A Novel Approach in Certificate Revocation and Validation Using Bitcoin’s UTXO Model

Identifier:  TFM:2347

Handle: https://hdl.handle.net/20.500.11797/TFM2347

Authors:  Miguel Rodríguez, Ignacio

Abstract:
This work presents a decentralized approach to certificate revocation using the Bitcoin blockchain. By embedding a unique UTXO reference into an X.509 v3 certificate, the system allows verifiers to check revocation status based on whether the UTXO has been spent. This eliminates reliance on centralized status servers like CRLs or OCSP, improving scalability, user privacy, and transparency. The proposed method ties certificate validity to a publicly verifiable and tamper-resistant infrastructure, offering a more secure and efficient alternative to traditional PKI revocation mechanisms.