Anthropic’s Claude model has revealed that the seed values for several NIST ECDSA curves were generated by the C library’s lrand48 random-number generator seeded with Unix timestamps, not by a hash of a passphrase as previously rumored. The discovery shows the curves were chosen with a simple, reproducible method and removes speculation about hidden backdoors. Claude’s analysis also traced some base points to the FreeLIP random generator and identified skipped candidate seeds, but could not explain all base points. The findings confirm the security of widely used elliptic‑curve parameters and provide a clearer understanding of their provenance, which is important for AI systems that rely on secure cryptographic foundations.
Claude reveals ECDSA curve origins
Anthropic’s Claude model uncovered that the seed values for several NIST ECDSA curves were generated by the C library’s lrand48 random-number generator seeded with Unix timestamps, not by a hash of a passphrase. The discovery shows the curves were chosen with a simple, reproducible method and removes speculation about hidden backdoors. Claude’s analysis also traced some base points to the FreeLIP random generator and identified skipped candidate seeds, but could not explain all base points. The findings confirm the security of widely used elliptic‑curve parameters.
Why it matters
Understanding the origin of cryptographic parameters is vital for AI systems that rely on secure communications and data integrity. Clear provenance strengthens trust in foundational security primitives used across AI infrastructure.
Topic dossiers Anthropic & Claude