Linux - Open Source White Papers
Analysis of the Linux Random Number Generator
Overview Linux is the most popular open source project. The Linux random number generator is part of the kernel of all Linux distributions and is based on generating randomness from entropy of operating system events. The output of this generator is used for almost every security protocol, including TLS/SSL key generation, choosing TCP sequence numbers, and file system and email encryption. This paper presents a description of the underlying algorithms and exposes several security vulnerabilities. In addition the authors present a few cryptographic flaws in the design of the generator, as well as measurements of the actual entropy collected by it, and a critical analysis of the use of the generator in Linux distributions on disk-less devices.
| Publisher | Hebrew University of Jerusalem | File Format | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Date Published | March 2006 | ||
| Format | White Papers | ||
| Topics | |||
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