Review and integrate PITTv3 validation framework test cases

[jvdprng]

Context

PITTv3 (Public-Key Infrastructure Test Tool version 3) is a comprehensive validation framework developed to test X.509 certificate path validation implementations. It provides:

• Systematic test coverage for X.509 path validation
• Automated test case generation
• Validation against RFC 5280 requirements
• Test cases for complex path building scenarios

PITTv3 represents academic and research-oriented testing of PKI implementations with emphasis on systematic coverage.

Why this matters:

• Systematic coverage: methodical approach to test case generation
• Academic rigor: research-backed test scenarios
• Path validation focus: deep coverage of chain building and validation
• Complementary to other test suites: different methodology than PKITS or Chromium

Task Description

Goal: Review the PITTv3 validation framework and integrate relevant test cases into x509-limbo that provide valuable coverage not already present.

Phase 1: Analysis

1. Locate and access PITTv3

   • Identify current source/repository for PITTv3
   • Understand PITTv3 architecture and test case structure
   • Review documentation and published papers
   • Determine licensing and usage permissions

2. Catalog PITTv3 test cases

   • Document test case categories and coverage areas
   • Understand test generation methodology
   • Identify systematic vs specific test cases
   • Note any unique test scenarios not found in other suites

3. Gap analysis

   • Compare PITTv3 coverage with existing x509-limbo test cases
   • Identify PITTv3 tests that would add value to x509-limbo
   • Priority areas likely include:
     • Complex path building scenarios
     • Systematic constraint testing
     • Edge cases in path validation algorithm
     • Interaction between multiple constraints
     • Deep chain validation scenarios

Phase 2: Integration Planning

4. Assess integration feasibility

   • Determine accessibility of PITTv3 test materials
   • Evaluate licensing compatibility
   • Assess effort required for integration
   • Consider whether PITTv3 is actively maintained

5. Select test cases for integration

   • Prioritize based on:
     • Coverage gaps in x509-limbo
     • Uniqueness of test scenario
     • Complexity and value
     • Systematic coverage of feature space
   • Focus on areas where PITTv3 provides unique value

6. Adaptation strategy

   • Determine how to represent PITTv3 tests in x509-limbo format
   • Handle any PITTv3-specific test structures
   • Plan for maintaining attribution
   • Consider whether to adopt PITTv3's systematic approach for new tests

Phase 3: Implementation

7. Convert selected test cases

   • Translate PITTv3 test structures to x509-limbo format
   • Adapt expected results to x509-limbo conventions
   • Verify converted tests produce expected results
   • Maintain systematic relationships if present

8. Documentation

   • Document which PITTv3 tests were integrated
   • Explain any adaptations or differences
   • Provide mapping from PITTv3 test IDs to x509-limbo test IDs
   • Credit PITTv3 methodology if adopted
   • Link to PITTv3 sources and publications

Implementation Requirements

Research Tools:

• Access to PITTv3 framework and documentation
• Tools to parse PITTv3 test structures
• Understanding of PITTv3 methodology
• Comparison tools for coverage analysis

Integration Tools:

• x509-limbo certificate builders to recreate PITTv3 scenarios
• Path building test support
• Test case generation for identified gaps
• Documentation generation

References

• PITTv3 Resources: (To be identified during research phase)
• Related Publications: Academic papers on PITTv3 methodology
• RFC 5280 Section 6: Path validation algorithm that PITTv3 tests
• Comparison: NIST PKITS (RFC 4158) for alternative systematic approach

Acceptance Criteria

• PITTv3 framework located and accessed
• Licensing and usage permissions verified
• PITTv3 test suite analyzed and cataloged
• Gap analysis completed documenting coverage differences
• Priority list created of PITTv3 tests to integrate (if feasible)
• Selected test cases converted to x509-limbo format
• Converted tests validated against harnesses
• Documentation updated with PITTv3 integration details
• Attribution and source references maintained
• Assessment of PITTv3 methodology for future test generation

Notes

• PITTv3 may be less accessible or less actively maintained than PKITS or Chromium
• Initial research phase is critical to determine feasibility
• If PITTv3 is not readily accessible, document findings and close issue
• Consider alternative academic test suites if PITTv3 proves unavailable