ipsecalgs Command

The Cryptographic Framework provides authentication and encryption algorithms to IPsec. The ipsecalgs command can list the algorithms that each IPsec protocol supports. The ipsecalgs configuration is stored in the /etc/inet/ipsecalgs file. Typically, this file does not need to be modified. However, if the file needs to be modified, use the ipsecalgs command. The file must never be edited directly. The supported algorithms are synchronized with the kernel at system boot by the svc:/network/ipsec/ipsecalgs:default service.

The valid IPsec protocols and algorithms are described by the ISAKMP domain of interpretation (DOI), which is covered by RFC 2407. In a general sense, a DOI defines data formats, network traffic exchange types, and conventions for naming security-relevant information. Security policies, cryptographic algorithms, and cryptographic modes are examples of security-relevant information.

Specifically, the ISAKMP DOI defines the naming and numbering conventions for the valid IPsec algorithms and for their protocols, PROTO_IPSEC_AH and PROTO_IPSEC_ESP. Each algorithm is associated with exactly one protocol. These ISAKMP DOI definitions are in the /etc/inet/ipsecalgs file. The algorithm and protocol numbers are defined by the Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA). The ipsecalgs command makes the list of algorithms for IPsec extensible.

For more information about the algorithms, refer to the ipsecalgs(1M) man page. For more information about the Cryptographic Framework, see Chapter 11, Cryptographic Framework (Overview), in Oracle Solaris 11.1 Administration: Security Services.