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Understanding FIPS Self-Tests

The cryptographic module enforces security rules to ensure that an NFX device running the Juniper Networks Junos operating system (Junos OS) in FIPS mode meets the security requirements of FIPS 140-3 Level 1. To validate the output of cryptographic algorithms approved for FIPS and test the integrity of some system modules, the system performs the following series of known answer test (KAT) self-tests:

  • kernel_kats—KAT for kernel cryptographic routines

  • macsec_kats—KAT for MACsec cryptographic implementation

  • md_kats—KAT for libmd and libc

  • openssl-102_kats—KAT for OpenSSL v1.0.2 cryptographic implementation

  • openssl_kats—KAT for OpenSSL cryptographic implementation

  • quicksec-7_0_kats—KAT for QuickSec 7.0 Toolkit cryptographic implementation

  • quicksec_kats—KAT for QuickSec Toolkit cryptographic implementation

  • ssh_ipsec_kats—KAT for SSH IPsec Toolkit cryptographic implementation

The KAT self-tests are performed automatically at startup and reboot, regardless of whether FIPS mode is enabled on the NFX device. Conditional self-tests are also performed automatically to verify digitally signed software packages, generated random numbers, RSA and DSA 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.