In the world of secure communication and authentication, JSON Web Tokens (JWTs) play a crucial role. They are often used to verify the authenticity of clients and servers, ensuring secure data transmission. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to generate a self-signed CA certificate for JWTs in Java.

Prerequisites

Before we get started, make sure you have the necessary tools and binaries installed. If you're using Windows, you can download the OpenSSL binaries from slproweb.com.

Step 1: Generate an RSA Private Key

The first step is to generate an RSA private key, which will be used to create the self-signed certificate. Open your terminal or command prompt and run the following command:

openssl genrsa -aes256 -out jwt.private.pem 2048

This command generates an encrypted PEM private key. If you wish to generate a decrypted PEM based on it, you can use the following command:

openssl rsa -in jwt.private.pem -out decrypted.jwt.private.pem

Step 2: Generate a Public Key (Optional)

Generating a public key is optional in the context of creating a self-signed CA certificate for JWTs in Java. However, if you want to generate one, use the following command:

openssl rsa -pubout -in jwt.private.pem -out jwt.public.pem

The public key generation is not used in the Java keystores, but it can be useful for other purposes.

Step 3: Generate a Self-signed CA Certificate

Now, it's time to create the self-signed CA certificate using the private key you generated earlier. This certificate will be valid for one year. Customize the template by replacing the placeholder values with your own information. Run the following command:

openssl req -key jwt.private.pem -new -x509 -sha256 -days 365 -subj "/C=<2_LETTER_COUNTRY_CODE>/ST=<STATE_NAME>/L=<CITY_NAME>/O=<ORGANIZATION_NAME>/OU=<ORGANIZATIONAL_UNIT>/CN=<YOUR_NAME>/emailAddress=<YOUR_EMAIL_ADDR>" -out jwt.cert.pem

Here's a breakdown of the fields you need to replace:

• <2_LETTER_COUNTRY_CODE>: The two-letter code of your country.
• <STATE_NAME>: The name of your state.
• <CITY_NAME>: The name of your city.
• <ORGANIZATION_NAME>: The name of your organization.
• <ORGANIZATIONAL_UNIT>: The name of your section in the organization.
• <YOUR_NAME>: Your full name.
• <YOUR_EMAIL_ADDR>: Your email address.

For example:

openssl req -key jwt.private.pem -new -x509 -sha256 -days 365 -subj "/C=NZ/ST=Wellington/L=Wellington/O=RnE/OU=IT/CN=Ronaldo Webb/emailAddress=ron@ronella.xyz" -out jwt.cert.pem

Step 4: Generate a PKCS12 File

Now, create a PKCS12 file by combining the generated private key and certificate. Give it the "selfsigned" alias using the following command:

openssl pkcs12 -export -in jwt.cert.pem -inkey jwt.private.pem -out jwt.pfx -name "selfsigned"

Step 5: Store the PKCS12 Content in a Java Keystore

Java applications often use keystores for certificate management. To store the content of the PKCS12 file in a Java keystore, use the following command:

"%JAVA_HOME%\bin\keytool" -importkeystore -destkeystore jwt-ks.jks -deststorepass password -deststoretype PKCS12 -srckeystore jwt.pfx -srcstoretype PKCS12 -srcstorepass password

Replace "%JAVA_HOME%" with the path to your Java installation directory and customize the keystore name and password as needed.

Step 6: Store the Certificate in a Java Truststore

In Java, truststores are used to store certificates that are trusted for secure communication. Store the certificate you generated earlier in a Java truststore with the "selfsigned" alias using the following command:

"%JAVA_HOME%\bin\keytool" -import -file jwt.cert.pem -keystore jwt-ts.jks -storetype PKCS12 -storepass password -alias selfsigned

Again, make sure to adjust the paths, keystore name, password, and alias according to your requirements.

By following these steps, you can generate a self-signed CA certificate for JWTs in Java, ensuring secure authentication and data transmission in your applications.

Related Topics

• Generating and Validating JWT Tokens in Java using Keystore
• Generating and Validating JWT Tokens in Java using PEM

For further information on working with JWTs in Java, you can explore these related topics.

Creating the java keystore and truststore with private key and certificate pair

1. Download OpenSSL binaries from the following link if you are using windows:

   https://slproweb.com/products/Win32OpenSSL.html

2. Create an openssl configuration (i.e. openssl.cnf) file using the following template:

   [ req ]
   default_bits        = 2048
   default_keyfile     = privkey.pem
   distinguished_name  = subject
   req_extensions      = req_ext
   x509_extensions     = x509_ext
   string_mask         = utf8only
   
   # The Subject DN can be formed using X501 or RFC 4514 (see RFC 4519 for a description).
   #   Its sort of a mashup. For example, RFC 4514 does not provide emailAddress.
   [ subject ]
   countryName         = Country Name (2 letter code)
   countryName_default     = <2_LETTER_COUNTRY_CODE>
   
   stateOrProvinceName     = State or Province Name (full name)
   stateOrProvinceName_default = <STATE_NAME>
   
   localityName            = Locality Name (eg, city)
   localityName_default        = <CITY_NAME>
   
   organizationName         = Organization Name (eg, company)
   organizationName_default    = <ORGANIZATION_NAME>
   
   organizationalUnitName   = Organizational Unit
   organizationalUnitName_default = <ORGANIZATIONAL_UNIT>
   
   # Use a friendly name here because it's presented to the user. The server's DNS
   #   names are placed in Subject Alternate Names. Plus, DNS names here is deprecated
   #   by both IETF and CA/Browser Forums. If you place a DNS name here, then you
   #   must include the DNS name in the SAN too (otherwise, Chrome and others that
   #   strictly follow the CA/Browser Baseline Requirements will fail).
   commonName          = Common Name (e.g. server FQDN or YOUR name)
   commonName_default      = <YOUR_NAME>
   
   emailAddress            = Email Address
   emailAddress_default        = <YOUR_EMAIL_ADDRESS>
   
   # Section x509_ext is used when generating a self-signed certificate. I.e., openssl req -x509 ...
   [ x509_ext ]
   
   subjectKeyIdentifier        = hash
   authorityKeyIdentifier    = keyid,issuer
   
   # You only need digitalSignature below. *If* you don't allow
   #   RSA Key transport (i.e., you use ephemeral cipher suites), then
   #   omit keyEncipherment because that's key transport.
   basicConstraints        = CA:FALSE
   keyUsage            = digitalSignature, keyEncipherment
   subjectAltName          = @alternate_names
   nsComment           = "OpenSSL Generated Certificate"
   
   # RFC 5280, Section 4.2.1.12 makes EKU optional
   #   CA/Browser Baseline Requirements, Appendix (B)(3)(G) makes me confused
   #   In either case, you probably only need serverAuth.
   # extendedKeyUsage    = serverAuth, clientAuth
   
   # Section req_ext is used when generating a certificate signing request. I.e., openssl req ...
   [ req_ext ]
   
   subjectKeyIdentifier        = hash
   
   basicConstraints        = CA:FALSE
   keyUsage            = digitalSignature, keyEncipherment
   subjectAltName          = @alternate_names
   nsComment           = "OpenSSL Generated Certificate"
   
   # RFC 5280, Section 4.2.1.12 makes EKU optional
   #   CA/Browser Baseline Requirements, Appendix (B)(3)(G) makes me confused
   #   In either case, you probably only need serverAuth.
   # extendedKeyUsage    = serverAuth, clientAuth
   
   [ alternate_names ]
   
   DNS.1       = <DNS_1>
   
   # Add more DNS by incrementing the DNS.<SUFFIX> like the following.
   # DNS.2       = <DNS_2>
   # DNS.3       = <DNS_3>
   # DNS.4       = <DNS_4>
   
   # Add these if you need them. But usually you don't want them or
   #   need them in production. You may need them for development.
   # DNS.5       = localhost
   # DNS.6       = localhost.localdomain
   
   # IPv6 localhost
   # DNS.8     = ::1
   
   # IP address using the following:
   # IP.1       = 127.0.0.1

   Replace the following fields on the template:

   Field Name	Description
   2_LETTER_COUNTRY_CODE	The two letter code of your country.
   STATE_NAME	The name of your state.
   CITY_NAME	The name of your city.
   ORGANIZATION_NAME	The name of your organization.
   ORGANIZATIONAL_UNIT	The name of your section in the organization.
   YOUR_NAME	Your full name.
   YOUR_EMAIL_ADDR	Your email address.
   DNS.<INDEX>	Your DNS name.

   Example:

   [ req ]
   default_bits        = 2048
   default_keyfile     = privkey.pem
   distinguished_name  = subject
   req_extensions      = req_ext
   x509_extensions     = x509_ext
   string_mask         = utf8only
   
   # The Subject DN can be formed using X501 or RFC 4514 (see RFC 4519 for a description).
   #   Its sort of a mashup. For example, RFC 4514 does not provide emailAddress.
   [ subject ]
   countryName         = Country Name (2 letter code)
   countryName_default     = NZ
   
   stateOrProvinceName     = State or Province Name (full name)
   stateOrProvinceName_default = Wellington
   
   localityName            = Locality Name (eg, city)
   localityName_default        = Wellington
   
   organizationName         = Organization Name (eg, company)
   organizationName_default    = My Organization
   
   organizationalUnitName   = Organizational Unit
   organizationalUnitName_default = IT Department
   
   # Use a friendly name here because it's presented to the user. The server's DNS
   #   names are placed in Subject Alternate Names. Plus, DNS names here is deprecated
   #   by both IETF and CA/Browser Forums. If you place a DNS name here, then you
   #   must include the DNS name in the SAN too (otherwise, Chrome and others that
   #   strictly follow the CA/Browser Baseline Requirements will fail).
   commonName          = Common Name (e.g. server FQDN or YOUR name)
   commonName_default      = Ronaldo Webb
   
   emailAddress            = Email Address
   emailAddress_default        = ron@ronella.xyz
   
   # Section x509_ext is used when generating a self-signed certificate. I.e., openssl req -x509 ...
   [ x509_ext ]
   
   subjectKeyIdentifier        = hash
   authorityKeyIdentifier    = keyid,issuer
   
   # You only need digitalSignature below. *If* you don't allow
   #   RSA Key transport (i.e., you use ephemeral cipher suites), then
   #   omit keyEncipherment because that's key transport.
   basicConstraints        = CA:FALSE
   keyUsage            = digitalSignature, keyEncipherment
   subjectAltName          = @alternate_names
   nsComment           = "OpenSSL Generated Certificate"
   
   # RFC 5280, Section 4.2.1.12 makes EKU optional
   #   CA/Browser Baseline Requirements, Appendix (B)(3)(G) makes me confused
   #   In either case, you probably only need serverAuth.
   # extendedKeyUsage    = serverAuth, clientAuth
   
   # Section req_ext is used when generating a certificate signing request. I.e., openssl req ...
   [ req_ext ]
   
   subjectKeyIdentifier        = hash
   
   basicConstraints        = CA:FALSE
   keyUsage            = digitalSignature, keyEncipherment
   subjectAltName          = @alternate_names
   nsComment           = "OpenSSL Generated Certificate"
   
   # RFC 5280, Section 4.2.1.12 makes EKU optional
   #   CA/Browser Baseline Requirements, Appendix (B)(3)(G) makes me confused
   #   In either case, you probably only need serverAuth.
   # extendedKeyUsage    = serverAuth, clientAuth
   
   [ alternate_names ]
   
   DNS.1       = www.ronella.xyz
   
   # Add more DNS by incrementing the DNS.<SUFFIX> like the following.
   # DNS.2       = <DNS_2>
   # DNS.3       = <DNS_3>
   # DNS.4       = <DNS_4>
   
   # Add these if you need them. But usually you don't want them or
   #   need them in production. You may need them for development.
   # DNS.5       = localhost
   # DNS.6       = localhost.localdomain
   
   # IPv6 localhost
   # DNS.8     = ::1
   
   # IP address using the following:
   # IP.1       = 127.0.0.1

3. Save the openssl.cnf on your desired location.

4. Generate the private key and certificate with 1yr validity using the following command:

   openssl req -config openssl.cnf -new -x509 -sha256 -newkey rsa:2048 -keyout privkey.pem -days 365 -out cert.pem

5. Generate a pkcs12 file from the generated private key and certificate with the selfsigned alias using the following command:

   openssl pkcs12 -export -in cert.pem -inkey privkey.pem -out cert.pfx -name selfsigned

6. Store the pfx file to a java keystore using the following command:

   "%JAVA_HOME%\bin\keytool" -importkeystore -destkeystore keystore.jks -deststorepass password -deststoretype PKCS12 -srckeystore cert.pfx -srcstoretype PKCS12 -srcstorepass password

7. Store the certificate to a java truststore using the following command:

   "%JAVA_HOME%\bin\keytool" -import -file cert.pem -keystore truststore.jks -storetype PKCS12 -storepass password -alias selfsigned