Key management

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  1. Key Management

Introduction

Key management is a fundamental aspect of securing any system, and this is especially true within the context of a MediaWiki installation. While often overlooked by beginners, robust key management is critical for protecting sensitive data, ensuring the integrity of your wiki, and maintaining user trust. This article provides a comprehensive overview of key management principles as they apply to MediaWiki, covering concepts from basic encryption to advanced strategies for key storage and rotation. We will explore the *why*, *what*, *how*, and *when* of managing cryptographic keys effectively. This is not just about technical implementation; it’s about establishing a security culture around key handling.

Why is Key Management Important?

At its core, key management deals with the generation, storage, distribution, use, and eventual destruction of cryptographic keys. These keys are the foundation of many security mechanisms used in MediaWiki and modern web applications generally. Here's why it's so vital:

  • **Data Confidentiality:** Keys encrypt data, rendering it unreadable to unauthorized parties. Without properly managed keys, sensitive information like user passwords, internal configuration details, and potentially even content, could be exposed.
  • **Data Integrity:** Keys are used in digital signatures to verify the authenticity and integrity of data. Compromised keys can allow attackers to forge signatures, modifying content and potentially causing significant damage to the wiki's reputation and reliability.
  • **Authentication & Authorization:** Keys underpin secure authentication protocols (like TLS/SSL) and can be used to verify the identity of users and systems. Weak key management can lead to impersonation attacks.
  • **Compliance:** Many regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) require organizations to implement appropriate security measures, including robust key management practices.
  • **Defense in Depth:** Key management forms a crucial layer in a defense-in-depth strategy. Even if other security measures fail, strong key management can limit the damage. A well-managed key infrastructure is a cornerstone of a resilient system.

What are Cryptographic Keys?

Before diving into management strategies, let’s clarify what we mean by “cryptographic keys.” There are several types:

  • **Symmetric Keys:** Used for both encryption and decryption. They are faster but require a secure method for sharing the key between parties. Examples include AES (Advanced Encryption Standard) and DES (Data Encryption Standard, now largely deprecated). Think of it like a shared secret.
  • **Asymmetric Keys (Public/Private Key Pairs):** Comprise a public key (which can be freely distributed) and a private key (which must be kept secret). The public key encrypts data, and the corresponding private key decrypts it. Used for digital signatures and secure key exchange. Algorithms include RSA, ECC (Elliptic Curve Cryptography), and DSA (Digital Signature Algorithm).
  • **Hashing Keys (Salts):** Not strictly encryption keys, but crucial for password security. Salts are random data added to passwords before hashing, making rainbow table attacks significantly harder. SHA-256 and Argon2 are common hashing algorithms.
  • **Session Keys:** Temporary symmetric keys used for a single communication session, often negotiated using asymmetric cryptography.

In the context of MediaWiki, keys are used for:

  • **TLS/SSL Encryption:** Securing communication between users and the server (HTTPS). This requires a key pair and a certificate.
  • **Password Hashing:** Storing user passwords securely.
  • **Cookie Encryption:** Protecting sensitive data stored in cookies.
  • **API Authentication:** Securing access to the MediaWiki API.
  • **Database Encryption:** Protecting the contents of the MediaWiki database (if implemented).

How to Manage Keys in a MediaWiki Environment

Effective key management requires a multi-faceted approach. Here's a breakdown of essential strategies:

1. **Key Generation:**

   *   **Use Strong Random Number Generators (RNGs):**  Keys must be generated using cryptographically secure RNGs.  Avoid predictable or weak RNGs.  Modern operating systems provide suitable RNGs (e.g., `/dev/urandom` on Linux/Unix).
   *   **Appropriate Key Length:**  Use sufficiently long keys.  For example, for AES, 256-bit keys are generally preferred over 128-bit keys for higher security.  For RSA, 2048-bit or 4096-bit keys are recommended.
   *   **Automated Key Generation:**  Automate the key generation process to reduce the risk of human error and ensure consistency.

2. **Key Storage:** This is arguably the most critical aspect of key management.

   *   **Hardware Security Modules (HSMs):** The most secure option. HSMs are dedicated hardware devices designed to store and manage cryptographic keys. They provide physical protection and tamper resistance.  Expensive, but suitable for high-security environments.  [1](https://www.thalesgroup.com/en/products/hardware-security-modules)
   *   **Key Management Systems (KMS):**  Software-based solutions for managing keys.  They offer features like key generation, storage, rotation, and access control.  More affordable than HSMs but require careful security configuration. [2](https://aws.amazon.com/kms/)
   *   **Encrypted Configuration Files:** Storing keys in encrypted configuration files is a common approach, but requires careful attention to detail.  The encryption key used to protect the configuration file must itself be securely managed.  Avoid storing encryption keys directly in the configuration file!
   *   **Environment Variables:**  Storing keys as environment variables can be a convenient option, but they can be vulnerable to exposure if the server environment is compromised.
   *   **Avoid Hardcoding:** *Never* hardcode keys directly into application code. This is a major security vulnerability.

3. **Key Rotation:**

   *   **Regular Rotation:**  Keys should be rotated (replaced) periodically, even if there's no known compromise.  This limits the impact of a potential key breach.  The frequency of rotation depends on the sensitivity of the data and the risk tolerance.
   *   **Automated Rotation:**  Automate the key rotation process to minimize disruption and ensure consistency.
   *   **Graceful Transition:** Implement a graceful transition period during key rotation to avoid service interruptions.

4. **Access Control:**

   *   **Least Privilege:**  Grant access to keys only to those individuals or systems that absolutely need it.
   *   **Role-Based Access Control (RBAC):**  Assign permissions based on roles, rather than individual users.
   *   **Auditing:**  Log all access to keys to detect and investigate suspicious activity.

5. **Key Destruction:**

   *   **Secure Deletion:**  When a key is no longer needed, it must be securely deleted to prevent unauthorized recovery.  This involves overwriting the key data multiple times.
   *   **HSM-Based Destruction:** HSMs typically provide secure key destruction mechanisms.

MediaWiki Specific Considerations

  • **`LocalSettings.php`:** The primary configuration file for MediaWiki. Securely store any keys used for encryption or authentication within this file, *using encrypted storage methods whenever possible*.
  • **`$wgSessionSecret`:** A crucial setting in `LocalSettings.php` used for session management. This *must* be a strong, randomly generated secret and should be regularly rotated.
  • **TLS/SSL Certificates:** Ensure your MediaWiki installation is served over HTTPS. Obtain a valid SSL/TLS certificate from a trusted Certificate Authority (CA). [3](https://letsencrypt.org/) (Let's Encrypt) provides free certificates.
  • **Extension Security:** When installing extensions, carefully review their security practices and ensure they don't introduce vulnerabilities related to key management.
  • **Database Encryption:** Consider encrypting your MediaWiki database for an extra layer of security. This often requires database-specific configuration and key management. [4](https://www.percona.com/blog/2020/03/23/mysql-8-0-database-encryption-overview/)

Tools and Technologies

Best Practices & Further Reading


Conclusion

Key management is not a one-time task but an ongoing process. By implementing the strategies outlined in this article, you can significantly enhance the security of your MediaWiki installation and protect your valuable data. Remember to prioritize security, stay informed about best practices, and adapt your key management practices to the evolving threat landscape. Effective key management is an investment in the long-term integrity and reliability of your wiki.

Security MediaWiki administration HTTPS Database security User authentication Extension security Configuration Encryption Passwords TLS/SSL

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