Topics in cryptography

• Main Author: Koh, Edison Rui Xuan
• Other Authors: Tay Kian Boon
• Format: Final Year Project
• Language: English
• Published: Nanyang Technological University 2024
• Subjects: Computer and Information Science; Cryptography
• Online Access: https://hdl.handle.net/10356/175101
• Institution: Nanyang Technological University

The effectiveness of cryptography depends heavily on the generation of truly random numbers to ensure security and reliability. The quality of these random numbers relies directly on how the pseudorandom number generator (PRNG) producing them are implemented. This project aims to understand potential vulnerabilities found in weak PRNGs to increase awareness and decrease accidental misuse of these PRNGs. This report will focus on the ANSI X9.17 PRNG, which utilises the deprecated 3DES symmetric encryption block cipher. The PRNG was tested using multiple randomness testing tools as well as analysis of potential vulnerabilities were investigated. Feasible attacks exploiting these vulnerabilities will be implemented to showcase the potential damage that can be caused through misuse of such PRNGs. This report will explain thoroughly the process of the ANSI X9.17 algorithm and the steps to exploit it.