C++

HTTPS Mutual Authentication using Smartcard or Token

See more HTTP Examples

Explains how to do HTTP TLS mutual authentication using an HSM (Smartcard or USB Token). C++

#include <CkHttp.h>
#include <CkCert.h>

void ChilkatSample(void)
    {
    bool success = false;

    CkHttp http;

    // To do HTTPS mutual authentication where the certificate and private key are stored
    // on a smartcard or token, first load the Chilkat certificate object from the smartcard/token,
    // and then pass the certificate object to the Http object's SetSslClientCert method.

    // Doing HTTP mutual authentication is the same regardless of the source of the cert + private key.
    // The steps are to first load the certificate from the source, then pass the cert object to the HTTP object.
    // Chilkat provides methods for loading the certificate from a variety of sources, such as smartcards, tokens,
    // .pfx/.p12 files, Windows registry-based certificate stores, PEM files, or other file formats.
    CkCert cert;

    // The easiest way to load a certificate from an HSM is to call cert.LoadFromSmartcard with 
    // an empty string argument.  Chilkat will detect the HSM and will choose the most appropriate
    // underlying means for accessing and loading the default certificate + key from the HSM.
    // The underlying means could be PKCS11, ScMinidriver, or MSCNG, depending on the HSM what it
    // supports.

    // For example:
    // If you know the smart card PIN, it's good to set it prior to loading from the smartcard/USB token.
    cert.put_SmartCardPin("12345678");

    // To let Chilkat discover what smartcard or token is connected, pass an empty string to LoadFromSmartcard.
    // When testing in this way, it's best to have only a single smartcard or token connected to the system.
    success = cert.LoadFromSmartcard("");
    if (success == false) {
        std::cout << cert.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        std::cout << "Certificate not loaded." << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    // If there are multiple certificates stored on the smartcard/token, then 
    // you can be more specific.  See these examples:

    // Load a Certificate from an HSM by Common Name
    // Load a Certificate from an HSM by Serial Number

    // It may be that you need to code at a lower level with a specific
    // supported interface, such as PKCS11.
    // See these examples:

    // Use PKCS11 to Find a Specific Certificate
    // Use PKCS11 to Find a Certificate with a Specified Key Usage

    // Once you have the desired certificate, pass it to SetSslClientCert.
    // Set the certificate to be used for mutual TLS authentication
    // (i.e. sets the client-side certificate for two-way TLS authentication)
    success = http.SetSslClientCert(cert);
    if (success != true) {
        std::cout << http.lastErrorText() << "\r\n";
        return;
    }

    // At this point, the HTTP object instance is setup with the client-side cert, and any SSL/TLS
    // connection will automatically use it if the server demands a client-side cert.
    }