RFC 3281 (rfc3281) - Page 1 of 40
An Internet Attribute Certificate Profile for Authorization
Alternative Format: Original Text Document
Network Working Group S. Farrell
Request for Comments: 3281 Baltimore Technologies
Category: Standards Track R. Housley
RSA Laboratories
April 2002
An Internet Attribute Certificate
Profile for Authorization
Status of this Memo
This document specifies an Internet standards track protocol for the
Internet community, and requests discussion and suggestions for
improvements. Please refer to the current edition of the "Internet
Official Protocol Standards" (STD 1) for the standardization state
and status of this protocol. Distribution of this memo is unlimited.
Copyright Notice
Copyright (C) The Internet Society (2002). All Rights Reserved.
Abstract
This specification defines a profile for the use of X.509 Attribute
Certificates in Internet Protocols. Attribute certificates may be
used in a wide range of applications and environments covering a
broad spectrum of interoperability goals and a broader spectrum of
operational and assurance requirements. The goal of this document is
to establish a common baseline for generic applications requiring
broad interoperability as well as limited special purpose
requirements. The profile places emphasis on attribute certificate
support for Internet electronic mail, IPSec, and WWW security
applications.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction................................................. 2
1.1 Delegation and AC chains............................... 4
1.2 Attribute Certificate Distribution ("push" vs. "pull"). 4
1.3 Document Structure..................................... 6
2. Terminology.................................................. 6
3. Requirements................................................. 7
4. Attribute Certificate Profile................................ 7
4.1 X.509 Attribute Certificate Definition................. 8
4.2 Profile of Standard Fields............................. 10
4.2.1 Version.......................................... 10
4.2.2 Holder........................................... 11
Farrell & Housley Standards Track