149 – Set minimum size of symmetric encryption

Summary

The symmetric encryption mechanism must use a minimum key size of 128 bits.

Description

As the key size increases, the number of possible key combinations grows significantly. Each additional bit in the key size doubles the number of possible keys. A 128-bit key provides a larger key space compared to shorter key sizes, making it more resistant to brute force attacks. Widely used symmetric encryption algorithms, such as Advanced Encryption Standard (AES), use a 128-bit key size as the default or minimum recommended key length.

Supported In

Essential: True

Advanced: True

References

• CAPEC-20. Encryption brute forcing
• HIPAA-164_312_a_2_iv. Encryption and decryption (addressable)
• HITRUST-10_g. Key management
• FEDRAMP-SC-12_2. Cryptographic key establishment and management - Symmetric keys
• ISO27002-8_24. Use of cryptography
• IEC62443-DC-4_3. Use of cryptography
• ISSAF-H_14_17. Network security - Intrusion detection (detection engine)
• BSAFSS-EN_2-4. Avoid weak encryption
• SIG-D_6_13_1. Asset and information management
• ASVS-6_2_1. Algorithms
• ASVS-6_2_7. Algorithms
• ISO27001-8_24. Use of cryptography
• CASA-6_2_7. Algorithms
• OWASPMASVS-CRYPTO-1. The app employs current strong cryptography and uses it according to industry best practices

Weaknesses

• 133 – Insecure encryption algorithm - Perfect Forward Secrecy
• 016 – Insecure encryption algorithm - SSL/TLS
• 052 – Insecure encryption algorithm
• 092 – Insecure encryption algorithm - Anonymous cipher suites
• 094 – Insecure encryption algorithm - Cipher Block Chaining

Last updated

2024/01/18