CCA Control Vector Translation in TR-31 Optional Blocks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current key management systems lack methods for mapping proprietary key data structures, such as the Common Cryptographic Architecture (CCA) Control Vector (CV), to standardized key blocks like TR-31, which is essential for secure key exchange and management across different vendor systems.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to validate parameters, compute the required length for CV data, prepare an optional block, convert the CV to a standardized format, and update the optional block data within the TR-31 key block, enabling secure translation and recording of key control information for export and import operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary key data structures (CCA CV) are used in key management systems, then key control information can be securely managed within vendor-specific boundaries, but interoperability with standardized key blocks (TR-31) cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an optional block as an intermediary container within the TR-31 key block structure. This optional block holds the CCA control vector data in its proprietary format, acting as a mediator that allows TR-31 systems to carry CCA-specific control information without requiring full structural transformation. The optional block serves as a bridge between the standardized TR-31 format and proprietary CCA data structures, enabling interoperability while preserving vendor-specific implementations.
2Reliability
If key control information is cryptographically bound in proprietary formats, then security within vendor boundaries is maintained, but translation to standardized formats loses key token information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the CCA control vector data within an optional block that is nested inside the TR-31 key block structure. This nesting approach allows the proprietary CCA data to be contained within the standardized TR-31 format, preserving all key token information during translation. The nested structure enables the system to maintain security bindings while ensuring no information is lost during format conversion, as the original CCA data remains intact within the nested optional block.
3Ease of operation
If direct mapping methods are implemented between CCA CV and TR-31 key blocks, then translation capability is achieved, but key material exposure risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the control vector data from the proprietary CCA structure and places it into a separately defined optional block within the TR-31 key block. This extraction separates the control information from the key material, allowing translation capability while maintaining security boundaries. The optional block contains only the control vector parameters, not the actual key material, enabling safe translation without exposing sensitive cryptographic data.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer program product is provided and includes a tangible storage medium readable by a processing circuit and on which instructions are stored for execution by the processing circuit for validating parameters passed to a parameter database, computing a length required for control vector CV data, preparing an optional block in accordance with a result of the computation, converting the CV to a format for a standardized key block while copying the converted CV into the optional block and updating optional block data in the standardized key block.