Additional Cryptography & TLS

rule_id: codeguard-0-additional-cryptography

Additional Cryptography & TLS

Apply modern, vetted cryptography for data at rest and in transit. Manage keys safely, configure TLS correctly, deploy HSTS, and consider pinning only when appropriate.

Algorithms and Modes

• Symmetric: AES‑GCM or ChaCha20‑Poly1305 preferred. Avoid ECB. CBC/CTR only with encrypt‑then‑MAC.
• Asymmetric: RSA ≥2048 or modern ECC (Curve25519/Ed25519). Use OAEP for RSA encryption.
• Hashing: SHA‑256+ for integrity; avoid MD5/SHA‑1.
• RNG: Use CSPRNG appropriate to platform (e.g., SecureRandom, crypto.randomBytes, secrets module). Never use non‑crypto RNGs.

Key Management

• Generate keys within validated modules (HSM/KMS) and never from passwords or predictable inputs.
• Separate keys by purpose (encryption, signing, wrapping). Rotate on compromise, cryptoperiod, or policy.
• Store keys in KMS/HSM or vault; never hardcode; avoid plain env vars. Use KEK to wrap DEKs; store separately.
• Control access to trust stores; validate updates; audit all key access and operations.

Data at Rest

• Encrypt sensitive data; minimize stored secrets; tokenize where possible.
• Use authenticated encryption; manage nonces/IVs properly; keep salts unique per item.
• Protect backups: encrypt, restrict access, test restores, manage retention.

TLS Configuration

• Protocols: TLS 1.3 preferred; allow TLS 1.2 only for legacy compatibility; disable TLS 1.0/1.1 and SSL. Enable TLS_FALLBACK_SCSV.
• Ciphers: prefer AEAD suites; disable NULL/EXPORT/anon. Keep libraries updated; disable compression.
• Key exchange groups: prefer x25519/secp256r1; configure secure FFDHE groups if needed.
• Certificates: 2048‑bit+ keys, SHA‑256, correct CN/SAN. Manage lifecycle and revocation (OCSP stapling).
• Application: HTTPS site‑wide; redirect HTTP→HTTPS; prevent mixed content; set cookies Secure.

HSTS

• Send Strict‑Transport‑Security only over HTTPS. Phase rollout:
  • Test: short max‑age (e.g., 86400) with includeSubDomains
  • Prod: ≥1 year max‑age; includeSubDomains when safe
  • Optional preload once mature; understand permanence and subdomain impact

Pinning

• Avoid browser HPKP. Consider pinning only for controlled clients (e.g., mobile) and when you own both ends.
• Prefer SPKI pinning with backup pins; plan secure update channels; never allow user bypass.
• Thoroughly test rotation and failure handling; understand operational risk.

Implementation Checklist

• AEAD everywhere; vetted libraries only; no custom crypto.
• Keys generated and stored in KMS/HSM; purpose‑scoped; rotation documented.
• TLS 1.3/1.2 with strong ciphers; compression off; OCSP stapling on.
• HSTS deployed per phased plan; mixed content eliminated.
• Pinning used only where justified, with backups and update path.

Test Plan

• Automated config scans (e.g., SSL Labs, testssl.sh) for protocol/cipher/HSTS.
• Code review for crypto API misuse; tests for key rotation, backup/restore.
• Pinning simulations for rotation/failures if deployed.