| name | configuring-certificate-authority-with-openssl |
| description | Use when a Certificate Authority (CA) is the trust anchor in a PKI hierarchy, responsible for issuing, signing, and revoking digital certificates. This skill covers building a two-tier CA hierarchy (Root CA + |
| domain | cybersecurity |
| subdomain | cryptography |
| tags | ["cryptography","pki","certificate-authority","openssl","x509"] |
| version | 1.0 |
| author | oyi77 |
| license | Apache-2.0 |
| nist_csf | ["PR.DS-01","PR.DS-02","PR.DS-10"] |
Configuring Certificate Authority with OpenSSL
Overview
A Certificate Authority (CA) is the trust anchor in a PKI hierarchy, responsible for issuing, signing, and revoking digital certificates. This skill covers building a two-tier CA hierarchy (Root CA + Intermediate CA) using OpenSSL and the Python cryptography library, including CRL distribution, OCSP responder configuration, and certificate policy management.
When to Use
Trigger phrases:
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"configuring certificate authority with openssl"
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"A Certificate Authority (CA) is the trust anchor in a PKI hierarchy, responsible"
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When deploying or configuring configuring certificate authority with openssl capabilities in your environment
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When establishing security controls aligned to compliance requirements
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When building or improving security architecture for this domain
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When conducting security assessments that require this implementation
Prerequisites
- Familiarity with cryptography concepts and tools
- Access to a test or lab environment for safe execution
- Python 3.8+ with required dependencies installed
- Appropriate authorization for any testing activities
Objectives
- Create a Root CA with self-signed certificate
- Create an Intermediate CA signed by the Root CA
- Issue server and client certificates from the Intermediate CA
- Configure Certificate Revocation Lists (CRLs)
- Implement certificate policies and constraints
- Build a complete PKI hierarchy programmatically
Key Concepts
This section covers key concepts for configuring certificate authority with openssl.
- Ensure all prerequisites are met before proceeding
- Follow the documented workflow steps in sequence
- Record results and any anomalies encountered during this phase
CA Hierarchy
Root CA (offline, air-gapped)
|
+-- Intermediate CA (online, operational)
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+-- Server Certificates
+-- Client Certificates
+-- Code Signing Certificates
Certificate Extensions
| Extension | Purpose | Critical |
|---|
| basicConstraints | CA:TRUE/FALSE, pathLenConstraint | Yes |
| keyUsage |
