On Fri, 2007-03-02 at 06:41 -0800, Hallam-Baker, Phillip wrote:
> Since we are drafting a requirement here we do not need to give the
> explanation in the detail given on the list.
> 
> The signing policy statement MUST be capable of fully describing a
> signing practice in which multiple signatures are always provided such
> that the policy is of utility to any verifier is capable of verifying
> any of the signatures that are always provided.
> 
> Such a mechanism MUST NOT
>     * Require the verifier to perform any additional DNS lookups.
>     * Require duplication of configuration data
>     * In particular not require the policy record to provide for the 
>       description of any cryptographic or cannonicalization algorithm

Without being able to specify the critical elements that must be found
within a superseding signature, there is no assurance that a spoofed and
unsupported signature has not replaced the stronger algorithm.  Spoofing
could be accomplished by simply listing a different query mechanism.  

> Rationale: The ability to specify multiple signatures is necessary in
> order to permit orderly transitions to new cryptographic and
> canonicalization algorithms. Unless the policy language is not
> sufficiently expressive to allow the signer to describe the actual
> signature practice in this case there is an opportunity for an
> attacker to exploit the fact that there are verifiers that do not yet
> support the new algorithm.

Perhaps I do not understand your last point then.

-Doug


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