Security Considerations for ipseckey

The ipseckey command enables a privileged user to enter sensitive cryptographic keying information. If an adversary gains access to this information, the adversary can compromise the security of IPsec traffic. You should consider the following issues when you handle keying material and use the ipseckey command:

1. Have you refreshed the keying material? Periodic key refreshment is a fundamental security practice. Key refreshment guards against potential weaknesses of the algorithm and keys, and limits the damage of an exposed key.

2. Is the TTY going over a network? Is the ipseckey command in interactive mode?

   • In interactive mode, the security of the keying material is the security of the network path for this TTY's traffic. You should avoid using the ipseckey command over a clear-text telnet or rlogin session.

   • Even local windows might be vulnerable to attacks by a concealed program that reads window events.

3. Is the file being accessed over the network? Can the file be read by the world? Have you used the -f option?

   • An adversary can read a network-mounted file as the file is being read. You should avoid using a world-readable file that contains keying material.

   • Protect your naming system. If the following two conditions are met, then your host names are no longer trustworthy:

     • Your source address is a host that can be looked up over the network

     • Your naming system is compromised

Security weaknesses often lie in misapplication of tools, not the actual tools. You should be cautious when using the ipseckey command. Use a console or other hard-connected TTY for the safest mode of operation.