RFC 3281 (rfc3281) - Page 1 of 40

An Internet Attribute Certificate Profile for Authorization

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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
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