This blog post explores how a Certificate Authority (CA) could maliciously issue a certificate with a valid signature but an impossibly distant expiration date, far beyond the CA's own validity period. This "fake future" certificate wouldn't trigger typical browser warnings because the signature checks out. However, by comparing the certificate's notAfter date with Signed Certificate Timestamps (SCTs) from publicly auditable logs, inconsistencies can be detected. These SCTs provide proof of inclusion in a log at a specific time, effectively acting as a timestamp for when the certificate was issued. If the SCT is newer than the CA's validity period but the certificate claims an older issuance date within that validity period, it indicates potential foul play. The post further demonstrates how this discrepancy can be checked programmatically using open-source tools.
Mozilla's code signing journey began with a simple, centralized system using a single key and evolved into a complex, multi-layered approach. Initially, all Mozilla software was signed with one key, posing significant security risks. This led to the adoption of per-product keys, offering better isolation. Further advancements included build signing, allowing for verification even before installer creation, and update signing to secure updates delivered through the application. The process also matured through the use of hardware security modules (HSMs) for safer key storage and automated signing infrastructure for increased efficiency. These iterative improvements aimed to enhance security by limiting the impact of compromised keys and streamlining the signing process.
HN commenters generally praised the article for its clarity and detail in explaining a complex technical process. Several appreciated the focus on the practical, real-world challenges and compromises involved, rather than just the theoretical ideal. Some shared their own experiences with code signing, highlighting additional difficulties like the expense and bureaucratic hurdles, particularly for smaller developers. Others pointed out the inherent limitations and potential vulnerabilities of code signing, emphasizing that it's not a silver bullet security solution. A few comments also discussed alternative or supplementary approaches to software security, such as reproducible builds and better sandboxing.
Summary of Comments ( 43 )
https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=43285671
Hacker News users discuss the practicality and implications of the blog post's method for detecting malicious Sub-CAs. Several commenters point out the difficulty of implementing this at scale due to the computational cost and potential performance impact of checking every certificate against a large CRL set. Others express concerns about the feasibility of maintaining an up-to-date list of suspect CAs, given their dynamic nature. Some question the overall effectiveness, arguing that sophisticated attackers could circumvent such checks. A few users suggest alternative approaches like using DNSSEC and DANE, or relying on operating system trust stores. The overall sentiment leans toward acknowledging the validity of the author's points while remaining skeptical of the proposed solution's real-world applicability.
The Hacker News post "How to distrust a CA without any certificate errors" sparked a discussion with several insightful comments. Many commenters engaged with the core concept of the blog post, which explored how a Certificate Authority (CA) could potentially manipulate certificates without triggering typical browser warnings.
One commenter highlighted the difficulty in detecting this type of manipulation, emphasizing that the trust model inherently relies on the CA. They pointed out the unlikelihood of a user independently verifying the certificate chain, especially given the complexity involved. This reinforced the article's point about the potential vulnerability.
Another commenter discussed the "certificate pinning" technique, which involves hardcoding expected certificate information into an application. While effective against the specific attack described in the article, they acknowledged that it's not a widespread solution and introduces its own set of management challenges, such as the need to update pinned certificates regularly.
The conversation also touched upon the broader issues of trust and security in the digital landscape. One commenter expressed a general lack of trust in CAs, citing past incidents of compromised CAs and questionable practices. This sentiment resonated with other users who echoed concerns about the centralized nature of the CA system.
Some commenters suggested alternative approaches to enhance security. One idea involved using DNSSEC combined with DANE (DNS-based Authentication of Named Entities), allowing domain owners to specify which CAs are authorized to issue certificates for their domain. Another suggestion was to explore decentralized identity solutions, moving away from the reliance on centralized CAs altogether.
Several comments also delved into the technical details of the attack described in the article, with users discussing specific aspects of certificate validation and the potential implications for different browsers and operating systems. There was some debate about the practicality of the attack and the likelihood of it being exploited in the wild, with some arguing that the complexity involved would make it a less attractive option for attackers.
Overall, the comments section reflected a general understanding of the potential vulnerabilities associated with the current CA system and a desire for more robust and transparent security solutions. While no single solution emerged as a clear winner, the discussion provided valuable insights into the challenges and potential future directions of certificate management and online trust.