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Kernel Key Retention Service
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This service allows cryptographic keys, authentication tokens, cross-domain
user mappings, and similar to be cached in the kernel for the use of
filesystems and other kernel services.
Keyrings are permitted; these are a special type of key that can hold links to
other keys. Processes each have three standard keyring subscriptions that a
kernel service can search for relevant keys.
The key service can be configured on by enabling:
"Security options"/"Enable access key retention support" (CONFIG_KEYS)
This document has the following sections:
.. contents:: :local:
Key Overview
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In this context, keys represent units of cryptographic data, authentication
tokens, keyrings, etc.. These are represented in the kernel by struct key.
Each key has a number of attributes:
- A serial number.
- A type.
- A description (for matching a key in a search).
- Access control information.
- An
