PHP Extension

Load an Encrypted PKCS #8 Private Key File

Demonstrates the Chilkat PrivateKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile method, which loads a private key from a file, using a password when the key is encrypted. The first argument is the file path and the second is the password. It handles encrypted PKCS #8 DER or PEM, and unencrypted forms.

Note: The file path is relative to the application's current working directory. Absolute paths may also be used. Supply the path to your own key file.

Background: Encrypted PKCS #8 is the standard way to store a password-protected key in either binary DER or Base64 PEM. This loader decrypts both, and because it also accepts unencrypted input it is a robust choice when a PKCS #8 file may or may not be encrypted. As always, source the password securely.

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PHP Extension

<?php

include("chilkat.php");

$success = false;

//  Demonstrates the PrivateKey.LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile method, which loads a private key from a
//  file, using a password when the key is encrypted.  The 1st argument is the file path and the
//  2nd is the password.  It handles encrypted PKCS #8 DER or PEM, as well as unencrypted forms.

$privKey = new CkPrivateKey();

//  The key password is not hard-coded in a real application; obtain it from an interactive
//  prompt, environment variable, or a secrets vault.
$password = 'myKeyPassword';

$success = $privKey->LoadPkcs8EncryptedFile('qa_data/private_pkcs8_enc.der',$password);
if ($success == false) {
    print $privKey->lastErrorText() . "\n";
    exit;
}

print 'Loaded a ' . $privKey->keyType() . ' private key.' . "\n";

?>