Help us improve your experience.

Let us know what you think.

Do you have time for a two-minute survey?

 
 

FIPS Self-Tests Overview

The cryptographic module enforces security rules to ensure that the Juniper Networks Junos operating system (Junos OS) in FIPS mode meets the security requirements of FIPS 140-3 Level 2. To validate the output of cryptographic algorithms approved for FIPS and test the integrity of some system modules, the device performs the following series of known answer test (KAT) self-tests:

  • kernel_kats—KAT for kernel cryptographic routines

  • md_kats—KAT for libmd and libc

  • openssl_kats—KAT for OpenSSL cryptographic implementation

  • quicksec_7_0_kats—KAT for Quicksec Toolkit cryptographic implementation

  • octcrypto_kats—KAT for Octeon

  • JSF_Crypto_(Octeon)_KATS—KAT for JSF crypto octeon

The KAT self-tests are performed automatically at startup. Conditional self-tests are also performed automatically to verify digitally signed software packages, generated random numbers, RSA and ECDSA key pairs, and manually entered keys.

If the KATs are completed successfully, the system log (syslog) file is updated to display the tests that were executed.

If one of the KATs fail, the device panics and reboot continuously. The device can be recovered using USB install.

The file show /var/log/messages command displays the system log.

Proceed with normal operation after the reboot is complete. If an error occurs, please contact the Juniper Networks Technical Assistance Center (JTAC).

Performing Power-On Self-Tests on the Device

Each time the cryptographic module is powered on, the module tests that the cryptographic algorithms still operate correctly and that sensitive data has not been damaged. Power-on self-tests are performed on demand by power cycling the module.

On powering on or resetting the device, the module performs the following self-tests. All KATs must be completed successfully prior to any other use of cryptography by the module. If one of the KATs fail, the module enters the Critical Failure error state.

If the device fails a KAT, the device writes the details to a system log file, enters FIPS error state (panic), and reboots.

The module displays the following status output while performing the power-on self-tests:

Note:

The module implements cryptographic libraries and algorithms that are not utilized in the approved mode of operation.