XML Signature - Structure

Structure

An XML Signature consists of a Signature element in the http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig# namespace. The basic structure is as follows:

etc.
  • The SignedInfo element contains or references the signed data and specifies what algorithms are used.
    The SignatureMethod and CanonicalizationMethod elements are used by the SignatureValue element and are included in SignedInfo to protect them from tampering.
    One or more Reference elements specify the resource being signed by URI reference; and any transforms to be applied to the resource prior to signing. A transformation can be a XPath-expression that selects a defined subset of the document tree.

DigestMethod specifies the hash algorithm before applying the hash.
DigestValue contains the result of applying the hash algorithm to the transformed resource(s).

  • The SignatureValue element contains the Base64 encoded signature result - the signature generated with the parameters specified in the SignatureMethod element - of the SignedInfo element after applying the algorithm specified by the CanonicalizationMethod.
  • KeyInfo element optionally allows the signer to provide recipients with the key that validates the signature, usually in the form of one or more X.509 digital certificates. The relying party must identify the key from context if KeyInfo is not present.
  • The Object element (optional) contains the signed data if this is an enveloping signature.

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