(19)
(11)EP 2 884 692 B1

(12)EUROPEAN PATENT SPECIFICATION

(45)Mention of the grant of the patent:
20.05.2020 Bulletin 2020/21

(21)Application number: 13290314.7

(22)Date of filing:  13.12.2013
(51)International Patent Classification (IPC): 
H04L 9/32(2006.01)
H04W 4/50(2018.01)
H04W 12/00(2009.01)
H04W 12/04(2009.01)
H04L 29/08(2006.01)
H04W 8/20(2009.01)
H04W 12/02(2009.01)
G06F 21/57(2013.01)

(54)

UPDATING SOFTWARE ON A SECURE ELEMENT

AKTUALISIEREN VON SOFTWARE AUF EINEM SICHEREN ELEMENT

MISE À JOUR DE LOGICIEL SUR UN ÉLÉMENT SÉCURISÉ


(84)Designated Contracting States:
AL AT BE BG CH CY CZ DE DK EE ES FI FR GB GR HR HU IE IS IT LI LT LU LV MC MK MT NL NO PL PT RO RS SE SI SK SM TR

(43)Date of publication of application:
17.06.2015 Bulletin 2015/25

(73)Proprietor: NXP B.V.
5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)

(72)Inventors:
  • Gouraud, Thierry
    Bruxelles (BE)
  • Warnez, Dimitri
    5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)
  • Lessiak, Andreas
    5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)
  • Siedel, Frank
    5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)
  • Haselsteiner, Ernst
    5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)
  • Meeusen, Rafael Jan Jozef
    5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)
  • Murray, Bruce
    5656AG Eindhoven (NL)

(74)Representative: Krott, Michel et al
NXP Semiconductors Intellectual Property & Licensing High Tech Campus 60
5656 AG Eindhoven
5656 AG Eindhoven (NL)


(56)References cited: : 
WO-A1-03/060673
US-A1- 2011 138 192
DE-A1- 19 925 389
  
      
    Note: Within nine months from the publication of the mention of the grant of the European patent, any person may give notice to the European Patent Office of opposition to the European patent granted. Notice of opposition shall be filed in a written reasoned statement. It shall not be deemed to have been filed until the opposition fee has been paid. (Art. 99(1) European Patent Convention).


    Description

    FIELD



    [0001] The present disclosure relates to a method of providing a software update to a secure element comprised in a host device. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to a method of installing a software update on a secure element comprised in a host device. Furthermore, the present disclosure relates to corresponding computer program products and to a corresponding host device.

    BACKGROUND



    [0002] Today, security plays an important role in many electronic devices and computing environments. For example, conventional mobile electronic devices may be used for payment transactions which require that sensitive payment-related data, such as user credentials, are input and/or stored on said devices. Such mobile electronic devices may for instance be equipped with a near field communication (NFC) interface based on radio frequency (RF) technology, in order to exchange payment-related data with a payment terminal device at a point-of-sale (POS).

    [0003] Traditionally, sensitive payment-related data have been incorporated into dedicated security tokens such as smart cards, in which the data are inherently confined to a relatively trusted environment. However, with the advent of integrated solutions, in particular the integration of so-called secure elements (SEs) in mobile devices, payment-related data are often exposed to a potentially hostile environment, and therefore the confidentiality of these data may be at stake.

    [0004] A secure element is often implemented as an embedded chip, more specifically as a tamper-resistant integrated circuit with (pre-) installed smart-card-grade applications, for instance payment applications, which have a prescribed functionality and a prescribed level of security. Alternatively, so-called Subscriber Identity Modules (SIMs) or Universal Subscriber Identity Modules (USIMs) may be used as secure elements. Furthermore, secure digital (SD) cards, such as traditional SD cards or micro-SD cards, may be used as secure elements. A secure element may be embedded in a mobile device or another host device, for example as a small outline package soldered directly on a printed circuit board. Alternatively, a secure element may be comprised in said mobile device as a removable component (e.g. a SIM or an SD card).

    [0005] Although a secure element offers a relatively secure environment for executing applications, it is relatively difficult to achieve and maintain this level of security, for example when operating components of the secure element need to be installed and/or configured. In particular if the software installed on a secure element needs to be updated, for example the secure element's operating system, then the secure element may be susceptible to attacks. Although many techniques exist for providing secure software updates, these techniques usually do not address updating software on secure elements of the kind set forth.
    For example, WO 2012/109640 A2 describes a secure software update that provides an update utility with an update definition, a private encryption key and a public signature key to a target device. A software update package is prepared on portable media that includes an executable update program, a checksum for the program that is encrypted with a symmetrical key, an encrypted symmetrical key that is encrypted with a public encryption key and a digital signature prepared with a private signature key. The update process authenticates the digital signature, decrypts the symmetrical key using the private encryption key, and decrypts the checksum using the symmetrical key. A new checksum is generated for the executable update program and compared to the decrypted checksum. If inconsistencies are detected during the update process, the process is terminated. Otherwise, the software update can be installed with a relatively high degree of assurance against corruption, viruses and third party interference.

    [0006] As another example, WO 2007/014314 A2 describes improved techniques to update software in electronic devices that are already in use. In one embodiment, software can be updated in a secure and controlled manner using cryptography. The authenticity of the updated software as well as its appropriateness for the particular electronic device can be confirmed prior to update. The software can also be updated on a per module basis. In one embodiment, a server hosts software updates for various electronic devices, and supplies the appropriate software update to the electronic devices via a data network.

    [0007] Further prior art solutions are disclosed in documents: WO 03/060673 A1 and US 2011/0138192 A1.

    [0008] Fig. 1 shows a conventional computing system in which a secure element is used. The computing system 100 comprises a host device 102, a host device vendor 108, a trusted service manager 110, and a secure element issuer 112. The host device 102 may for example be a so-called smart phone or a tablet equipped with NFC technology, as described above. The host device 102 comprises a central processing unit 104 and a secure element 106. In order to prepare the computing system 100 for use, the secure element issuer 112 issues a secure element 106 for integration into the host device 102. In addition, the secure element issuer 112, or the secure element producer (not shown) on their behalf, installs an initial version of an operating system on the secure element 106. It is noted that the operating system of the secure element 106 is referred to as "Secure OS" in the remainder of this document. Furthermore, the host device vendor 108 installs an initial version of an operating system of the host device 102 in the host device 102, typically in a Flash memory (not shown) of said host device 102. It is noted that the operating system of the host device 102 is referred to as "Host OS" in the remainder of this document.

    [0009] In use, both the Secure OS and the Host OS may have to be updated, for example in order to provide additional security features or other functionality. Typically, the host device vendor 108 is responsible for installing updates of the Host OS on the host device 102. For example, many host devices are nowadays configured to automatically receive and install broadcasted updates of the Host OS. An example of such a regularly updated Host OS is the Android operating system. The Secure OS may also have to be updated on a regular basis. However, in this case, a third party referred to as a trusted service manager (TSM) 110 typically acts as an intermediate for installing updates of the Secure OS. In particular, since the secure element issuer 112 no longer has access to secure elements which are already in the field (i.e. in use), it provides updates of the Secure OS to the trusted service manager 110. Subsequently, the trusted service manager 110 manages the installation of the Secure OS updates on the secure element 106.

    [0010] Unfortunately, however, the mechanisms used to install these updates on the secure element 106 are typically quite cumbersome. In particular, they rely on hardware-specific encryption methods which are complicated and inflexible. Also, they typically require setting up secure point-to-point communication channels between secure elements and trusted service managers. In view thereof, there exists a need to facilitate and simplify the installation of operating system updates on secure elements. It is noted that the same problem may occur if other software updates have to be installed on secure elements; in other words, this problem is not limited to updates of the Secure OS. Thus, in more general terms, there exists a need to facilitate and simplify the installation of software updates on secure elements of the kind set forth.

    [0011] WO 03/060673 A1 describes a method of loading data, such as software, into a mobile terminal, where the data is loaded from a loading station, and the data comprises payload data and header data. The mobile terminal accepts the data conditioned on a verification process based on the header data. The step of receiving the data further comprises the steps of receiving a header message including the header data from the loading station by the mobile terminal, verifying the received header data by the mobile terminal, and receiving at least a first payload message including the payload data, if the header data is verified successfully.

    SUMMARY



    [0012] The above object is achieved by means of the accompanying set of claims 1 to 11. There is disclosed a method of providing a software update to a secure element comprised in a host device, comprising converting the software update into a sequence of ciphertext blocks using a chained encryption scheme, and transmitting said sequence of ciphertext blocks to the host device.

    [0013] According to an illustrative embodiment, converting the software update comprises generating each ciphertext block of the sequence, except the first ciphertext block, by encrypting a plaintext block that comprises a part of the software update.

    [0014] According to a further illustrative embodiment, the plaintext block is encrypted with a key that is comprised in a previous ciphertext block of the sequence.

    [0015] According to a further illustrative embodiment, the first ciphertext block of the sequence is generated by encrypting, with a root key, a key to be used for generating the second ciphertext block of the sequence.

    [0016] According to a further illustrative embodiment, the sequence of ciphertext blocks is cryptographically signed before it is transmitted to the host device.

    [0017] According to a further illustrative embodiment, said sequence of ciphertext blocks is integrated into a software update for the host device.

    [0018] Furthermore, there is disclosed a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when being executed by a processing unit, cause said processing unit to carry out or control steps of a method of providing a software update of the kind set forth.

    [0019] Furthermore, there is disclosed a method of installing a software update on a secure element comprised in a host device, comprising receiving, by the host device, a sequence of ciphertext blocks representing the software update, said sequence having been generated by a method of providing a software update of the kind set forth, converting said sequence of ciphertext blocks into the software update, and installing the software update on the secure element.

    [0020] According to a further illustrative embodiment, converting the sequence of ciphertext blocks comprises extracting a plaintext block that comprises a part of the software update from each ciphertext block of the sequence, except the first ciphertext block.

    [0021] According to a further illustrative embodiment, extracting a plaintext block from a ciphertext block comprises decrypting the ciphertext block with a key that is comprised in a previous ciphertext block of the sequence.

    [0022] According to a further illustrative embodiment, before extracting a plaintext block from each ciphertext block except the first ciphertext block, the first ciphertext block is decrypted with a root key in order to unlock a key for decrypting the second ciphertext block of the sequence.

    [0023] According to a further illustrative embodiment, a cryptographic signature of the sequence of ciphertext blocks is verified before the sequence of ciphertext blocks is converted.

    [0024] According to a further illustrative embodiment, said sequence of ciphertext blocks is extracted from a software update for the host device.

    [0025] Furthermore, there is disclosed a computer program product comprising program instructions which, when being executed by a processing unit, cause said processing unit to carry out or control steps of a method of installing a software update of the kind set forth.

    [0026] Furthermore, there is disclosed a host device comprising a secure element, said host device being arranged to perform a method of installing a software update of the kind set forth.

    DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS



    [0027] Embodiments will be described in more detail with reference to the appended drawings, in which:

    Fig. 1 shows a conventional computing system in which a secure element is used;

    Fig. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of a computing system in accordance with the present disclosure;

    Fig. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of an encryption method;

    Fig. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of a decryption method;

    Fig. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of a communication method;

    Fig. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of an installation method;

    Fig. 7 shows an illustrative embodiment of a signing method;

    Fig. 8A shows an illustrative embodiment of a chained encryption scheme;

    Fig. 8B shows an illustrative embodiment of a chained signing scheme.


    DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS



    [0028] Fig. 2 shows an illustrative embodiment of a computing system in accordance with the present disclosure. Again, the computing system 200 comprises a host device 102 (including a central processing unit 104 and a secure element 106), a host device vendor 108 and a secure element issuer 112. However, in contrast with the conventional computing system of Fig. 1, the computing system 200 does not comprise a trusted service manager. That is to say, updates of the Secure OS may be provided and installed via the host device vendor 108. Thereby, there is no need for a trusted service manager or other third party, and thus the installation of said updates is simplified. In order to maintain an adequate security level, updates of the Secure OS comprise sequences of ciphertext blocks based on a chained encryption scheme. A Secure OS update may be broadcasted by the host device vendor 108 to the host device 102 as a software package or a software image containing said sequence of ciphertext blocks. Thus, contrary to conventional software updates for secure elements, the same software package or software image may be broadcasted to many host devices, and there is no need for setting up secure point-to-point communication channels between secure elements and trusted service managers. A host device 102 reassembles a Secure OS update and subsequently installs the Secure OS update on the secure element 106. Thus, the upgrade of the operating system of the secure element 106 is effectively done in a broadcasted way. It is emphasized that other types of software updates for the secure element may be provided and installed in the same way. That is to say, the present disclosure is not limited to updates of the Secure OS, but it also applies to other types of software updates.

    [0029] Fig. 3 shows an illustrative embodiment of an encryption method. The Secure OS update may comprise a sequence of ciphertext blocks which may be encrypted by means of this encryption method 300. According to this illustrative embodiment, the encryption method 300 comprises the following steps. First, a root ciphertext is generated 302 by encrypting a first key with a root key. Basically, the root ciphertext contains an encrypted version of the key that will be used for encrypting the first ciphertext block that contains a part of the Secure OS update. Second, the Secure OS update is split 304 into parts, i.e. into plaintext blocks that each contain a part of the software, i.e. the Secure OS update. Next, the first ciphertext block of the sequence is generated 306 by concatenating a first plaintext block and a second key and encrypting the result of this concatenation with the first key. In this way, the second key, which will be used for encrypting the next (i.e. the second) plaintext block, is comprised in the first ciphertext block. Next, the second ciphertext block is generated 308 by concatenating the second plaintext block and a third key and encrypting the result of this concatenation with the second key. This process is repeated for all plaintext blocks. Thus, assuming that there are n plaintext blocks, then the last but one step comprises generating 310 the (n-1)th ciphertext block by concatenating the (n-1)th plaintext block and an nth key and encrypting the result of this concatenation with an (n-1)th key. Furthermore, the last step comprises generating 312 the nth ciphertext block by encrypting the nth plaintext block with the nth key.

    [0030] In this way, the Secure OS update effectively comprises a sequence of ciphertext blocks which can either be broadcasted directly as a software package or software image, or which can easily be integrated into a Host OS update, for example by embedding or interleaving said ciphertext blocks into/with the data that constitute the Host OS update. Furthermore, since every key is used only once, the security risks that might arise when broadcasting the Secure OS update are effectively mitigated. It is noted that methods for integrating one set of data into another are known as such. That is to say, if the ciphertext blocks are to be integrated into the Host OS update (or into another software update for the host device), then the skilled person may apply any suitable method to integrate said ciphertext blocks.

    [0031] The ciphertext blocks may for example be formatted as so-called application protocol data units (APDUs). An APDU is a commonly used communication unit for exchanging data between smart cards - i.e. real or emulated smart cards - and smart card readers. Thus, the Secure OS update may either comprise a software package or software image constituted by sequence of APDUs, or a sequence of APDUs embedded into or interleaved with data units of the Host OS update. The data units of the Host OS update may, in turn, also be formatted as APDUs. Furthermore, it is noted that the encryption method may be carried out by the secure element issuer 112, for example in a secure environment, or, if appropriate, by the host device vendor 108 on behalf of the secure element issuer 112. The encryption method may be embodied in a computer program which is executable by a processing unit owned by the secure element issuer 112 or the host device vendor 108, as the case may be.

    [0032] Fig. 4 shows an illustrative embodiment of a decryption method. Basically, the decryption method 400 mirrors the encryption method 300 shown in Fig. 3. The host device 102 executes the decryption method 400. More specifically, the actual decryption may be performed by the secure element 106, at least partially under the control of the central processing unit 104, for example. In this way, a reasonable level of security may be achieved. According to this illustrative embodiment, the decryption method 400 comprises the following steps. First, the root ciphertext block is decrypted 402 with the root key, which results in the first key. The root key may have been stored in the secure element 106 by the secure element issuer 112, or by the secure element producer on his behalf, before or during installation, for example, and it may have been agreed upon and shared with the host device vendor 108 using an appropriate protocol, such as the Diffie-Hellman key agreement protocol Second, the first ciphertext block - i.e. the first ciphertext block of the sequence that actually contains a part of the Secure OS update - is decrypted 404 with the first key, which results in the first plaintext block and the second key. Next, the second ciphertext block is decrypted 406 with the second key, which results in the second plaintext block and the third key. This process is repeated for all ciphertext blocks. Thus, assuming that there are n ciphertext blocks, then the last but one decryption step comprises decrypting 408 the (n-1)th ciphertext block with the (n-1)th key, which results in the (n-1)th plaintext block and the nth key. The last decryption step comprises decrypting 410 the nth ciphertext block with the nth key, which results in the nth plaintext block. At this stage, a sequence of n plaintext blocks has become available. These plaintext blocks are reassembled 412 in a final step, thereby yielding the Secure OS update. It is noted that the final step of reassembling the Secure OS update is not an actual decryption step, but it is the counterpart of the step of splitting the Secure OS update in the encryption method of Fig. 3.

    [0033] Fig. 5 shows an illustrative embodiment of a communication method. As a first step of the communication method 500, ciphertext blocks are generated by means of the encryption method 300 shown in Fig. 3. Subsequently, a Secure OS update signature is generated by means of a signing method 700, which will be explained in detail with reference to Fig. 7. Next, the ciphertext blocks are formatted 502 as APDUs. Finally, the APDUs are broadcasted 504, for example in the form of a software package or a software image, via the host device vendor 108 to the host device 102. It is noted that the mapping of these steps to the functional units of the computing system 200 may take different forms. That is to say, as mentioned above, that the encryption method 300 may for example be carried out by the secure element issuer 112 or, if appropriate, by the host device vendor 108 on behalf of the secure element issuer 112. The same applies to generating 700 the Secure OS update signature and formatting 502 the ciphertext blocks as APDUs. The broadcasting step 504 is in this example performed by the host device vendor 108; in order to facilitate said broadcasting the host device vendor 108 may integrate the APDUs into the Host OS update, as explained above. This integration also increases the user friendliness of the system, because the host device will receive less software updates.

    [0034] Fig. 6 shows an illustrative embodiment of an installation method. As a first step of the installation method 600, the host device 102 receives 602 a Secure OS update from the host device vendor 108. Subsequently, the Secure OS update signature is verified 604. For example, the signature may have been generated using a private key, and the secure element 106 may contain the corresponding public key which shall be used to verify the signature. The signature may have been embedded in or appended to the first APDU of the Secure OS update, in order to avoid that the sequence of APDUs is decrypted in case the signature is not valid. Thereby, security is further enhanced and it is prevented that computing resources are wasted. If the signature is not valid, then the subsequent steps of the installation method 600 will not be performed and the host device 102 waits for a new Secure OS update. Otherwise, the APDUs are unformatted 606 in a next step. Next, the decryption method 400 shown in Fig. 4 is carried out, i.e. the ciphertext blocks are decrypted and the Secure OS update is reassembled. Subsequently, the Secure OS update is installed 608 on the secure element 106. It is noted that the mapping of these steps to the functional units of the host device 102 may take different forms. That is to say, as mentioned above, that the actual decryption steps of the decryption method 400 may for example be performed by the secure element 106, at least partially under the control of the central processing unit 104. The Secure OS update may be received by the central processing unit 104 via a communication unit (not shown) of the mobile device 102. The verification of the signature, the unformatting of the APDUs and the installation of the Secure OS update may involve both the central processing unit 104 and the secure element 106. In order to achieve a high level of security, the secure element 106 preferably performs most of the operations necessary to carry out these steps. In order to perform such operations, the secure element 106 may also include a processing unit (not shown).

    [0035] Fig. 7 shows an illustrative embodiment of a signing method. The signing method 700 is an example of a method for generating the Secure OS Update signature. As a first step, an nth hash value is created 702 by hashing the nth ciphertext block. Subsequently, an (n-1)th hash value is created 704 by concatenating the (n-1)th ciphertext block and the nth hash value and by hashing the result of this concatenation. This is repeated until all ciphertext blocks have been processed. Thus, in the final steps, a second hash value is created 706 by concatenating the second ciphertext block and a third hash value and by hashing the result of this concatenation. Subsequently, a first hash value is created 708 by concatenating the first ciphertext block and the second hash value and by hashing the result of this concatenation. Finally, the Secure OS update signature is generated 710 by concatenating the root ciphertext block and the first hash value and by signing the result of this concatenation, for example by means of a cryptographic function that takes a private key of a public-private key pair as an input.

    [0036] Fig. 8A shows an illustrative embodiment of a chained encryption scheme. Fig. 8B shows an illustrative embodiment of a chained signing scheme. These figures further elucidate the encryption method 300 shown in Fig. 3 and the signing method 700 shown in Fig. 7, respectively.

    [0037] It is noted that the drawings are schematic. In different drawings, similar or identical elements are provided with the same reference signs. Furthermore, it is noted that in an effort to provide a concise description of the illustrative embodiments, implementation details which fall into the customary practice of the skilled person may not have been described. It should be appreciated that in the development of any such implementation, as in any engineering or design project, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developers' specific goals, such as compliance with system-related and business-related constraints, which may vary from one implementation to another. Moreover, it should be appreciated that such a development effort might be complex and time consuming, but would nevertheless be a routine undertaking of design, fabrication, and manufacture for those of ordinary skill.

    [0038] Finally, it is noted that the skilled person will be able to design many alternative embodiments without departing from the scope of the appended claims. In the claims, any reference sign placed between parentheses shall not be construed as limiting the claim. The word "comprise(s)" or "comprising" does not exclude the presence of elements or steps other than those listed in a claim. The word "a" or "an" preceding an element does not exclude the presence of a plurality of such elements. Measures recited in the claims may be implemented by means of hardware comprising several distinct elements and/or by means of a suitably programmed processor. In a device claim enumerating several means, several of these means may be embodied by one and the same item of hardware. The mere fact that certain measures are recited in mutually different dependent claims does not indicate that a combination of these measures cannot be used to advantage.

    LIST OF REFERENCE SIGNS



    [0039] 
    100
    computing system
    102
    host device
    104
    central processing unit
    106
    secure element
    108
    host device vendor
    110
    trusted service manager
    112
    secure element issuer
    200
    computing system
    300
    encryption method
    302
    encryption method step
    304
    encryption method step
    306
    encryption method step
    308
    encryption method step
    310
    encryption method step
    312
    encryption method step
    400
    decryption method
    402
    decryption method step
    404
    decryption method step
    406
    decryption method step
    408
    decryption method step
    410
    decryption method step
    412
    decryption method step
    500
    communication method
    502
    communication method step
    504
    communication method step
    600
    installation method
    602
    installation method step
    604
    installation method step
    606
    installation method step
    608
    installation method step
    700
    signing method
    702
    signing method step
    704
    signing method step
    706
    signing method step
    708
    signing method step
    710
    signing method step



    Claims

    1. A method of providing a software update to a secure element (106) comprised in a host device (102), the method comprising:

    - converting the software update into a sequence of ciphertext blocks;

    - transmitting said sequence of ciphertext blocks to the host device (102);

    characterized in that converting the software update into the sequence ciphertext blocks is performed using a chained encryption scheme, wherein converting the software update comprises generating (308, 310, 312) each ciphertext block of the sequence, except the first ciphertext block, by encrypting a plaintext block that comprises a part of the software update, and wherein the plaintext block is encrypted with a key that is comprised in a previous ciphertext block of the sequence.
     
    2. A method as claimed in claim 1, wherein the first ciphertext block of the sequence is generated (306) by encrypting, with a root key, a key to be used for generating the second ciphertext block of the sequence.
     
    3. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein the sequence of ciphertext blocks is cryptographically signed (700) before it is transmitted to the host device (102).
     
    4. A method as claimed in any preceding claim, wherein said sequence of ciphertext blocks is integrated into a software update for the host device (102).
     
    5. A computer program product comprising program instructions which, when being executed by a processing unit, cause said processing unit to carry out or control steps of a method as claimed in any preceding claim.
     
    6. A method of installing a software update on a secure element (106) comprised in a host device (102), the method comprising:

    - receiving, by the host device (102), a sequence of ciphertext blocks representing the software update, said sequence having been generated by a method as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 6;

    - converting said sequence of ciphertext blocks into the software update;

    - installing the software update on the secure element (106);

    wherein converting the sequence of ciphertext blocks comprises extracting (406, 408, 410) a plaintext block that comprises a part of the software update from each ciphertext block of the sequence, except the first ciphertext block, and wherein extracting a plaintext block from a ciphertext block comprises decrypting the ciphertext block with a key that is comprised in a previous ciphertext block of the sequence.
     
    7. A method a claimed in claim 6, wherein, before extracting a plaintext block from each ciphertext block except the first ciphertext block, the first ciphertext block is decrypted (404) with a root key in order to unlock a key for decrypting the second ciphertext block of the sequence.
     
    8. A method as claimed in claim 6 or 7, wherein a cryptographic signature of the sequence of ciphertext blocks is verified (604) before the sequence of ciphertext blocks is converted.
     
    9. A method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 8, wherein said sequence of ciphertext blocks is extracted from a software update for the host device (102).
     
    10. A computer program product comprising program instructions which, when being executed by a processing unit, cause said processing unit to carry out or control steps of a method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9.
     
    11. A host device (102) comprising a secure element (106), said host device (102) being arranged to perform a method as claimed in any one of claims 6 to 9.
     


    Ansprüche

    1. Verfahren zum Bereitstellen einer Softwareaktualisierung für ein sicheres Element (106), das in einer Host-Vorrichtung (102) umfasst ist, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

    - Umwandeln der Softwareaktualisierung in eine Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken;

    - Übertragen der Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken an die Host-Vorrichtung (102);

    dadurch gekennzeichnet, dass das Umwandeln der Softwareaktualisierung in die Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken unter Verwendung eines verketteten Verschlüsselungsschemas durchgeführt wird, wobei das Umwandeln der Softwareaktualisierung das Erzeugen (308, 310, 312) jedes verschlüsselten Textblocks der Folge, mit Ausnahme des ersten verschlüsselten Textblocks, durch Verschlüsseln eines Klartextblocks umfasst, der einen Teil der Softwareaktualisierung umfasst, und wobei der Klartextblock mit einem Schlüssel verschlüsselt wird, der in einem vorherigen verschlüsselten Textblock der Folge umfasst ist.
     
    2. Verfahren nach Anspruch 1, wobei der erste verschlüsselte Textblock der Folge durch Verschlüsseln eines für das Erzeugen des zweiten verschlüsselten Textblocks der Folge zu verwendenden Schlüssels mit einem Wurzelschlüssel erzeugt wird (306).
     
    3. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken kryptographisch signiert wird (700), bevor sie an das Host-Gerät übertragen wird (102).
     
    4. Verfahren nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche, wobei die Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken in eine Softwareaktualisierung für die Host-Vorrichtung integriert wird (102).
     
    5. Computerprogrammprodukt umfassend Programmbefehle, die, wenn sie von einer Verarbeitungseinheit ausgeführt werden, die Verarbeitungseinheit veranlassen, Schritte eines Verfahrens nach einem der vorhergehenden Ansprüche durchzuführen oder zu steuern.
     
    6. Verfahren zum Installieren einer Softwareaktualisierung für ein sicheres Element (106), das in einer Host-Vorrichtung (102) umfasst ist, wobei das Verfahren umfasst:

    - Empfangen einer Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken, die die Softwareaktualisierung darstellen, durch die Host-Vorrichtung (102), wobei die Folge durch ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 1 bis 6 erzeugt wurde;

    - Umwandeln der Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken in die Softwareaktualisierung;

    - Installieren der Softwareaktualisierung auf dem sicheren Element (106);

    wobei das Umwandeln der Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken das Extrahieren (406, 408, 410) eines Klartextblocks umfasst, der einen Teil der Softwareaktualisierung, aus jedem verschlüsselten Textblock der Folge, mit Ausnahme des ersten verschlüsselten Textblocks, umfasst, und wobei das Extrahieren eines Klartextblocks aus einem verschlüsselten Textblock das Entschlüsseln des verschlüsselten Textblocks mit einem Schlüssel umfasst, der in einem vorhergehenden verschlüsselten Textblock der Folge umfasst ist.
     
    7. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6, wobei vor dem Extrahieren eines Klartextblocks aus jedem verschlüsselten Textblock mit Ausnahme des ersten verschlüsselten Textblocks der erste verschlüsselte Textblock mit einem Wurzelschlüssel entschlüsselt (404) wird, um einen Schlüssel zum Entschlüsseln des zweiten verschlüsselten Textblocks der Sequenz freizugeben.
     
    8. Verfahren nach Anspruch 6 oder 7, wobei eine kryptographische Signatur der Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken verifiziert wird (604), bevor die Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken umgewandelt wird.
     
    9. Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 8, wobei die Folge von verschlüsselten Textblöcken von einer Softwareaktualisierung für die Host-Vorrichtung extrahiert wird (102).
     
    10. Computerprogrammprodukt umfassend Programmbefehle, die, wenn sie von einer Verarbeitungseinheit ausgeführt werden, die Verarbeitungseinheit veranlassen, Schritte eines Verfahrens nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9 durchzuführen oder zu steuern.
     
    11. Host-Vorrichtung (102) umfassend ein sicheres Element (106), wobei die Host-Vorrichtung (102) so angeordnet ist, dass sie ein Verfahren nach einem der Ansprüche 6 bis 9 durchführt.
     


    Revendications

    1. Procédé de fourniture d'une actualisation logicielle pour un élément sécurisé (106) compris dans un dispositif hôte (102), le procédé comprenant :

    la conversion de l'actualisation logicielle en une séquence de blocs de cryptogramme ;

    la transmission de ladite séquence de blocs de cryptogramme au dispositif hôte (102) ;

    caractérisé en ce que la conversion de l'actualisation logicielle en la séquence de blocs de cryptogramme est réalisée au moyen d'un mécanisme de cryptage en chaîne, la conversion de l'actualisation logicielle comprenant la génération (308, 310, 312) de chaque bloc de cryptogramme de la séquence, à l'exception du premier bloc de cryptogramme, par cryptage d'un bloc de texte en clair qui comprend une partie de l'actualisation logicielle, et dans lequel le bloc de texte en clair est crypté avec une clé qui est comprise dans un bloc de cryptogramme antérieur de la séquence.


     
    2. Procédé selon la revendication 1, dans lequel le premier bloc de cryptogramme de la séquence est généré (306) en cryptant, avec une clé racine, une clé à utiliser pour générer le second bloc de cryptogramme de la séquence.
     
    3. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel la séquence de blocs de cryptogramme est signée cryptographiquement (700) avant d'être transmise au dispositif hôte (102).
     
    4. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes, dans lequel ladite séquence de blocs de cryptogramme est intégrée dans une actualisation logicielle du dispositif hôte (102).
     
    5. Produit-programme informatique comprenant des instructions de programme qui, à leur exécution par une unité de traitement, amènent ladite unité de traitement à mettre en œuvre ou à commander des étapes d'un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications précédentes.
     
    6. Procédé d'installation d'une actualisation logicielle sur un élément sécurisé (106) compris dans un dispositif hôte (102), le procédé comprenant :

    la réception, par le dispositif hôte (102), d'une séquence de blocs de cryptogramme représentant l'actualisation logicielle, ladite séquence ayant été générée par un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 1 à 6 ;

    la conversion de ladite séquence de blocs de cryptogramme en l'actualisation logicielle ;

    l'installation de l'actualisation logicielle sur l'élément sécurisé (106) ;

    dans lequel la conversion de la séquence de blocs de cryptogramme comprend l'extraction (406, 408, 410) d'un bloc de texte en clair qui comprend une partie de l'actualisation logicielle à partir de chaque bloc de cryptogramme de la séquence, à l'exception du premier bloc de cryptogramme, et dans lequel l'extraction d'un bloc de texte en clair à partir d'un bloc de cryptogramme comprend le décryptage du bloc de cryptogramme avec une clé qui est comprise dans un bloc de cryptogramme antérieur de la séquence.


     
    7. Procédé selon la revendication 6, dans lequel, avant l'extraction d'un bloc de texte en clair à partir de chaque bloc de cryptogramme à l'exception du premier bloc de cryptogramme, le premier bloc de cryptogramme est décrypté (404) avec une clé racine afin de déverrouiller une clé de décryptage du second bloc de cryptogramme de la séquence.
     
    8. Procédé selon la revendication 6 ou 7, dans lequel une signature cryptographique de la séquence de blocs de cryptogramme est vérifiée (604) avant la conversion de la séquence de blocs de cryptogramme.
     
    9. Procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 8, dans lequel ladite séquence de blocs de cryptogramme est extraite d'une actualisation logicielle du dispositif hôte (102).
     
    10. Produit-programme informatique comprenant des instructions de programme qui, à leur exécution par une unité de traitement, amènent ladite unité de traitement à mettre en œuvre ou commander des étapes d'un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9.
     
    11. Dispositif hôte (102) comprenant un élément sécurisé (106), ledit dispositif hôte (102) étant agencé pour mettre en œuvre un procédé selon l'une quelconque des revendications 6 à 9.
     




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    Cited references

    REFERENCES CITED IN THE DESCRIPTION



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    Patent documents cited in the description