Cited by 532Advanced Authentication Protocols SecurityUser Authentication and Security SystemsCryptography and Data Security

Strong password-only authenticated key exchange

Open access
Jablon, David P.·1996·ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review

Abstract

A new simple password exponential key exchange method (SPEKE) is described. It belongs to an exclusive class of methods which provide authentication and key establishment over an insecure channel using only a small password, without risk of offline dictionary attack. SPEKE and the closely-related Diffie-Hellman Encrypted Key Exchange (DH-EKE) are examined in light of both known and new attacks, along with sufficient preventive constraints. Although SPEKE and DH-EKE are similar, the constraints are different. The class of strong password-only methods is compared to other authentication schemes. Benefits, limitations, and tradeoffs between efficiency and security are discussed. These methods are important for several uses, including replacement of obsolete systems, and building hybrid two-factor systems where independent password-only and key-based methods can survive a single event of either key theft or password compromise.

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Research works printed but not linked: 2

  1. -protocol, SPEKE, which appears to be at least as strong as the closely related DH-EKE method. Using only a small password, these methods provide authentication and key establishment over an insecure channel, and are immune to offline dictionary attack. A review of the classes of attack against these DH-based methods includes some new observations, and new constraints which are required to keep both methods safe. These constraints are listed as a convenience to implementors. Concerns raised about receiving unauthenticated DH parameters argue for the use of either a fixed huge modulus, or certified parameters, or the need for further research. In any case, it is practical to increase speed by using shorter exponents. Strong password-only methods have many uses, by themselves, or in multi-factor authentication systems. It is apparent that password-only methods can achieve things that no stored-key method can achieve, and vice-versa. A well-designed system can leverage the power of small, easily-memorized passwords, adding significant strength to the foundation for remote security.
  2. B. Schneier, "Applied Cryptography Second Edition", John Wiley & Sons, 1996.

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Authors
Jablon, D. P.
Affiliations
Integrity Sciences, Inc., Westboro, MA
Corresponding author
Jablon, David P.
Venue
ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review
Published
1996-10
Volume
26
Issue
5
Pages
5-26
ISSN
0146-4833 (ISSN-L)
OpenAlex
W2133432179
Cited by
532
References
15
Citations by year
2026: 4 · 2025: 6 · 2024: 8 · 2023: 8 · 2022: 12 · 2021: 19 · 2020: 8 · 2019: 13 · 2018: 16 · 2017: 13 · 2016: 11 · 2015: 22 · 2014: 17 · 2013: 25 · 2012: 10
FWCI
8.01
Type
journal article
Language
en
Open access
Locations
ACM SIGCOMM Computer Communication Review (publishedVersion)
Topics
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Computer Networks and Communications › Advanced Authentication Protocols Security
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Information Systems › User Authentication and Security Systems
  • Physical Sciences › Computer Science › Artificial Intelligence › Cryptography and Data Security
Keywords
authenticated key agreement, offline dictionary attack, attack analysis, two-factor authentication, password compromise

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