How to define a key-pair generator field in HTML5?


A key-pair generator field is a form of the input field in HTML5 that enables users to create a public and private key combination for encryption. This field is helpful in circumstances requiring secure correspondence, such as online banking or e-commerce platforms. Users can generate a unique combination of keys that can be used to encrypt and decrypt private information, guaranteeing the security and integrity of their interactions, by using a key-pair generator field.

In HTML5, the "input" element with the "type" attribute set to "keygen" can be used to create a key-pair generator field. The "name" attribute is used to give the field a unique moniker, and the "challenge" element is used to designate a server-side challenge string for added protection. When a user enters a form, the browser creates a public and private key pair, with the public key sent to the server and the private key kept on the user's device. The server can then use the public key to encode confidential information before transmitting it to the user, who can then decode the information using their private key.

Approaches

In HTML5, there are several ways to define a key-pair generator field.

They are −

  • Using the “KeyGen” Element

  • Using JavaScript Libraries

  • Using Web Crypto API

Let us look at each approach in detail with examples now.

Approach 1: Using the “KeyGen” Element

The first approach to define a key-pair generator field in HTML5 is by using the “KeyGen” Element. This is the HTML5 standard method, which entails creating a key-pair generator field with the "keygen" element and the "name" and "challenge" attributes. This technique, however, is not well-supported across all platforms and may not function properly in earlier browsers.

Example 

Here, we will go through an example to implement this approach −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Key-Pair Generator Field Example</title>
</head>
<body>
   <form action="submit-form.php" method="post">
      <label for="keypair">Key-Pair:</label>
      <input type="keygen" name="keypair" id="keypair" challenge="mychallengestring">
      <input type="submit" value="Submit">
   </form>
</body>
</html>

Approach 2: Using JavaScript Libraries

The second approach to define a key-pair generator field in HTML5 is by using JavaScript Libraries. This is the HTML5 standard method, which entails creating a key-pair generator field with the "keygen" element and the "name" and "challenge" attributes. This technique, however, is not well-supported across all platforms and may not function properly in earlier browsers.

Example 

Here, we will go through an example to implement this approach −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html> 
<head>
   <title>Key-Pair Generator Field Example (JavaScript Library Approach)</title>
   <script src="https://cdnjs.cloudflare.com/ajax/libs/forge/0.10.0/forge.min.js"></script>
   <!-- Include the Forge library from a CDN -->
</head>
<body>
   <form action="submit-form.php" method="post" onsubmit="return generateKeyPair();">
      <label for="publickey">Public Key:</label>
      <input type="text" name="publickey" id="publickey">
      <input type="submit" value="Submit">
   </form>
   <script>
      function generateKeyPair() {
         var keypair = forge.pki.rsa.generateKeyPair({bits: 2048});
         var publicKeyPem = forge.pki.publicKeyToPem(keypair.publicKey);
         document.getElementById("publickey").value = publicKeyPem;
         return true;
      }
   </script>
</body>
</html>

Approach 3: Using Web Crypto API

The third approach to define a key-pair generator field in HTML5 is by using Web Crypto API.The Web Crypto API is a newer standard that offers a collection of encryption methods for key generation and manipulation. This method is extremely safe and offers a standardized interface for key generation; however, not all browsers may support it.

Example 

Here, we will go through an example to implement this approach −

<!DOCTYPE html>
<html>
<head>
   <title>Key-Pair Generator Field Example (Web Crypto API Approach)</title>
</head>
<body>
   <form action="submit-form.php" method="post" onsubmit="return generateKeyPair();">
      <label for="publickey">Public Key:</label>
      <input type="text" name="publickey" id="publickey">
      <input type="submit" value="Submit">
   </form>
   <script>
      async function generateKeyPair() {
         const keyPair = await window.crypto.subtle.generateKey(
            {
               name: "RSA-OAEP",
               modulusLength: 2048,
               publicExponent: new Uint8Array([0x01, 0x00, 0x01]),
               hash: {name: "SHA-256"}
            },
            true,
               ["encrypt", "decrypt"]
         );
         const publicKey = await window.crypto.subtle.exportKey("spki", keyPair.publicKey);
         const publicKeyPem = pemFromPublicKey(publicKey);
         document.getElementById("publickey").value = publicKeyPem;
         return true;
      }
      function pemFromPublicKey(publicKey) {
         const exported = String.fromCharCode.apply(null, new Uint8Array(publicKey));
         const exported64 = btoa(exported);
         const pemExported = `-----BEGIN PUBLIC KEY-----
${exported64}
----- END PUBLIC KEY-----`; return pemExported; } </script> </body> </html>

Conclusion

There are several methods to implementing key-pair generator fields in HTML5, each with its own set of benefits and drawbacks. The first method, which makes use of the "keygen" element, is the simplest to apply and needs no extra coding. However, it only supports a few browsers and does not enable modification.

The second method, which makes use of JavaScript tools like Forge, offers more customization choices and can be used in earlier browsers. However, extra code must be created and added to the website.

The third method, which makes use of the Web Crypto API, is the safest and offers the most customizable options. However, it necessitates more code and may be incompatible with earlier platforms.

Updated on: 24-Mar-2023

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