Security Framework for MPLS and GMPLS Networks
RFC 5920

• Status
• IESG evaluation record
• IESG writeups
• Email expansions
• History

• Versions
• 09

Internet Engineering Task Force (IETF)                      L. Fang, Ed.
Request for Comments: 5920                           Cisco Systems, Inc.
Category: Informational                                        July 2010
ISSN: 2070-1721

             Security Framework for MPLS and GMPLS Networks

Abstract

   This document provides a security framework for Multiprotocol Label
   Switching (MPLS) and Generalized Multiprotocol Label Switching
   (GMPLS) Networks.  This document addresses the security aspects that
   are relevant in the context of MPLS and GMPLS.  It describes the
   security threats, the related defensive techniques, and the
   mechanisms for detection and reporting.  This document emphasizes
   RSVP-TE and LDP security considerations, as well as inter-AS and
   inter-provider security considerations for building and maintaining
   MPLS and GMPLS networks across different domains or different
   Service Providers.

Status of This Memo

   This document is not an Internet Standards Track specification; it is
   published for informational purposes.

   This document is a product of the Internet Engineering Task Force
   (IETF).  It represents the consensus of the IETF community.  It has
   received public review and has been approved for publication by the
   Internet Engineering Steering Group (IESG).  Not all documents
   approved by the IESG are a candidate for any level of Internet
   Standard; see Section 2 of RFC 5741.

   Information about the current status of this document, any
   errata, and how to provide feedback on it may be obtained at
   http://www.rfc-editor.org/info/rfc5920.

Fang                          Informational                     [Page 1]
RFC 5920              MPLS/GMPLS Security Framework            July 2010

Copyright Notice

   Copyright (c) 2010 IETF Trust and the persons identified as the
   document authors.  All rights reserved.

   This document is subject to BCP 78 and the IETF Trust's Legal
   Provisions Relating to IETF Documents
   (http://trustee.ietf.org/license-info) in effect on the date of
   publication of this document.  Please review these documents
   carefully, as they describe your rights and restrictions with respect
   to this document.  Code Components extracted from this document must
   include Simplified BSD License text as described in Section 4.e of
   the Trust Legal Provisions and are provided without warranty as
   described in the Simplified BSD License.

   This document may contain material from IETF Documents or IETF
   Contributions published or made publicly available before November
   10, 2008.  The person(s) controlling the copyright in some of this
   material may not have granted the IETF Trust the right to allow
   modifications of such material outside the IETF Standards Process.
   Without obtaining an adequate license from the person(s) controlling
   the copyright in such materials, this document may not be modified
   outside the IETF Standards Process, and derivative works of it may
   not be created outside the IETF Standards Process, except to format
   it for publication as an RFC or to translate it into languages other
   than English.

Fang                          Informational                     [Page 2]
RFC 5920              MPLS/GMPLS Security Framework            July 2010

Table of Contents

   1. Introduction ....................................................4
   2. Terminology .....................................................5
      2.1. Acronyms and Abbreviations .................................5
      2.2. MPLS and GMPLS Terminology .................................6
   3. Security Reference Models .......................................8
   4. Security Threats ...............................................10
      4.1. Attacks on the Control Plane ..............................12
      4.2. Attacks on the Data Plane .................................15
      4.3. Attacks on Operation and Management Plane .................17
      4.4. Insider Attacks Considerations ............................19
   5. Defensive Techniques for MPLS/GMPLS Networks ...................19
      5.1. Authentication ............................................20
      5.2. Cryptographic Techniques ..................................22
      5.3. Access Control Techniques .................................33
      5.4. Use of Isolated Infrastructure ............................38
      5.5. Use of Aggregated Infrastructure ..........................38
      5.6. Service Provider Quality Control Processes ................39
      5.7. Deployment of Testable MPLS/GMPLS Service .................39
      5.8. Verification of Connectivity ..............................40
   6. Monitoring, Detection, and Reporting of Security Attacks .......40
   7. Service Provider General Security Requirements .................42
      7.1. Protection within the Core Network ........................42