What is the correct order of events in the TLS handshake?

Question

BlackTom AI · Accepted Answer

The question asks for the correct order of events in the TLS handshake.

First, I should restate what the prompt provides: the question is about the TLS handshake sequence, and the available data lists a supposed correct answer as: 'Client Hello, Server Hello, Client Key Exchange, Finished'. However, there are no answer options provided to compare against, so we can't assess multiple choices a student might be selecting.

To analyze the topic accurately, let me outline the typical TLS handshake sequence (simplified, with the common case of the server presenting a certificate and using RSA or ECDHE for key exchange): There is an initial ClientHello from the client, followed by a ServerHello from the server. After that, the server usually sends its certificate (Server Certificate) and, if needed for forward secrecy, a ServerKeyExchange message. The client may also present a client certificate if requested (ClientCertificate) and then the client sends ClientKeyExchange. This is followed by ChangeCipherSpec and Finished messages from both sides to complete the handshake and switch to encrypted communication.

Now, evaluating the provided (but incomplete) answer candidate: 'Client Hello, Server Hello, Client Key Exchange, Finished'. 
- This sequence jumps ahead to Client KeyExchange right after ServerHello, omitting the critical steps where the server sends its certificate (and possibly a ServerKeyExchange), and it misses the ChangeCipherSpec and Finished messages exchange that officially finalize the handshake. 
- The Client Key Exchange message typically occurs after the server has sent its certificate (and possibly the ServerKeyExchange) so that the client can establish the premaster secret or a key exchange material; skipping those preceding steps would leave the client without the necessary key material the server would use to derive the session keys. 
- The Finished message (and its counterpart) comes only after the ChangeCipherSpec messages, signaling that the handshake has completed and encryption is in use. Placing Finished immediately after ClientKeyExchange ignores the required ChangeCipherSpec and the server’s Finished message that confirm both parties have the derived keys.

Because the original prompt lacks the full list of options, we can’t identify which option among them is correct. If the intention is to evaluate knowledge of the standard TLS handshake order, a complete correct option would resemble: ClientHello → ServerHello (and server cert) → ServerKeyExchange (if using ephemeral keys) → CertificateRequest (optional) → ClientKeyExchange → CertificateVerify (if client cert used) → ChangeCipherSpec → Finished (client) and then ChangeCipherSpec → Finished (server). This broader sequence emphasizes the necessity of certificate exchange and the key-agreement steps before the Finished messages.

In summary: the stated sequence is incomplete and does not reflect the essential steps that occur between ServerHello and the Finished message. The missing pieces (server certificate, possible server key exchange, optional client certificate and verification, the ChangeCipherSpec messages) are required to properly complete the TLS handshake.

CS1200.34155.202530 Check-in: Cryptography

What is the correct order of events in the TLS handshake?

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