A decision procedure for the existence of a rank function

Heather, J and Schneider, S (2005) A decision procedure for the existence of a rank function Journal of Computer Security, 13 (2). 317 - 344. ISSN 0926-227X

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Abstract

Schneider's work on rank functions [IEEE TSE 24(9) (1998)] provides a formal approach to verification of certain properties of a security protocol. However, he illustrates the approach only with a protocol running on a small network; and no help is given with the somewhat hit-and-miss process of finding the rank function that underpins the central theorem.

In this paper, we develop the theory to allow for an arbitrarily large network, and give a clearly defined decision procedure by which one may either construct a rank function, proving correctness of the protocol, or show that no rank function exists.

We briefly discuss the implications of the absence of a rank function, and the open question of completeness of the rank function theorem.

Item Type:	Article
Additional Information:	© IOS Press. All rights reserved
Divisions:	Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences > Computing Science
Depositing User:	Mr Adam Field
Date Deposited:	03 Feb 2012 10:29
Last Modified:	23 Sep 2013 18:59
URI:	http://epubs.surrey.ac.uk/id/eprint/107394

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