matrix-org / matrix-org/matrix-spec
E2E encrypted attachments hashes should cover IV & key data too
- Dominant language
- HTML
- Stars
- 330
- Forks
- 150
- Avg merge
- 2h 21m
- Merged PRs (30d)
- 3
Description
We include a H(ciphertext) in the metadata of our encrypted attachments to ensure that the media repo doesn't swap out the ciphertext on us. However, we don't protect the IV & key data, which is a problem for antivirus scanners which need to be sure they have the right IV & key data to decrypt a file in order to scan it. Instead we should include H(ciphertext, IV, key) - or something, but it needs to be properly thought through
Contributor guide
Research direction
Start by locating the Matrix specification's encrypted-attachment metadata definition and reviewing how ciphertext, IV, and key data are represented. Determine the integrity design needed by antivirus scanners, then document the agreed protocol behavior; the issue notes that this requires careful thought and has no linked implementation or test.
Written by the indexing model from the issue text.
Assessment
- Domain
- cryptography, security
- Issue type
- Feature
- Difficulty
- 5/5
- Estimated time
- Over a week
- Activity status
- Stale
- Clarity
- Needs clarification
- Newbie friendliness
- 20/100