CPL: An Evidence-Based 5-Dimensional Logic for the Compositional Specification and Verification of Cryptographic Protocols Part I: Language, Process Model, Satisfaction

We (1) define a logic1, called CPL (for Cryptographic Protocol Logic), where truth is established on the grounds of evidence-based knowledge (as opposed to awarenessbased belief), spanning the dimensions2 of first-order, temporal, epistemic, deontic, and linear logic; (2) state a few of its key properties; and (3) illustrate how it can be used to compositionally specify and verify cryptographic protocols designed to establish trust in the security of communication (as opposed to security of storage) between protocolcompliant participants in a hostile environment. Our claim hereby is to give (1) the first formalisation of cryptographic discourse within the framework of multi-dimensional logic, (2) the most comprehensive, logically connected formal model of cryptographic protocols proposed so far, and (3) a rigourous clarification of the concepts constituting the common knowledge of the community of protocol designers.