How to Check and Install Your Label Encodings File

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Your encodings file must be compatible with any Trusted Extensions host with which you are communicating.

Note - Trusted Extensions installs a default label_encodings file. This default file is useful for demonstrations. However, this file might not be a good choice for your use. If you plan to use the default file, you can skip this procedure.

If you are familiar with encodings files, you can use the following procedure.
If you are not familiar with encodings files, consult Trusted Extensions Label Administration for requirements, procedures, and examples.

Caution - You must successfully install labels before continuing, or the configuration will fail.

Before You Begin

You are the security administrator. The security administrator is responsible for editing, checking, and maintaining the label_encodings file. If you plan to edit the label_encodings file, make sure that the file itself is writable. For more information, see the label_encodings(4) man page.

To edit the label_encodings file, you must be in the root role.

Copy the label_encodings file to the disk.
To copy from portable media, see How to Copy Files From Portable Media in Trusted Extensions.
In a terminal window, check the syntax of the file.
1. Run the chk_encodings command.
```
# /usr/sbin/chk_encodings /full-pathname-of-label-encodings-file
```
2. Read the output and do one of the following:
  - Resolve errors.
    If the command reports errors, the errors must be resolved before continuing. For assistance, see Chapter 3, Creating a Label Encodings File in Trusted Extensions Label Administration.
  - Make the file the active label_encodings file.
```
# labeladm encodings full-pathname-of-label-encodings-file
```
Caution - Your label_encodings file must pass the Check Encodings test before you continue.

Example 1 Checking label_encodings Syntax on the Command Line

In this example, the administrator tests several label_encodings files by using the command line.

# /usr/sbin/chk_encodings /tmp/encodings/label_encodings1
No errors found in /tmp/encodings/label_encodings1
# /usr/sbin/chk_encodings /tmp/encodings/label_encodings2
No errors found in /tmp/encodings/label_encodings2

When management decides to use the label_encodings2 file, the administrator runs a semantic analysis of the file.

# /usr/sbin/chk_encodings -a /tmp/encodings/label_encodings2
No errors found in /tmp/encodings/label_encodings2

---> VERSION = MYCOMPANY LABEL ENCODINGS  3.0 10/10/2013

---> CLASSIFICATIONS <---

Classification 1: PUBLIC
Initial Compartment bits: 10
Initial Markings bits: NONE

---> COMPARTMENTS AND MARKINGS USAGE ANALYSIS <---
...
---> SENSITIVITY LABEL to COLOR MAPPING <---
...

The administrator prints a copy of the semantic analysis for the archive, then installs the file.

# labeladm encodings /tmp/encodings/label_encodings2

Finally, the administrator verifies that the label_encodings file is the company file.

# labeladm
     Labeling status: disabled
          Latest log: ""
Label encodings file: /var/tsol/encodings/label-encodings-file
# /usr/sbin/chk_encodings -a /var/tsol/encodings/label-encodings-file | head -4
No errors found in /var/tsol/encodings/label-encodings-file

---> VERSION = MYCOMPANY LABEL ENCODINGS  3.0 10/10/2013

Next Steps

You must reboot the system before configuring LDAP or creating labeled zones.