IOS Common Cryptographic Module (IC2M)
Firmware version: Rel5a
FIPS 140-2 Non-Proprietary Security Policy
Level 1 Validation
Version 2.0
May 3, 2022
Table of Contents
1 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................................... 3
1.1 PURPOSE............................................................................................................................. 3
1.2 MODULE VALIDATION LEVEL ............................................................................................ 3
1.3 REFERENCES....................................................................................................................... 3
1.4 TERMINOLOGY ................................................................................................................... 4
1.5 DOCUMENT ORGANIZATION ............................................................................................... 4
2 CISCO IOS COMMON CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE (IC2M) ................................... 5
2.1 CRYPTOGRAPHIC MODULE CHARACTERISTICS................................................................... 5
2.2 MODULE INTERFACES......................................................................................................... 6
2.3 ROLES AND SERVICES......................................................................................................... 6
2.4 PHYSICAL SECURITY .......................................................................................................... 8
2.5 CRYPTOGRAPHIC KEY MANAGEMENT................................................................................ 8
2.6 CRYPTOGRAPHIC ALGORITHMS ........................................................................................ 10
2.7 SELF-TESTS ...................................................................................................................... 12
2.8 AES GCM IV GENERATION............................................................................................. 13
3 SECURE OPERATION OF THE IC2M ........................................................................... 13
4 CONSIDERATIONS FOR USING IC2M.......................................................................... 14
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1 Introduction
1.1 Purpose
This is a non-proprietary Cryptographic Module Security Policy for Cisco’s IOS Common
Cryptographic Module (IC2M), Firmware Version: Rel5a, This security policy describes how the
module meets the security requirements of FIPS 140-2 Level 1 and how to run the modules in a
FIPS 140-2 mode of operation and may be freely distributed.
FIPS 140-2 (Federal Information Processing Standards Publication 140-2 — Security
Requirements for Cryptographic Modules) details the U.S. Government requirements for
cryptographic modules. More information about the FIPS 140-2 standard and validation program
is available on the NIST website at http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/index.html.
1.2 Module Validation Level
The following table lists the level of validation for each area in the FIPS PUB 140-2.
No. Area Title Level
1 Cryptographic Module Specification 1
2 Cryptographic Module Ports and Interfaces 1
3 Roles, Services, and Authentication 1
4 Finite State Model 1
5 Physical Security 1
6 Operational Environment N/A
7 Cryptographic Key management 1
8 Electromagnetic Interface/Electromagnetic Compatibility 1
9 Self-Tests 1
10 Design Assurance 1
11 Mitigation of Other Attacks N/A
Overall module validation level 1
Table 1 Module Validation Level
1.3 References
This document deals only with operations and capabilities of the IC2M (Firmware Version:
Rel5a) listed above in section 1 in the technical terms of a FIPS 140-2 cryptographic module
security policy. More information is available on the routers from the following sources:
For answers to technical or sales related questions please refer to the contacts listed on
the Cisco Systems website at www.cisco.com.
The NIST Validated Modules website
(http://csrc.nist.gov/groups/STM/cmvp/validation.html) contains contact information
for answers to technical or sales-related questions for the module.
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1.4 Terminology
In this document, Cisco IOS Common Cryptographic Module is referred to as IC2M or the
module.
1.5 Document Organization
The Security Policy document is part of the FIPS 140-2 Submission Package. In addition to this
document, the Submission Package contains:
Vendor Evidence document
Finite State Machine
Other supporting documentation as additional references
This document provides an overview of the IC2M identified in section 1 above and explains the
secure configuration and operation of the module. This introduction section is followed by
Section 2, which details the general features and functionality of the appliances. Section 3
specifically addresses the required configuration for the FIPS-mode of operation.
With the exception of this Non-Proprietary Security Policy, the FIPS 140-2 Validation
Submission Documentation is Cisco-proprietary and is releasable only under appropriate non-
disclosure agreements. For access to these documents, please contact Cisco Systems.
© Copyright 2022 Cisco Systems, Inc. 5
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2 Cisco IOS Common Cryptographic Module (IC2M)
This module provides the FIPS validated cryptographic algorithms for services requiring those
algorithms. The module does not implement any protocols directly. Instead, it provides the
cryptographic primitives and functions to allow IOS to implement those various protocols.
2.1 Cryptographic Module Characteristics
Figure 1 - Cisco IC2M logical block diagram
The module’s logical block diagram is shown in Figure 1 above. The red dashed line area
denotes the logical cryptographic boundary of the module. While the red solid line denotes the
physical cryptographic boundary of the module which is the enclosure of the system on which
the module is executed.
The IC2M is a single binary object file, sub_crypto_ic2m_k9.o (Cisco IOS) classed as a multi-
chip standalone firmware, cryptographic module. It is capable of being utilized and is validated
on any platform running Cisco IOS containing the hardware listed in table 2:
Processor Operating System Platform
Intel Xeon L52XX
IOS-XE 17.3
Cisco ASR1K RP2
Intel Xeon D-15XX Cisco ASR1K RP3
Intel Atom C25XX Cisco ISR 4321
Table 2 - Tested Platforms
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2.2 Module Interfaces
The physical ports of the Module are the same as the system on which it is executing. The logical
interface is a C-language application program interface (API).
The Data Input interface consists of the input parameters of the API functions. The Data Output
interface consists of the output parameters of the API functions. The Control Input interface
consists of the actual API functions. The Status Output interface includes the return values of the
API functions.
The module provides logical interfaces to the system, and is mapped to the following FIPS 140-2
defined logical interfaces: data input, data output, control input, status output, and power. The
logical interfaces and their mapping are described in the following table:
Interface Description
Date Input API input parameters
plaintext and/or ciphertext data
Data Output API output parameters
plaintext and/or ciphertext data
Control Input API function calls
function calls, or input arguments that specify
commands and control data used to control the
operation of the module
Status Output API return codes
function return codes, error codes, or output arguments
that receive status information used to indicate the
status of the module
Table 3 - Logical Interfaces Details
2.3 Roles and Services
The Module meets all FIPS 140-2 level 1 requirements for Roles and Services, implementing
both Crypto Officer and User roles, which are classed as processes. As allowed by FIPS 140-2,
the Module does not support user authentication for these roles, which is handled by the system
implementing IC2M. Only one role may be active at a time and the Module does not allow
concurrent operators.
The User and Crypto Officer roles are implicitly assumed by the entity accessing services
implemented by the Module.
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• Installation of the Crypto Module which is embedded in the IOS image and installed on
the IOS platform is assumed implicitly as the Crypto Officer when install occurs.
The services available only in FIPS mode to the Crypto Officer and User roles consist of the
following:
Services Access CSPs Crypto
Officer
User
Encryption/decryption* execute Symmetric keys AES, Triple-DES X X
Hash (HMAC)** execute HMAC SHA-1 key X X
Key agreement*** execute DH and ECDH public/private key X X
Key generation* Write/execute Symmetric key AES, Triple-DES X X
Key transport*** execute Asymmetric private key RSA X X
Message Digest
(SHS)**
execute None X X
Perform Self-Tests Execute/read N/A X X
Random number
generator
execute seed X X
Show Status Execute N/A X X
Signature signing*** execute Asymmetric private key ECDSA,
RSA
X X
Signature
verification***
execute Asymmetric public key ECDSA,
RSA
X X
IKE/IPsec, SSH,
SNMP, sRTP Key
Establishment
execute skeyid, skeyid_d, IKE session
encrypt key, IKE session
authentication key, IPsec
encryption key, IPsec
authentication key, SSH Session
Key, SNMPv3 Password,
snmpEngineID, SNMP session
key, sRTP master key, sRTP
encryption key, sRTP
authentication key
X X
Zeroization execute Symmetric key, asymmetric key,
HMAC-SHA-1 key, seed, skeyid,
skeyid_d, IKE session encrypt
key, IKE session authentication
key, IPsec encryption key, IPsec
authentication key, SSH Session
Key, SNMPv3 Password,
snmpEngineID, SNMP session
key, sRTP master key, sRTP
encryption key, sRTP
authentication key
X X
Table 4 – Services
Note: Services marked with a single asterisk (*) may use non-compliant encryption algorithms
(DES, RC2, RC4, or SEAL). Use of these algorithms are prohibited in a FIPS-approved mode of
operation.
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Note: Services marked with a double asterisk (**) may use non-compliant hashing algorithms
(HMAC-MD5, MD2, or MD5). Use of these non-compliant hashing algorithms are prohibited in
a FIPS-approved mode of operation and shall not be used.
Note: Services marked with a triple asterisk (***) may use non-compliant encryption strengths
for EC Diffie-Hellman, Diffie-Hellman and RSA. Use of these non-compliant encryption
strengths are prohibited in a FIPS-approved mode of operation and shall not be used. Refer to
section 2.6 for descriptions of the minimum required encryption strengths for compliance.
2.4 Physical Security
The module obtains its physical security from any platform running Cisco IOS with production
grade components as allowed by FIPS 140-2 level 1.
2.5 Cryptographic Key Management
Keys that reside in internally allocated data structures can only be accessed using the Module
defined API. The operating system protects memory and process space from unauthorized
access. Zeroization of sensitive data is performed automatically by API function calls for
intermediate data items, and on demand by the calling process using the module provided API
function calls provided for that purpose.
Zeroization consists of overwriting the memory that store the key or refreshing the volatile
memory. Keys can also be zeroized by cycling the power.
The module supports the following keys and critical security parameters (CSPs):
Key/CSP Name Generation/
Algorithm
Description Storage and
Zeroization
Asymmetric
private key
RSA, ECDSA RSA: 2048-4096 bits
ECDSA: P-256, P-384
Used for signature
generation
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
Diffie-Hellman
private key
DH DH: 2048-4096 bits
Used for key
agreement
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
EC Diffie-
Hellman private
key
ECDH ECDH:, P-256, P-384,
P-521
Used for key
agreement
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
Firmware integrity
key
HMAC-SHA-256 Integrity test at power-
on. Key embedded
within module
Stored in plaintext and
zeroized by uninstalling
the module
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HMAC-SHS Key FIPS 198 SHA-1, 256, 384 and
512
Message authentication
code key
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
Symmetric Key AES, Triple-DES AES: 128, 192, 256
bits
Triple-DES: 168 bits
Used for symmetric
encryption/decryption
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
DRBG entropy
input
SP 800-90A
CTR_DRBG
This is the entropy for
SP 800-90A RNG.
Zeroized with
generation of new seed
DRBG seed SP 800-90A
CTR_DRBG
This is the seed for SP
800-90A RNG.
Zeroized with
generation of new seed
DRBG V SP 800-90A
CTR_DRBG
Internal V value used
as part of SP
800-90A CTR_DRBG
Zeroized with
generation of new seed
DRBG Key SP 800-90A
CTR_DRBG
Internal Key value used
as part of SP
800-90A CTR_DRBG
Zeroized with
generation of new seed
Diffie-Hellman
public key
DH DH: 2048-4096 bits
Used for key
agreement
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
EC Diffie-
Hellman public
key
ECDH ECDH:, P-256, P-384,
P-521
Used for key
agreement
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
Asymmetric
public key
RSA, ECDSA RSA: 2048-4096 bits
ECDSA: P-256, P-384
Used for signature
verification.
RSA: Also used for
key transport
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
skeyid HMAC-SHA-1
(160-bits)
Value derived from the
shared secret within
IKE exchange.
Zeroized when IKE
session is terminated.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
skeyid_d HMAC-SHA-1
(160-bits)
The IKE key derivation
key for non ISAKMP
security associations.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
IKE session
encrypt key
Triple-DES (168-
bits/AES
(128/192/256-bits)
The IKE session
encrypt key.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
IKE session
authentication key
HMAC-SHA-1
(160-bits)
The IKE session
authentication key.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
IPsec encryption
key
Triple-DES (168-
bits/AES
(128/192/256-bits)
The IPSec encryption
key.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
IPsec
authentication key
HMAC-SHA-1
(160-bits)
The IPSec
authentication key.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
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SSH Session Key Triple-DES (168-
bits/AES
(128/192/256-bits)
This is the SSH v2
session key.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
SNMPv3
Password
Shared Secret ( 8
– 25 characters)
The password use to
setup SNMP v3
connection.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
snmpEngineID Shared Secret (32-
bits)
A unique string used to
identify the SNMP
engine.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
SNMP session key AES
(128 bits)
Encryption key used to
protect SNMP traffic.
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
sRTP master key AES
(128 bits)
Key used to generate
sRTP session keys
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
sRTP encryption
key
AES
(128 bits)
Key used to
encrypt/decrypt sRTP
packets
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
sRTP
authentication key
HMAC Key used to
authenticate sRTP
packets
Stored and zeroized
outside the module in
the host OS
Table 5 - Cryptographic Keys and CSPs
Note: The minimum 256-bits of random data from application will be required to be loaded.
Failure to do this will result in an error when the DRBG is instantiated. No assurance of the
minimum strength of generated key.
All cryptographic keys are provided to the Module by the calling process and are destroyed when
released by the appropriate API function calls. The Module does not perform persistent storage
of keys.
2.6 Cryptographic Algorithms
The module implements a variety of approved and non-approved algorithms.
Approved Cryptographic Algorithms
The cryptographic module supports the following FIPS-140-2 approved algorithm
implementations:
1
KTS (AES Cert. #A1462; key establishment methodology provides 128 bits of encryption strength); AES Key
Wrap 128-bit.
Algorithm Algorithm Certificate Number
AES A1462
KTS (800-38F)1
A1462
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Table 6 - Approved Cryptographic Algorithms
Note 1: Per NIST SP 800-131A, Two-key Triple-DES is no longer be allowed for use in an
approved mode of operation after 1 January 2015.
Note 2: Please note that 3-key Triple-DES has been implemented in the module and is FIPS
approved until December 31, 2023. Should the CMVP disallow the usage of Triple-DES post-
December 31, 2023, then users must not configure Triple-DES beyond this date.
Non-FIPS Approved Algorithms Allowed in FIPS Mode:
The module supports the following non-FIPS approved algorithms which are permitted for use in
the FIPS approved mode:
• RSA (key wrapping; key establishment methodology provides 112 or 128 bits of
encryption strength; non-compliant less than 112 bits of encryption strength)
Non-Approved Cryptographic Algorithms
• DES
• HMAC-MD5
• MD2
• MD5
• RC2
• RC4
• SEAL
• TLS 1.0/1.1 KDF
2
There is no other part of protocols (IKEv2, SSH, sRTP and SNMPv3), except the KDF, have been reviewed or
tested by the CAVP and CMVP. Please refer IG D.11, bullet 2 for more information.
3
The resulting symmetric key or a generated seed is an unmodified output from the DRBG.
Algorithm Algorithm Certificate Number
DRBG A1462
CVL2
(800-135 KDF) A1462
KAS-SSC (SP800-56a
rev3)
A1462
ECDSA A1462
HMAC A1462
RSA A1462
SHS A1462
Triple-DES A1462
KBKDF (SP 800-108) A1462
CKG 3
Vendor affirmed
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2.7 Self-Tests
The modules include an array of self-tests that are run automatically during startup and
periodically when called during operations to prevent any secure data from being released and to
insure all components are functioning correctly.
Self-tests performed
• IC2M Self Tests
o POSTs - IOS Common Crypto Module algorithm implementation
• Firmware Integrity Test (HMAC SHA-256)
• AES-CBC (encrypt/decrypt) KATs
• AES-GCM (encrypt/decrypt) KATs
• AES-CMAC KAT
• DRBG KAT
• ECDSA Sign/Verify PWCT
• HMAC-SHA-1 KAT
• HMAC-SHA-256 KAT
• HMAC-SHA-384 KAT
• HMAC-SHA-512 KAT
• DH (Diffie-Hellman) Shared Secret Computation KAT (SP800-56arev3)
• ECDH Shared Secret Computation KAT (SP800-56arev3)
• RSA KAT
• SHA-1 KAT
• SHA-256 KAT
• SHA-384 KAT
• SHA-512 KAT
• Triple-DES (encrypt/decrypt) KATs
• KBKDF KAT
• SP800-135 KDF: IKEv2 KDF, SNMP v3 KDF, SSH KDF, SRTP KDF
• Conditional tests
▪ Pairwise consistency test for RSA Sign/Verify
▪ Pairwise consistency test for RSA Key Wrapping
▪ Pairwise consistency test for ECDSA
▪ Continuous random number generation test for approved DRBG
The module inhibits all access to cryptographic algorithms during initialization and self-tests due
to the process architecture in use. Additionally, the power-on self-tests are performed after the
cryptographic systems are initialized but prior to the underlying OS initialization of external
interfaces; this prevents the security appliances from passing any data before completing self-
tests and entering FIPS mode. In the event of a power-on self-test failure, the cryptographic
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module will force the IOS platform to reload and reinitialize the operating system and
cryptographic module. This operation ensures no cryptographic algorithms can be accessed
unless all power on self-tests are successful.
In addition to the automatic operation at cryptographic module initialization time, self-tests can
also be initiated on demand by the Crypto Officer or User by issuing the operating system
command which invokes the module’s “crypto_engine_nist_run_self_tests() function.”
2.8 AES GCM IV Generation
The module’s AES-GCM implementation conforms to IG A.5, scenario #3: When operating in a
FIPS approved mode of operation, the IV is constructed in its entirety internally
deterministically, consisting of 96 bits as specified in SP800-38D, section 8.2.1.4
3 Secure Operation of the IC2M
The module is completely and permanently embedded into the greater IOS operating
system. There are no installation considerations besides the typical loading of the larger IOS
system. That is, the imbedded IC2M firmware module cannot be modified, replaced or upgraded
except by loading a new IOS version in its entirety.
The Module functions entirely within the process space of the process that invokes it, and thus
satisfies the FIPS 140-2 requirement for a single user mode of operation.
The following policy must always be followed in order to achieve a FIPS 140-2 mode of
operation:
• Calling the function ic2m_init() initializes the cryptographic module and place the module in
the FIPS-approved mode of operation. During system bring up the O/S(IOS) will call init
functions for each of its subsystems, in this case ic2m_init(). ic2m_init() is the default entry
point for IC2M. ic2m_init() then calls the POST and does not return to the O/S until the POST
completes. No other tasks are being run at this time, so no data is passed.
• Only FIPS approved or allowed algorithms and key sizes shall be used. Please refer to section
2.6 for more information.
• In the event that the Module power is lost and restored, a new key for use with the AES GCM
encryption/decryption shall be established.
4
The module uses 32 bits of the IV field as a name and uses 64 bits as a deterministic non-repetitive counter for
combined IV length of 96 bits.
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• In accordance with CMVP IG A.13, when operating in a FIPS approved mode of operation, the
same Triple-DES key shall not be used to encrypt more than 2^20 64-bit data blocks. Each of
SSH and IPSec protocols governs the generation of the respective Triple- DES keys. Refer to
RFC 4253 (SSH) and RFC 6071 (IPSec) for details relevant to the generation of the individual
Triple-DES encryption keys. The user is responsible for ensuring the module limits the number
of encryptions with the same key to 2^20.
Upon power-up the Module, the module will run its power-up self-tests. Successful completion
of the power-up self-tests indicates the module has passed the self-tests and is ready within the
IOS. If an error occurs during the self-test the module outputs the following message:
requesting a reload of the OS. %CRYPTO-0-SELF_TEST_FAILURE: Encryption self-test
failed (<failing test description>) where <failing test description> identifies the name of the
self-test that failed.
4 Considerations for using IC2M
The IC2M cryptographic module will function the same way and provide the same security
services on any Cisco product using IOS or IOS-XE software, including:
• Cisco 1000 Series Aggregated Services Routers (ASR)
• Cisco 900 Series Aggregated Services Routers (ASR)
• Cisco 901 Series Aggregated Services Routers (ASR)
• Cisco 800 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
• Cisco 1900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
• Cisco 2900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
• Cisco 3900 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
• Cisco 4000 Series Integrated Services Routers (ISR)
• Cisco 5900 Series Embedded Services Routers (ESR)
• Cisco Catalyst 2960 Series Switches
• Cisco Catalyst 3560 Series Switches
• Cisco Catalyst 3650 Series Switches
• Cisco Catalyst 3750 Series Switches
• Cisco Catalyst 3850 Series Switches
• Cisco Catalyst 4500 Series Switches
• Cisco IE 2000 Series Switches
• Cisco IE 3000 Series Switches
• Cisco IE 4000 Series Switches
• Cisco IE 5000 Series Switches
• Cisco Aironet 3700 Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 2700 Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 1700 Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 3600 Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 2600 Series Access Points
© Copyright 2022 Cisco Systems, Inc. 15
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• Cisco Aironet 1600 Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 700w Series Access Points
• Cisco Aironet 700 Series Access Points
• VG300 Series Analog Voice Gateway
By printing or making a copy of this document, the user agrees to use this information for
product evaluation purposes only. Sale of this information in whole or in part is not
authorized by Cisco Systems.