© 2008 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. www.blackberry.com
This document may be freely reproduced and distributed whole and intact including this Copyright Notice.
FIPS 140-2 Security Policy
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel
Versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c
Document Version 1.1
Security Certifications Team
Research In Motion (RIM)
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c
© 2008 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. www.blackberry.com
Document and Contact Information
Version Date Author Description
1.0 29 February 2008 Sean Sandrock Document creation.
1.1 4 March 2008 Sean Sandrock Various modifications.
Contact Corporate Office
Security Certifications Team
certifications@rim.com
(519) 888-7465 ext. 72921
Research In Motion
295 Phillip Street
Waterloo, Ontario
Canada N2L 3W8
www.rim.com
www.blackberry.com
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c
© 2008 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. www.blackberry.com
Contents
Introduction ....................................................................................................................... 1
Cryptographic Module Specification.................................................................................. 2
Cryptographic Module Ports and Interfaces...................................................................... 4
Roles, Services, and Authentication ................................................................................. 5
Physical Security............................................................................................................... 7
Cryptographic Keys and Critical Security Parameters ...................................................... 8
Self-Tests.......................................................................................................................... 9
Mitigation of Other Attacks.............................................................................................. 11
Glossary.......................................................................................................................... 12
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c
© 2008 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. www.blackberry.com
List of Tables
Table 1. Implementation of FIPS 140-2 Interfaces......................................................................... 4
Table 2. Module Services............................................................................................................... 5
Table 3. Role Selection by Module Service.................................................................................... 5
Table 4. Cryptographic Keys and CSPs......................................................................................... 8
Table 5. Module Self-Tests............................................................................................................. 9
Table 6. Attack Types................................................................................................................... 11
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c
© 2008 Research In Motion Limited. All rights reserved. www.blackberry.com
List of Figures
Figure 1. BlackBerry Solution Architecture..................................................................................... 1
Figure 2. Physical Boundary........................................................................................................... 3
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c 1
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Introduction
BlackBerry® is the leading wireless solution that allows users to stay connected to a full suite of
applications, including email, phone, enterprise applications, Internet, SMS, and organiser
information. BlackBerry is a totally integrated package that includes innovative software,
advanced BlackBerry wireless devices and wireless network service, providing a seamless
solution. The BlackBerry architecture is shown in the following figure.
Figure 1. BlackBerry Solution Architecture
BlackBerry devices are built on industry-leading wireless technology, allowing users to receive
email and information automatically with no need to request for delivery. Additionally, users are
notified when new information arrives, making it easier to stay informed.
BlackBerry devices also provide an intuitive user experience. Users simply click on an email
address, telephone number, or URL inside a message to automatically begin composing the new
email, make the call, or link to the web page. BlackBerry device users can also easily navigate
through icons, menus, and options with the roll-and-click trackwheel or trackball, and quickly
compose messages or enter data using the device keyboard.
Each BlackBerry device1
contains the BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel, a firmware module that
provides the cryptographic functionality required for basic operation of the device. The
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel, hereafter referred to as cryptographic module or module,
provides the following cryptographic services:
• Data encryption and decryption
• Message digest and authentication code generation
• Random data generation
• Digital signature verification
• Elliptic curve key agreement
More information on the BlackBerry solution is available from http://www.blackberry.com/.
1
Excludes RIM 850™, RIM 950™, RIM 857™, and RIM 957™ wireless handheld devices.
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Cryptographic Module Specification
Security Functions
The cryptographic module is a firmware module that implements the following FIPS-Approved
security functions2
:
• AES-256 ASM Code (encrypt and decrypt), as specified in FIPS 197. The
implementation supports the CBC and CTR modes of operation and has been awarded
certificate numbers 736 and 737 on the AES Validation List.
• AES-256 Native Code (encrypt and decrypt), as specified in FIPS 197. The
implementation supports the CBC and CTR modes of operation and has been awarded
certificate numbers 734 and 735 on the AES Validation List.
• Triple DES (encrypt and decrypt), as specified in FIPS 46-3. The implementation
supports the CBC mode of operation and has been awarded certificate numbers 653 and
654 on the Triple DES Validation List.
• SHA-1, -256, and -512, as specified in FIPS 180-2. The implementation has been
awarded certificate numbers 751 and 752 on the SHS Validation List.
• HMAC SHA-1, -256, and -512, as specified in FIPS 198. The implementation has been
awarded certificate numbers 400 and 401 on the HMAC Validation List.
• FIPS 186-2 RNG, as specified in FIPS 186-2. The implementation uses SHA-1 as the
function G and has been awarded certificate numbers 428 and 429 on the RNG
Validation List.
• RSA PKCS#1 (signature verification), as specified in PKCS #1, version 2.1. The
implementation has been awarded certificate numbers 344 and 345 on the RSA
Validation List.
• ECDSA (signature verification), as specified in FIPS 186-2 and ANSI X9.62. The
implementation has been awarded certificate numbers 78 and 79 on the ECDSA
Validation List. The implementation supports elliptic curve K-571.
The module implements the following non-Approved security functions that, per FIPS 140-2
Annex D: Approved Key Establishment Techniques for FIPS PUB 140-2, may presently be used
in a FIPS-Approved mode of operation:
• EC Diffie-Hellman (key agreement, key establishment methodology provides 256 bits of
encryption strength), as specified in IEEE P1363 Draft 13. The implementation supports
elliptic curves P-521 and K-571.
• ECMQV (key agreement, key establishment methodology provides 256 bits of encryption
strength), as specified in IEEE P1363 Draft 13. The implementation supports elliptic
curves P-521 and K-571.
Modes of Operation
The module does not have a non-Approved mode of operation and, consequently, always
operates in a FIPS-Approved mode of operation.
2
A security function is FIPS-Approved if it is explicitly listed in FIPS 140-2 Annex A: Approved Security Functions
for FIPS PUB 140-2.
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Conformance Testing and FIPS-Compliance
For the purposes of FIPS 140-2 conformance testing, the module was executed on the
BlackBerry 8300 Smartphone and, per FIPS 140-2 Implementation Guidance G.5, remains FIPS-
compliant when executed on other BlackBerry devices.
Conformance testing was performed using BlackBerry device software version 4.3. In order for
the module to remain validated on a specific handheld device, both the module and the tested
operating platform shall be ported to any device unchanged.
Cryptographic Boundary
The physical boundary of the module is the physical boundary of the BlackBerry device that
executes the module and is shown in the following figure. Consequently, the embodiment of the
module is multiple-chip standalone.
Figure 2. Physical Boundary
Determining the Module Version
The operator may determine the version of the module on a BlackBerry device by performing the
following operations:
1. Navigate to the Options list.
2. Click the About item.
3. The About screen appears and displays the module version, e.g. “Cryptographic Kernel
v3.8.5.11c”.
Device Physical Boundary
Application
Operating System
Module
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Cryptographic Module Ports and Interfaces
The module ports correspond to the physical ports of the BlackBerry device executing the
module, and the module interfaces correspond to the logical interfaces to the module. The
following table describes the module ports and interfaces.
Table 1. Implementation of FIPS 140-2 Interfaces
FIPS 140-2
Interface
Module Ports Module Interfaces
Data Input
Keyboard, microphone, USB port, headset
jack, wireless modem, Bluetooth® wireless
radio
Input parameters of module function calls
Data Output
Speaker, USB port, headset jack, wireless
modem, Bluetooth wireless radio
Output parameters of module function calls
Control Input
Keyboard, USB port, trackwheel, trackball,
escape button, backlight button, phone
button
Module function calls
Status Output USB port, LCD screen, LED Return codes of module function calls
Power Input USB port Not supported
Maintenance Not supported Not supported
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c 5
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Roles, Services, and Authentication
Roles
The module supports a User and Crypto Officer role. The module does not support a
maintenance role. The module does not support multiple or concurrent operators and is intended
for use by a single operator, thus it always operates in a single-user mode of operation.
Services
The services described in the following table are available to the operator.
Table 2. Module Services
Service Description
Reset
Resets the module. The module may be reset by pressing the Alt + Right Shift +
Backspace key combination or power cycling the module.
View Status Displays the status of the module.
Inject Master Key
Replaces the existing Master Key with a new Master Key. The new Master Key is
created outside the cryptographic boundary for this service.
Perform Key Agreement
Creates a new Master Key and uses it to replace the existing Master Key. The new
Master Key is created cooperatively by performing key agreement with the BlackBerry
Enterprise Server™.
Inject PIN Master Key
Replaces the existing PIN Master Key with a new PIN Master Key. The new PIN Master
Key is created outside the cryptographic boundary and is encrypted for input into the
module for this service.
Generate Session Key
Generates a Session Key or a PIN Session Key. This service is performed automatically
on behalf of the operator during the Encrypt Data service.
Encrypt Data
Encrypts data that is to be sent from the device. A Session Key is automatically
generated via the Generate Session Key service and used to encrypt the data. The
Session Key is encrypted with the Master Key and then the encrypted data and
encrypted Session Key are ready for transmission.
Decrypt Data
Decrypts data that has been received by the device. The encrypted Session Key is
decrypted with the Master Key and is then used to decrypt the data. This service is
performed automatically on behalf of the operator.
Generate HMAC Generates a message authentication code.
Perform Self-Tests Executes the module self-tests.
Verify Signature
Verifies the digital signature of an IT policy received by the device. This service is
performed automatically on behalf of the operator.
Authentication
The module does not support operator authentication. Roles are implicitly selected based on the
service performed by the operator. Implicit role selection is summarised in the following table, as
are the keys and critical security parameters (CSPs) that are affected by each service.
Table 3. Role Selection by Module Service
Service
Role Implicitly
Selected
Affected Keys and
CSPs
Access to Keys and
CSPs
Reset User N/A N/A
View Status User N/A N/A
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Service
Role Implicitly
Selected
Affected Keys and
CSPs
Access to Keys and
CSPs
Inject Master Key Crypto Officer Master Key Write
Perform Key Agreement Crypto Officer
ECC Key Pair Execute
Master Key Write
Inject PIN Master Key Crypto Officer PIN Master Key Write
Generate Session Key User
Session Key /
PIN Session Key
Write
Encrypt Data User
Master Key /
PIN Master Key
Execute
Session Key /
PIN Session Key
Execute
Decrypt Data User
Master Key /
PIN Master Key
Execute
Session Key /
PIN Session Key
Execute
Generate HMAC User HMAC Key Execute
Perform Self-Tests User Software Integrity Key Execute
Verify Signature User ECC Public Key Execute
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Physical Security
The BlackBerry device that executes the module is manufactured using industry standard
integrated circuits and meets the FIPS 140-2 Level 1 physical security requirements.
BlackBerry Cryptographic Kernel versions 3.8.5.11b and 3.8.5.11c 8
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Cryptographic Keys and Critical Security Parameters
The following table describes the cryptographic keys, key components, and CSPs utilised by the
module.
Table 4. Cryptographic Keys and CSPs
Key / CSP Description
Master Key
A Triple DES or AES-256 key used to encrypt and decrypt Session Keys.
The Master Key can be generated outside the cryptographic boundary and
input into the module, or created cooperatively with the BlackBerry Enterprise
Server through key agreement.
Session Key
A Triple DES or AES-256 key used to encrypt and decrypt data. The module
generates Session Keys using the implemented FIPS 186-2 RNG.
PIN Master Key
A Master Key that is specifically a Triple DES key used to encrypt and
decrypt PIN Session Keys. The PIN Master Key is generated outside the
cryptographic boundary and input into the module.
PIN Session Key
A Session Key that is specifically a Triple DES key used to encrypt and
decrypt data for PIN messaging. The module generates PIN Session Keys
using the implemented FIPS 186-2 RNG.
Software Integrity Key A RSA public key used to verify the integrity of the module software.
ECC Key Pair A key pair used to perform key agreement over elliptic curves.
ECC Public Key A public key used to verify digital signatures over elliptic curves
HMAC Key
A key used to calculate a message authentication code using the HMAC
algorithm.
Key Zeroization
The BlackBerry security solution provides multiple protective features to ensure algorithmic keys
and key components are protected. Similarly, data, and specifically key, removal through
zeroization is built in as an integral part of the BlackBerry security package. Keys will be
automatically zeroized in the event that a user fails password entry repeatedly. A user may also
request a zeroization at anytime by navigating to the Options list and selecting “Wipe Handheld”
via the Security Options Æ General Settings.
Whether the zeroization is initiated by an attacker, user, or administrator, handheld memory will
be erased, destroying all key material and user specific data.
Moreover, session keys that are created per datagram are destroyed after each data fragment is
sent.
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Self-Tests
The module implements the self-tests described in the following table.
Table 5. Module Self-Tests
Test Description
Software Integrity Test
The module implements an integrity test for the module software by verifying
its 1024-bit RSA signature. The software integrity test passes if and only if
the signature verifies successfully using the Software Integrity Key.
AES-256 CAT
The module implements a compare answer test (CAT) for the AES-256
variants. The test passes if and only if the calculated output of each variant is
compared and confirmed as congruent.
Triple DES CBC KAT
The module implements a KAT for Triple DES in the CBC mode of operation.
The test passes if and only if the calculated output equals the expected
output.
SHA-1 KAT
The module implements a KAT for SHA-1. The KAT passes if and only if the
calculated output equals the expected output.
SHA-256 KAT
The module implements a KAT for SHA-256. The KAT passes if and only if
the calculated output equals the expected output.
SHA-512 KAT
The module implements a KAT for SHA-512. The KAT passes if and only if
the calculated output equals the expected output.
HMAC SHA-1 KAT
The module implements a KAT for HMAC SHA-1. The KAT passes if and
only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
HMAC SHA-256 KAT
The module implements a KAT for HMAC SHA-256. The KAT passes if and
only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
HMAC SHA-512 KAT
The module implements a KAT for HMAC SHA-512. The KAT passes if and
only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
RSA Verify KAT
The module implements a KAT for RSA signature verification. The test
passes if and only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
ECDSA Verify KAT
The module implements a KAT for ECDSA signature verification. The test
passes if and only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
FIPS 186-2 RNG KAT
The module implements a KAT for the FIPS 186-2 RNG. The KAT passes if
and only if the calculated output equals the expected output.
Continuous RNG Test
The module implements a continuous RNG test, as specified in FIPS 140-2,
for the implemented FIPS 186-2 RNG.
All self-tests, except the Continuous RNG Test, are executed during power-up without requiring
operator input or action. The Software Integrity Test is the first self-test executed during power-
up.
Invoking the Self-Tests
The operator may invoke the power-up self-tests by resetting the module via the Reset service.
The operator may also invoke all of the self-tests with the exception of the Software Integrity Test
and Continuous RNG test by performing the following operations:
1. Navigate to the Security options screen.
2. Click the General Settings option item.
3. Depending on the handheld model, click the trackwheel or trackball to open the General
Settings options menu.
4. In the menu, click Verify Security Software.
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When the self-tests are executed in this manner, the module displays the list of self-tests that are
being executed and a pass/fail status upon completion.
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Mitigation of Other Attacks
The module is designed to mitigate multiple side-channel attacks specific to the AES algorithm.
Mitigation of these attacks is accomplished through the execution of table masking, splitting, and
stirring manoeuvres designed to aid in the protection of cryptographic keys and plain text data at
all points during the encryption, decryption, and self-test operations.
The following table describes the types of attacks the module mitigates.
Table 6. Attack Types
Attack type Description
Side-Channel • attempts to exploit physical properties of the algorithm implementation using Power
Analysis (for example, SPA and DPA) and Electro-Magnetic Analysis (for example, SEMA
and DEMA)
• attempts to determine the encryption keys that a device uses by measuring and analyzing
the power consumption, or electro-magnetic radiation, emitted by the device during
cryptographic operations
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Glossary
AES Advanced Encryption Standard
ANSI American National Standards Institute
CBC Cipher block chaining
CSP Critical security parameter
DES Data Encryption Standard
EC Elliptic curve
ECC Elliptic curve cryptography
ECDSA Elliptic curve Digital Signature Algorithm
ECMQV Elliptic curve Menezes, Qu, Vanstone
FIPS Federal Information Processing Standard
HMAC Keyed-hashed message authentication code
IEEE Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers
KAT Known answer test
LCD Liquid crystal display
LED Light emitting diode
PIN Personal identification number
PKCS Public Key Cryptography Standard
PUB Publication
RIM Research In Motion
RNG Random number generator
RSA Rivest, Shamir, Adleman
SHA Secure Hash Algorithm
SHS Secure Hash Standard
SMS Short Messaging Service
URL Uniform resource locator
USB Universal serial bus