS. Steps that can be the size of certificates stored within the DNS. Steps that can be
taken may include using the fewest possible optional or extensions taken may include using the fewest possible optional or extension
fields and using short field values for variable length fields that fields and using short field values for necessary variable length
must be included. fields.
The RDATA field in the DNS protocol may only hold data of size 65535 The RDATA field in the DNS protocol may only hold data of size 65535
octets (64kb) or less. This means that each CERT RR cannot contain octets (64kb) or less. This means that each CERT RR MUST NOT contain
more than 64kb worth of payload, even if the corresponding more than 64kb of payload, even if the corresponding certificate or
certificate or certificate revocation list is larger. This document certificate revocation list is larger. This document addresses this
address this by defining "indirect" data types for each normal type. by defining "indirect" data types for each normal type.
5. Contributors 5. Contributors
The majority of this document is copied verbatim from RFC 2538, by The majority of this document is copied verbatim from RFC 2538, by
Donald Eastlake 3rd and Olafur Gudmundsson. Donald Eastlake 3rd and Olafur Gudmundsson.
6. Acknowledgements 6. Acknowledgements
Thanks to David Shaw and Michael Graff for their contributions to Thanks to David Shaw and Michael Graff for their contributions to
earlier works that motivated, and served as inspiration for, this earlier works that motivated, and served as inspiration for, this
document. document.
This document was improved by suggestions and comments from Olivier This document was improved by suggestions and comments from Olivier
Dubuisson, Olaf M. Kolkman, Ben Laurie, Samuel Weiler, and Florian Dubuisson, Olaf M. Kolkman, Ben Laurie, Edward Lewis, Jason
Weimer. No doubt the list is incomplete. We apologize to anyone we Sloderbeck, Samuel Weiler, and Florian Weimer. No doubt the list is
left out. incomplete. We apologize to anyone we left out.
7. Security Considerations 7. Security Considerations
By definition, certificates contain their own authenticating By definition, certificates contain their own authenticating
signature. Thus it is reasonable to store certificates in non-secure signature. Thus, it is reasonable to store certificates in non-
DNS zones or to retrieve certificates from DNS with DNS security secure DNS zones or to retrieve certificates from DNS with DNS
checking not implemented or deferred for efficiency. The results MAY security checking not implemented or deferred for efficiency. The
be trusted if the certificate chain is verified back to a known results MAY be trusted if the certificate chain is verified back to a
trusted key and this conforms with the user's security policy. known trusted key and this conforms with the user's security policy.
Alternatively, if certificates are retrieved from a secure DNS zone Alternatively, if certificates are retrieved from a secure DNS zone
with DNS security checking enabled and are verified by DNS security, with DNS security checking enabled and are verified by DNS security,
the key within the retrieved certificate MAY be trusted without the key within the retrieved certificate MAY be trusted without
verifying the certificate chain if this conforms with the user's verifying the certificate chain if this conforms with the user's
security policy. security policy.
If an organization chooses to issue certificates for it's employees,
placing CERT RR's in the DNS by owner name, and if DNSSEC (with NSEC)
is in use, it is possible for someone to enumerate all employees of
the organization. This is usually not considered desirable, for the
same reason enterprise phone listings are not often publicly
published and are even mark confidential.
When the URI type is used, it should be understood that it introduces When the URI type is used, it should be understood that it introduces
an additional indirection that may allow for a new attack vector. an additional indirection that may allow for a new attack vector.
One method to secure that indirection is to include a hash of the One method to secure that indirection is to include a hash of the
certificate in the URI itself. certificate in the URI itself.
CERT RRs are not used by DNSSEC [9] so there are no security CERT RRs are not used by DNSSEC [9], so there are no security
considerations related to CERT RRs and securing the DNS itself. considerations related to CERT RRs and securing the DNS itself.
If DNSSEC is used then the non-existence of a CERT RR, and If DNSSEC is used, then the non-existence of a CERT RR and,
consequently certificates or revocation lists, can be securely consequently, certificates or revocation lists can be securely
asserted. Without DNSSEC, this is not possible. asserted. Without DNSSEC, this is not possible.
8. IANA Considerations 8. IANA Considerations
Certificate types 0x0000 through 0x00FF and 0xFF00 through 0xFFFF can Certificate types 0x0000 through 0x00FF and 0xFF00 through 0xFFFF can
only be assigned by an IETF standards action [7]. This document only be assigned by an IETF standards action [7]. This document
assigns 0x0001 through 0x0006 and 0x00FD and 0x00FE. Certificate assigns 0x0001 through 0x0006 and 0x00FD and 0x00FE. Certificate
types 0x0100 through 0xFEFF are assigned through IETF Consensus [7] types 0x0100 through 0xFEFF are assigned through IETF Consensus [7]
based on RFC documentation of the certificate type. The availability based on RFC documentation of the certificate type. The availability
of private types under 0x00FD and 0x00FE should satisfy most of private types under 0x00FD and 0x00FE should satisfy most
skipping to change at page 12, line 10 skipping to change at page 12, line 25
6. Add examples that suggest use of CNAME to reduce bandwidth. 6. Add examples that suggest use of CNAME to reduce bandwidth.
7. In section 3, appended the last paragraphs that discuss 7. In section 3, appended the last paragraphs that discuss
"content-based" vs "purpose-based" owner names. Add section 3.2 "content-based" vs "purpose-based" owner names. Add section 3.2
for purpose-based X.509 CERT owner names, and section 3.4 for for purpose-based X.509 CERT owner names, and section 3.4 for
purpose-based OpenPGP CERT owner names. purpose-based OpenPGP CERT owner names.
8. Added size considerations. 8. Added size considerations.
9. The SPKI types has been reserved, until RFC 2692/2693 is moved 9. The SPKI types has been reserved, until RFC 2692/2693 is moved
from the experimental status. from the experimental status.
10. Added indirect types IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP. 10. Added indirect types IPKIX, ISPKI, and IPGP.
Appendix A. Copying conditions
Regarding the portion of this document that was written by Simon
Josefsson ("the author", for the remainder of this section), the
author makes no guarantees and is not responsible for any damage
resulting from its use. The author grants irrevocable permission to
anyone to use, modify, and distribute it in any way that does not
diminish the rights of anyone else to use, modify, and distribute it,
provided that redistributed derivative works do not contain
misleading author or version information. Derivative works need not
be licensed under similar terms.
10. References 10. References
10.1 Normative References 10.1. Normative References
[1] Mockapetris, P., "Domain names - concepts and facilities", [1] Mockapetris, P., "Domain names - concepts and facilities",
STD 13, RFC 1034, November 1987. STD 13, RFC 1034, November 1987.
[2] Mockapetris, P., "Domain names - implementation and [2] Mockapetris, P., "Domain names - implementation and
specification", STD 13, RFC 1035, November 1987. specification", STD 13, RFC 1035, November 1987.
[3] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement [3] Bradner, S., "Key words for use in RFCs to Indicate Requirement
Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997. Levels", BCP 14, RFC 2119, March 1997.
skipping to change at page 12, line 48 skipping to change at page 13, line 28
[8] Resnick, P., "Internet Message Format", RFC 2822, April 2001. [8] Resnick, P., "Internet Message Format", RFC 2822, April 2001.
[9] Arends, R., Austein, R., Larson, M., Massey, D., and S. Rose, [9] Arends, R., Austein, R., Larson, M., Massey, D., and S. Rose,
"DNS Security Introduction and Requirements", RFC 4033, "DNS Security Introduction and Requirements", RFC 4033,
March 2005. March 2005.
[10] Arends, R., Austein, R., Larson, M., Massey, D., and S. Rose, [10] Arends, R., Austein, R., Larson, M., Massey, D., and S. Rose,
"Resource Records for the DNS Security Extensions", RFC 4034, "Resource Records for the DNS Security Extensions", RFC 4034,
March 2005. March 2005.
10.2 Informative References 10.2. Informative References
[11] Dierks, T. and C. Allen, "The TLS Protocol Version 1.0", [11] Dierks, T. and C. Allen, "The TLS Protocol Version 1.0",
RFC 2246, January 1999. RFC 2246, January 1999.
[12] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "Security Architecture for the [12] Kent, S. and R. Atkinson, "Security Architecture for the
Internet Protocol", RFC 2401, November 1998. Internet Protocol", RFC 2401, November 1998.
[13] Ellison, C., Frantz, B., Lampson, B., Rivest, R., Thomas, B., [13] Ellison, C., Frantz, B., Lampson, B., Rivest, R., Thomas, B.,
and T. Ylonen, "SPKI Certificate Theory", RFC 2693, and T. Ylonen, "SPKI Certificate Theory", RFC 2693,
September 1999. September 1999.
skipping to change at page 13, line 28 skipping to change at page 15, line 5
[16] Ramsdell, B., "Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions [16] Ramsdell, B., "Secure/Multipurpose Internet Mail Extensions
(S/MIME) Version 3.1 Message Specification", RFC 3851, (S/MIME) Version 3.1 Message Specification", RFC 3851,
July 2004. July 2004.
Author's Address Author's Address
Simon Josefsson Simon Josefsson
Email: simon@josefsson.org Email: simon@josefsson.org
Appendix A. Copying conditions
Regarding the portion of this document that was written by Simon
Josefsson ("the author", for the remainder of this section), the
author makes no guarantees and is not responsible for any damage
resulting from its use. The author grants irrevocable permission to
anyone to use, modify, and distribute it in any way that does not
diminish the rights of anyone else to use, modify, and distribute it,
provided that redistributed derivative works do not contain
misleading author or version information. Derivative works need not
be licensed under similar terms.
Intellectual Property Statement Intellectual Property Statement
The IETF takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any The IETF takes no position regarding the validity or scope of any
Intellectual Property Rights or other rights that might be claimed to Intellectual Property Rights or other rights that might be claimed to
pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in pertain to the implementation or use of the technology described in
this document or the extent to which any license under such rights this document or the extent to which any license under such rights
might or might not be available; nor does it represent that it has might or might not be available; nor does it represent that it has
made any independent effort to identify any such rights. Information made any independent effort to identify any such rights. Information
on the procedures with respect to rights in RFC documents can be on the procedures with respect to rights in RFC documents can be
found in BCP 78 and BCP 79. found in BCP 78 and BCP 79.
 End of changes. 

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