Object modeling of cryptographic algorithms with UML

Abstract

This article describes Object-Oriented modeling of cryptographic primitives and algorithms. Instead of just designing an Object-Oriented cryptographic interface the primitives and algorithms themselves are modeled and assigned to class hierarchy. Models are based on abstract classes or interfaces which define concept of functions manipulating data. Manipulation is done in buffers which also are classes. Models are further used to define new primitives and algorithms. A package of pipe classes is introduced to face the problem of different block sizes of different primitives. A pipe is a sequence of primitives which together manipulate data. Mismatches in buffer sizes within pipes are balanced by valves. Introduced techniques are tested in software library called Secure Tools (ST). Finally, some future directions are discussed.