Classic McEliece Security API

Version: 1.0.0
Last Updated: 2025-01-02
Security Classification: Code-Based KEM
Author: MetaMUI Security Team

Overview

Classic McEliece is a code-based KEM with strong security guarantees but very large public keys.

• Algorithm Family: Niederreiter cryptosystem
• Security Levels: Multiple parameter sets
• Key Sizes:
  • Public Key: 261,120 to 1,357,824 bytes
  • Secret Key: ~14 KB
  • Ciphertext: ~240 bytes
• NIST Round: Round 4 finalist

Security Warnings ⚠️

1. Huge Public Keys: Megabyte-sized public keys
2. Conservative Security: Very strong security assumptions
3. Storage Requirements: Not suitable for constrained devices
4. Fast Operations: Very fast encapsulation/decapsulation

API Functions

Standard KEM interface with very large public keys.

Security Analysis

Threat Model: Classic McEliece Threat Model

The comprehensive threat analysis covers:

• Algorithm-specific attack vectors
• Implementation vulnerabilities
• Side-channel considerations
• Quantum resistance analysis (where applicable)
• Deployment recommendations

For complete security analysis and risk assessment, see the dedicated threat model documentation.

References

1. Classic McEliece
2. NIST PQC Round 4

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