AES Crypto Applet v1.0

This is a simple implementation of the AES specification (the Rijndael algorithm) in Java, served as a web applet.

Rijndael can be used to encrypt plaintexts of 128, 192, or 256 bits. Since this applet only manipulates single blocks, this means that the longest strings it can handle are 32 bytes in length. In fact, the applet will require input strings to be exactly 16, 24, or 32 bytes long, except when manipulating text strings, in which case it will pad the plaintext to the shortest appropriate length, using null bytes.

Hexadecimal strings are the obvious format for this type of application because they can display any bit sequence (unlike text), and they are very compact in comparison to bit strings. This applet works with hexadecimal I/O, but there is a converter built in to allow the plaintext to be displayed as a text string. To activate the converter, simply select the check box labelled "Provide ASCII Conversion". This will stomp on anything in the Plain Text field during encryption, and on anything in the ASCII Text field during decryption.

A common form of known-answer test for block ciphers is the Monte Carlo test. This applet is capable of performing Monte Carlo computations. To enable this feature, select the check box labelled "Monte Carlo Mode". However, be aware that this mode involves 10,000 encryptions or decryptions at once, and it may take a long time to complete on some computer hardware. Using the Monte Carlo mode makes it easy to compare answers against the known-answer tables provided by NIST (available on their web site).

To operate the applet, input a plaintext or ciphertext and a key. An example might be a plaintext and key both equal to "00 01 02 03 04 05 06 07 08 09 0a 0b 0c 0d 0e 0f" (This is the first of the AES "Intermediate Value Known Answer" tests, and the correct result is a ciphertext of "0a 94 0b b5 41 6e f0 45 f1 c3 94 58 c6 53 ea 5a"). Next, set the options if you want ASCII conversion or the Monte Carlo mode (see above). Finally, select the Encrypt or Decrypt buttons. The new result should be placed in the Cipher Text or Plain Text box, depending on whether you are encrypting or decrypting (respectively). The Operations History text field will display a summary of the calculations performed.

To clear all of the text fields and start over, press the Clear button. To clear only the operation history, press the Clear History button. To exit the applet (to the extent you can with a web applet) press the Exit button.

The Java source code for this applet is available at http://www.gnifty.net/cs/ece575/AES-Java.zip