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Configure OpenSSL for signing with PKCS11 integration

OpenSSL is a versatile open-source cryptography library that provides a set of tools and libraries for secure communications and digital signatures. Integrate DigiCert​​®​​ Software Trust Manager PKCS11 library with OpenSSL to sign.

Atención

Scan your systems for uses of OpenSSL 3.0 and above, and if you find any instances, upgrade to 3.0.7. See OpenSSL releases patch for high level vulnerability in versions 3.0 and above.

Prerequisites

  • OpenSSL version 1.x.x

  • OpenSSL PKCS#11 engine

  • DigiCert​​®​​ Software Trust Manager PKCS11 library

Install OpenSSL

To install OpenSSL and the OpenSSL PKCS#11 engine based on your operating system:

Windows

  1. Download and install OpenSSL.

  2. Manually compile the OpenSSL PKCS11 using one of the following methods:

Linux

To install OpenSSL, OpenSSL PKCS11 engine and P11tool, run:

macOS

To install OpenSSL, OpenSSL PKCS11 engine and P11tool, run:

sudo apt install -y openssl libengine-pkcs11-openssl gnutls-bin xxd    

Download and configure PKCS11 library

A configuration file is required for OpenSSL PKCS#11 engine to use Software Trust Manager PKCS11 library. This file is required in related sign commands.

Download PKCS11 library

To download the Software Trust Manager PKCS11 library:

  1. Sign in to DigiCert ONE.

  2. In the manager menu (top right), select Software Trust.

  3. Navigate to: Resources > Client tool repository.

  4. Select your operating system.

  5. Click the download icon next to PKCS11 Library.

Create configuration file

To create the configuration file for PKCS11:

  1. Open an integrated development environment (IDE) or plain text editor.

  2. Name the file as openssl.conf.

  3. Copy and paste the following text for your operating system into the editor:

Set environment variable for dc-openssl.conf

The OPENSSL_CONF environment variable must be set with the value of the path to openssl.conf.

To set the OPENSSL_CONF environment variable, add: