CanonicalizationMethod Element

The structure of a <CanonicalizationMethod> element is shown in the following diagram:

diagram

namespace

http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#

attributes

Name  

Type  

Use  

Default  

Fixed  

Annotation

 Algorithm  

xs:anyURI

required  

  

  

Contains a URI that identifies the particular canonicalization algorithm.

annotation

Specifies the canonicalization algorithm applied to the <SignedInfo> element prior to performing signature calculations.

Since XML allows equivalent content to be represented differently, a producer should apply a canonicalization transform to the <SignedInfo> element when it generates it, and a consumer should apply the canonicalization transform to the <SignedInfo >element when validating it. [S6.3]

Note:

Producers and consumers should also use canonicalization transforms for references to parts that hold XML documents. These transforms are defined using the <Transform>element.

The following canonicalization methods shall be supported by producers and consumers of packages with digital signatures:

  • XML Canonicalization (c14n)

  • XML Canonicalization with Comments (c14n with comments)

Consumers validating signed packages shall fail the validation if other canonicalization methods are encountered. [M6.34]