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TuxCare BlogUnderstanding FIPS Validation and FedRAMP: A Guide for Linux Distribution Security
by Joao Correia
February 21, 2025 - Technical Evangelist
Two terms frequently arise in discussions about security compliance: FIPS validation and FedRAMP authorization. While these terms are often used interchangeably or conflated, they represent distinct but interconnected aspects of federal information security requirements. For organizations managing Linux systems in federal environments, understanding this relationship is crucial.
Demystifying FIPS Validation
The Federal Information Processing Standard (FIPS) 140 is a security standard developed by the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). It specifically focuses on requirements for cryptographic modules used in both hardware and software components. A common misconception is that entire systems or distributions can be “FIPS compliant.” In reality, only individual cryptographic modules can receive FIPS validation through NIST’s Cryptographic Module Validation Program (CMVP).
For Linux distributions, this means that specific cryptographic libraries and modules must be individually validated. When a module achieves FIPS validation, it has successfully passed rigorous testing and verification processes to ensure it meets federal security requirements. This validation is crucial because, without it, the U.S. government treats data encrypted with non-validated modules as effectively unprotected.
The Linux Distribution Security Challenge
One of the most significant challenges in maintaining both FIPS validation and strong security posture is managing updates to cryptographic modules. When vulnerabilities are discovered in Linux packages containing FIPS-validated cryptographic modules, system administrators face a critical decision:
- Continue using the validated but vulnerable version
- Update to a newer, more secure version that may temporarily lose FIPS validation
This challenge is particularly acute in Linux environments where regular security updates are crucial for maintaining system security, but updating cryptographic modules can affect their validation status.
Understanding FIPS in Federal Environments
When working with Linux distributions in federal environments, several key aspects of FIPS validation need consideration:
- Module-Level Validation
– Individual cryptographic modules must be validated
– The validation applies to specific versions of the modules
– Changes to the module may require revalidation
- Validation Process
– Modules must be tested by approved laboratories
– The process can take significant time
– Updates to modules may require new validation
- Security Updates
– Critical security patches may be needed before revalidation is complete
– Organizations need a strategy for managing this balance
– Documentation of any deviations is crucial
These aspects are handled by TuxCare as part of its Enterprise Support for Almalinux with Extended Security Updates.
Meeting Federal Requirements with AlmaLinux Enterprise Support
This service helps organizations maintain both their security posture and compliance status by providing validated cryptographic modules while ensuring timely security updates.
The affected cryptographic modules in AlmaLinux are the Kernel Crypto API, OpenSSL, NSS, libgcrypt and GnuTLS. You can check the status of the validation process for these modules in the FIPS for AlmaLinux page, which contains the validation status and links to the online certificate information.
It’s important to note that the certification process is very long and for compliance purposes an auditor can check the links in that page provided to NIST CMVP lists and thus confirm validation in this manner.
Currently, TuxCare offers AlmaLinux 9.2 FIPS validated modules, and thus is listed under the “Modules In Process” (MIP) NIST list, with openssl and the kernel already on the Active list.
TuxCare is also in the process of obtaining similar status for AlmaLinux 9.6 modules, and this can be seen in the “Implementation Under Test” (IUT) NIST list.
For organizations seeking to navigate these complex requirements, TuxCare’s AlmaLinux Enterprise Support service offers a comprehensive solution. Through our Extended Security Updates feature, we provide:
– FIPS-validated cryptographic packages for AlmaLinux
– Regular security updates that maintain the balance between validation status and security
– Extended support to help organizations manage their compliance requirements
– Expert guidance on maintaining FIPS validation while keeping systems secure
We are currently also looking into providing openssl and kernel live patches for FIPS/ESU soon.
The FedRAMP Connection
While FIPS validation focuses specifically on cryptographic modules, the Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP) takes a broader approach to security. FedRAMP provides a standardized approach to security assessment, authorization, and continuous monitoring for cloud products and services used by federal agencies. A critical point often overlooked is that FIPS validation is a mandatory component of FedRAMP compliance – not an optional enhancement.
For cloud service providers and organizations working with federal agencies, this creates a clear imperative: FIPS validation isn’t just a “nice to have” security feature, but a fundamental requirement for FedRAMP authorization. Without FIPS-validated cryptographic modules, a system cannot achieve FedRAMP authorization, potentially limiting its ability to serve federal customers.
The Changing Landscape of Linux Distribution Validation
Recent developments in the Linux ecosystem have significantly impacted how organizations approach FIPS validation. A particularly notable change affects CentOS users: As of March 2021, CentOS Linux can no longer rely on RHEL’s FIPS validation status. This shift occurred due to CentOS’s changing relationship with RHEL and its end-of-life announcement, as formally acknowledged by FedRAMP.
Furthermore, the situation with RHEL 7’s FIPS certifications presents additional challenges:
Several key RHEL 7 FIPS certificates have already moved to the historical list, indicating they are no longer actively maintained. The remaining RHEL 7 kernel and NSS modules currently hold FIPS 140-2 validation status. However, these certifications face sunset provisions in the coming year, creating urgency for organizations to plan their transition strategies.
This evolving landscape creates several important considerations for organizations maintaining federal compliance:
- Organizations currently using CentOS need to develop a migration strategy that ensures continuous FIPS validation coverage.
- Those relying on RHEL 7’s FIPS validation should prepare for the upcoming sunset of FIPS 140-2 certifications.
- Future-focused planning should include evaluation of currently validated alternatives that provide long-term stability.
Maintaining Continuous Compliance
Organizations must ensure their systems maintain active FIPS validation status while also keeping current with security updates. This becomes particularly challenging when:
- Existing certifications move to historical status
- New security vulnerabilities require immediate attention
- System updates potentially affect validation status
TuxCare’s Role in Modern FIPS Compliance
Given these challenges, TuxCare’s Enterprise Support for AlmaLinux becomes increasingly relevant. Our approach addresses both the immediate need for FIPS-validated modules and the long-term requirement for maintaining compliance in a changing landscape. The service provides:
- Currently validated modules for AlmaLinux 9.2
- Re-validations as necessary for FIPS security-relevant CVE’s
- Active pursuit of validation for newer versions, including AlmaLinux 9.6
- A clear pathway for organizations needing to transition from end-of-life or historically validated systems
- Continuous support for maintaining both security and compliance requirements
Organizations seeking a stable, compliant environment should consider that simply relying on historical validations or end-of-life distributions is no longer a viable strategy. The combination of FedRAMP requirements and evolving FIPS validation statuses demands a more proactive approach to compliance management.
