Secure Firmware Download – Use Case Example

In this use case example, we will demonstrate the authentication of a firmware update. The example we've chosen uses asymmetric cryptography to establish a chain of trust to validate the update.

Preparing a Secure Digital Envelope

The Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM) Signer module contains a secure device with a unique set of Manufacturing Public and Private keys. It also contains a Manufacturing Certificate that has a digital signature root of trust which is a critical component in the Chain of Trust.

The Firmware Update is prepared to be sent to the field by the following steps:

1

The Firmware Update is processed by a Hash Function to create a Firmware Digest.

2

The Firmware Digest is signed by the Manufacturing Private Key (which is securely stored inside the OEM Signer CryptoAuthentication device).

3

a

A Digital Envelope is created containing the Firmware Update, Digital Signature, Manufacturing Public Key and Manufacturing Certificate.

b

The Manufacturing Public Key will be used to verify the Digital Signature.

c

The Manufacturing Certificate contains a digital signature of the Manufacturing Public Key by the Signing Authority.

The Digital Envelope can be delivered to the field via a USB Flash Drive, email, or download.

sfd-fig-01.png

Firmware Update in the Field

The Field Unit contains a CryptoAuthentication™ device. Contained in the device is the Authority Public Key.

The following steps verify that the Firmware Update is authentic:

1

The digital envelope arrives from the OEM.

2

a

The Manufacturing Certificate is validated against the Authority’s Public Key contained in the Field Unit.

b

If it verifies, go to Step 3.

c

Otherwise, if it does not verify, discard the Firmware Update and DO NOT update the Field Unit’s firmware.

3

The Firmware Update is processed by a Hash Function to create a Firmware Digest.

4

a

The Firmware Digest is verified against the Firmware Update’s Digital Signature and Manufacturing Public Key.

b

If it verifies, go to Step 5.

c

Otherwise, if it does not verify, discard the Firmware Update and DO NOT update the Field Unit’s firmware.

5

The Firmware Update has been verified as authentic. Proceed with the firmware update of the field unit.

sfd-fig-02.png
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