PPP Authentication Mechanisms: Framework, Options, and Security | SSCP Exam Prep

Multiple Authentication Mechanisms for PPP: Cleartext Passwords, Challenge-Response, and Dialog Sequences

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Question

Which of the following can be defined as a framework that supports multiple, optional authentication mechanisms for PPP, including cleartext passwords, challenge-response, and arbitrary dialog sequences?

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Explanations

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A. B. C. D.

A.

RFC 2828 (Internet Security Glossary) defines the Extensible Authentication Protocol as a framework that supports multiple, optional authentication mechanisms for PPP, including cleartext passwords, challenge-response, and arbitrary dialog sequences.

It is intended for use primarily by a host or router that connects to a PPP network server via switched circuits or dial-up lines.

The Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) is defined as an Internet protocol for carrying dial-in user's authentication information and configuration information between a shared, centralized authentication server and a network access server that needs to authenticate the users of its network access ports.

The other option is a distracter.

Source: SHIREY, Robert W., RFC2828: Internet Security Glossary, may 2000.

The correct answer is A. Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP).

Extensible Authentication Protocol (EAP) is a framework that supports multiple, optional authentication mechanisms for PPP (Point-to-Point Protocol), including cleartext passwords, challenge-response, and arbitrary dialog sequences. It provides a standard way to negotiate authentication protocols and methods, allowing different authentication methods to be used without modifying the core PPP protocol.

EAP is used to authenticate users on various networks, such as wireless networks, virtual private networks ( VPNs), and dial-up networks. It provides support for mutual authentication, which means that both the client and the server can authenticate each other.

EAP is extensible, meaning that new authentication methods can be added without requiring changes to the core protocol. This makes it highly flexible and adaptable to different authentication requirements.

Some examples of EAP authentication methods include:

  • EAP-MD5: uses a challenge-response mechanism with a shared secret.
  • EAP-TLS: uses certificates for mutual authentication.
  • EAP-PEAP: encapsulates EAP within a TLS tunnel for additional security.

In summary, EAP is a framework that allows for flexible and extensible authentication mechanisms for PPP, enabling support for a variety of authentication methods and protocols.