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Understanding FIPS Self-Tests

The cryptographic module enforces security rules to ensure that the Juniper Networks Junos operating system (Junos OS) in FIPS mode meets the security requirements of FIPS 140-2 Level 1. To validate the output of cryptographic algorithms approved for FIPS and test the integrity of some system modules, the device performs the following series of known answer test (KAT) self-tests:

  • kernel_kats—KAT for kernel cryptographic routines

  • md_kats—KAT for libmd and libc

  • openssl_kats—KAT for OpenSSL cryptographic implementation

  • quicksec_kats—KAT for QuickSec Toolkit cryptographic implementation

  • ssh_ipsec_kats—KAT for SSH IPsec Toolkit cryptographic implementation

  • macsec_kats—KAT for MACsec cryptographic implementation

The KAT self-tests are performed automatically at startup. Conditional self-tests are also performed automatically to verify digitally signed software packages, generated random numbers, RSA and ECDSA key pairs, and manually entered keys.

If the KATs are completed successfully, the system log (syslog) file is updated to display the tests that were executed.

If there is KAT failure, the device writes the details to a system log file, enters FIPS error state (panic) and reboots.

The file show /var/log/messages command displays the system log.

You can also run FIPS self-test by issuing request vmhost reboot command. You can see the FIPS self-test logs on the console when the system is coming up.