python3 - 2to3 + miscell obvious tweaks
[sfa.git] / sfa / trust / credential.py
index 6ef5e30..307ed95 100644 (file)
@@ -1,4 +1,4 @@
-#----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 # Copyright (c) 2008 Board of Trustees, Princeton University
 #
 # Permission is hereby granted, free of charge, to any person obtaining
 # The above copyright notice and this permission notice shall be
 # included in all copies or substantial portions of the Work.
 #
-# THE WORK IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS 
-# OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF 
-# MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND 
-# NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT 
-# HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY, 
-# WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM, 
-# OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS 
+# THE WORK IS PROVIDED "AS IS", WITHOUT WARRANTY OF ANY KIND, EXPRESS
+# OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING BUT NOT LIMITED TO THE WARRANTIES OF
+# MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND
+# NONINFRINGEMENT. IN NO EVENT SHALL THE AUTHORS OR COPYRIGHT
+# HOLDERS BE LIABLE FOR ANY CLAIM, DAMAGES OR OTHER LIABILITY,
+# WHETHER IN AN ACTION OF CONTRACT, TORT OR OTHERWISE, ARISING FROM,
+# OUT OF OR IN CONNECTION WITH THE WORK OR THE USE OR OTHER DEALINGS
 # IN THE WORK.
-#----------------------------------------------------------------------
+# ----------------------------------------------------------------------
 ##
 # Implements SFA Credentials
 #
-# Credentials are signed XML files that assign a subject gid privileges to an object gid
+# Credentials are signed XML files that assign a subject gid
+# privileges to an object gid
 ##
 
-import os, os.path
+
+
+import os
+import os.path
 import subprocess
-from types import StringTypes
 import datetime
-from StringIO import StringIO
 from tempfile import mkstemp
 from xml.dom.minidom import Document, parseString
 
-HAVELXML = False
-try:
-    from lxml import etree
-    HAVELXML = True
-except:
-    pass
+from sfa.util.py23 import PY3, StringType, StringIO
 
 from xml.parsers.expat import ExpatError
 
-from sfa.util.faults import CredentialNotVerifiable, ChildRightsNotSubsetOfParent
+from sfa.util.faults import (CredentialNotVerifiable,
+                             ChildRightsNotSubsetOfParent)
 from sfa.util.sfalogging import logger
 from sfa.util.sfatime import utcparse, SFATIME_FORMAT
 from sfa.trust.rights import Right, Rights, determine_rights
 from sfa.trust.gid import GID
 from sfa.util.xrn import urn_to_hrn, hrn_authfor_hrn
 
-# 31 days, in seconds 
+HAVELXML = False
+try:
+    from lxml import etree
+    HAVELXML = True
+except:
+    pass
+
+
+# 31 days, in seconds
 DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME = 86400 * 31
 
 
@@ -59,13 +65,13 @@ DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME = 86400 * 31
 # . Need to add support for other types of credentials, e.g. tickets
 # . add namespaces to signed-credential element?
 
-signature_template = \
-'''
-<Signature xml:id="Sig_%s" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#">
+signature_format = \
+    '''
+<Signature xml:id="Sig_{refid}" xmlns="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#">
   <SignedInfo>
     <CanonicalizationMethod Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/TR/2001/REC-xml-c14n-20010315"/>
     <SignatureMethod Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1"/>
-    <Reference URI="#%s">
+    <Reference URI="#{refid}">
       <Transforms>
         <Transform Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#enveloped-signature" />
       </Transforms>
@@ -85,40 +91,13 @@ signature_template = \
 </Signature>
 '''
 
-# PG formats the template (whitespace) slightly differently.
-# Note that they don't include the xmlns in the template, but add it later.
-# Otherwise the two are equivalent.
-#signature_template_as_in_pg = \
-#'''
-#<Signature xml:id="Sig_%s" >
-# <SignedInfo>
-#  <CanonicalizationMethod      Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/TR/2001/REC-xml-c14n-20010315"/>
-#  <SignatureMethod      Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#rsa-sha1"/>
-#  <Reference URI="#%s">
-#    <Transforms>
-#      <Transform         Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#enveloped-signature" />
-#    </Transforms>
-#    <DigestMethod        Algorithm="http://www.w3.org/2000/09/xmldsig#sha1"/>
-#    <DigestValue></DigestValue>
-#    </Reference>
-# </SignedInfo>
-# <SignatureValue />
-# <KeyInfo>
-#  <X509Data >
-#   <X509SubjectName/>
-#   <X509IssuerSerial/>
-#   <X509Certificate/>
-#  </X509Data>
-#  <KeyValue />
-# </KeyInfo>
-#</Signature>
-#'''
-
 ##
 # Convert a string into a bool
 # used to convert an xsd:boolean to a Python boolean
+
+
 def str2bool(str):
-    if str.lower() in ['true','1']:
+    if str.lower() in ('true', '1'):
         return True
     return False
 
@@ -128,16 +107,17 @@ def str2bool(str):
 
 def getTextNode(element, subele):
     sub = element.getElementsByTagName(subele)[0]
-    if len(sub.childNodes) > 0:            
+    if len(sub.childNodes) > 0:
         return sub.childNodes[0].nodeValue
     else:
         return None
-        
+
 ##
 # Utility function to set the text of an XML element
 # It creates the element, adds the text to it,
 # and then appends it to the parent.
 
+
 def append_sub(doc, parent, element, text):
     ele = doc.createElement(element)
     ele.appendChild(doc.createTextNode(text))
@@ -148,8 +128,9 @@ def append_sub(doc, parent, element, text):
 # for a signed-credential
 #
 
+
 class Signature(object):
-   
+
     def __init__(self, string=None):
         self.refid = None
         self.issuer_gid = None
@@ -158,7 +139,6 @@ class Signature(object):
             self.xml = string
             self.decode()
 
-
     def get_refid(self):
         if not self.refid:
             self.decode()
@@ -175,27 +155,36 @@ class Signature(object):
     def get_issuer_gid(self):
         if not self.gid:
             self.decode()
-        return self.gid        
+        return self.gid
 
     def set_issuer_gid(self, gid):
         self.gid = gid
 
     def decode(self):
+        # Helper function to pull characters off the front of a string if
+        # present
+        def remove_prefix(text, prefix):
+            if text and prefix and text.startswith(prefix):
+                return text[len(prefix):]
+            return text
+
         try:
             doc = parseString(self.xml)
-        except ExpatError,e:
-            logger.log_exc ("Failed to parse credential, %s"%self.xml)
+        except ExpatError as e:
+            logger.log_exc("Failed to parse credential, {}".format(self.xml))
             raise
         sig = doc.getElementsByTagName("Signature")[0]
-        ## This code until the end of function rewritten by Aaron Helsinger
-        ref_id = sig.getAttribute("xml:id").strip().strip("Sig_")
-        # The xml:id tag is optional, and could be in a 
+        # This code until the end of function rewritten by Aaron Helsinger
+        ref_id = remove_prefix(sig.getAttribute("xml:id").strip(), "Sig_")
+        # The xml:id tag is optional, and could be in a
         # Reference xml:id or Reference UID sub element instead
         if not ref_id or ref_id == '':
             reference = sig.getElementsByTagName('Reference')[0]
-            ref_id = reference.getAttribute('xml:id').strip().strip('Sig_')
+            ref_id = remove_prefix(
+                reference.getAttribute('xml:id').strip(), "Sig_")
             if not ref_id or ref_id == '':
-                ref_id = reference.getAttribute('URI').strip().strip('#')
+                ref_id = remove_prefix(
+                    reference.getAttribute('URI').strip(), "#")
         self.set_refid(ref_id)
         keyinfos = sig.getElementsByTagName("X509Data")
         gids = None
@@ -205,49 +194,57 @@ class Signature(object):
                 if len(cert.childNodes) > 0:
                     szgid = cert.childNodes[0].nodeValue
                     szgid = szgid.strip()
-                    szgid = "-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----\n%s\n-----END CERTIFICATE-----" % szgid
+                    szgid = "-----BEGIN CERTIFICATE-----\n"\
+                            "{}\n-----END CERTIFICATE-----".format(
+                        szgid)
                     if gids is None:
                         gids = szgid
                     else:
                         gids += "\n" + szgid
         if gids is None:
-            raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Malformed XML: No certificate found in signature")
+            raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                "Malformed XML: No certificate found in signature")
         self.set_issuer_gid(GID(string=gids))
-        
+
     def encode(self):
-        self.xml = signature_template % (self.get_refid(), self.get_refid())
+        self.xml = signature_format.format(refid=self.get_refid())
 
 ##
 # A credential provides a caller gid with privileges to an object gid.
 # A signed credential is signed by the object's authority.
 #
-# Credentials are encoded in one of two ways. 
-# The legacy style (now unsupported) places it in the subjectAltName of an X509 certificate.
+# Credentials are encoded in one of two ways.  The legacy style (now
+# unsupported) places it in the subjectAltName of an X509 certificate.
 # The new credentials are placed in signed XML.
 #
 # WARNING:
 # In general, a signed credential obtained externally should
 # not be changed else the signature is no longer valid.  So, once
-# you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or sign() on it.
+# you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or
+# sign() on it.
+
 
 def filter_creds_by_caller(creds, caller_hrn_list):
-        """
-        Returns a list of creds who's gid caller matches the
-        specified caller hrn
-        """
-        if not isinstance(creds, list): creds = [creds]
-        if not isinstance(caller_hrn_list, list): 
-            caller_hrn_list = [caller_hrn_list]
-        caller_creds = []
-        for cred in creds:
-            try:
-                tmp_cred = Credential(string=cred)
-                if tmp_cred.get_cred_type() != Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE:
-                    continue
-                if tmp_cred.get_gid_caller().get_hrn() in caller_hrn_list:
-                    caller_creds.append(cred)
-            except: pass
-        return caller_creds
+    """
+    Returns a list of creds who's gid caller matches the
+    specified caller hrn
+    """
+    if not isinstance(creds, list):
+        creds = [creds]
+    if not isinstance(caller_hrn_list, list):
+        caller_hrn_list = [caller_hrn_list]
+    caller_creds = []
+    for cred in creds:
+        try:
+            tmp_cred = Credential(string=cred)
+            if tmp_cred.type != Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE:
+                continue
+            if tmp_cred.get_gid_caller().get_hrn() in caller_hrn_list:
+                caller_creds.append(cred)
+        except:
+            pass
+    return caller_creds
+
 
 class Credential(object):
 
@@ -257,11 +254,13 @@ class Credential(object):
     # Create a Credential object
     #
     # @param create If true, create a blank x509 certificate
-    # @param subject If subject!=None, create an x509 cert with the subject name
+    # @param subject If subject!=None,
+    #  create an x509 cert with the subject name
     # @param string If string!=None, load the credential from the string
     # @param filename If filename!=None, load the credential from the file
     # FIXME: create and subject are ignored!
-    def __init__(self, create=False, subject=None, string=None, filename=None, cred=None):
+    def __init__(self, create=False, subject=None, string=None,
+                 filename=None, cred=None):
         self.gidCaller = None
         self.gidObject = None
         self.expiration = None
@@ -273,45 +272,60 @@ class Credential(object):
         self.signature = None
         self.xml = None
         self.refid = None
-        self.cred_type = Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE
+        self.type = Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE
         self.version = None
 
         if cred:
-            if isinstance(cred, StringTypes):
+            if isinstance(cred, StringType):
                 string = cred
-                self.cred_type = Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE
+                self.type = Credential.SFA_CREDENTIAL_TYPE
                 self.version = '3'
             elif isinstance(cred, dict):
                 string = cred['geni_value']
-                self.cred_type = cred['geni_type']
+                self.type = cred['geni_type']
                 self.version = cred['geni_version']
 
         if string or filename:
-            if string:                
+            if string:
                 str = string
             elif filename:
-                str = file(filename).read()
-                
+                with open(filename) as infile:
+                    str = infile.read()
+
             # if this is a legacy credential, write error and bail out
-            if isinstance (str, StringTypes) and str.strip().startswith("-----"):
-                logger.error("Legacy credentials not supported any more - giving up with %s..."%str[:10])
+            if isinstance(str, StringType) and str.strip().startswith("-----"):
+                logger.error(
+                    "Legacy credentials not supported any more "
+                    "- giving up with {}..."
+                    .format(str[:10]))
                 return
             else:
                 self.xml = str
                 self.decode()
-
-        # Find an xmlsec1 path
-        self.xmlsec_path = ''
-        paths = ['/usr/bin','/usr/local/bin','/bin','/opt/bin','/opt/local/bin']
-        for path in paths:
-            if os.path.isfile(path + '/' + 'xmlsec1'):
-                self.xmlsec_path = path + '/' + 'xmlsec1'
-                break
-        if not self.xmlsec_path:
-            logger.warn("Could not locate binary for xmlsec1 - SFA will be unable to sign stuff !!")
-
-    def get_cred_type(self): 
-        return self.cred_type
+        # not strictly necessary but won't hurt either
+        self.get_xmlsec1_path()
+
+    @staticmethod
+    def get_xmlsec1_path():
+        if not getattr(Credential, 'xmlsec1_path', None):
+            # Find a xmlsec1 binary path
+            Credential.xmlsec1_path = ''
+            paths = ['/usr/bin', '/usr/local/bin',
+                     '/bin', '/opt/bin', '/opt/local/bin']
+            try:
+                paths += os.getenv('PATH').split(':')
+            except:
+                pass
+            for path in paths:
+                xmlsec1 = os.path.join(path, 'xmlsec1')
+                if os.path.isfile(xmlsec1):
+                    Credential.xmlsec1_path = xmlsec1
+                    break
+        if not Credential.xmlsec1_path:
+            logger.error(
+                "Could not locate required binary 'xmlsec1' -"
+                "SFA will be unable to sign stuff !!")
+        return Credential.xmlsec1_path
 
     def get_subject(self):
         if not self.gidObject:
@@ -334,7 +348,8 @@ class Credential(object):
         caller = self.gidCaller.pretty_cert()
         exp = self.get_expiration()
         # Summarize the rights too? The issuer?
-        return "[Cred. for {caller} rights on {obj} until {exp} ]".format(**locals())
+        return "[Cred. for {caller} rights on {obj} until {exp} ]"\
+            .format(**locals())
 
     def get_signature(self):
         if not self.signature:
@@ -344,7 +359,6 @@ class Credential(object):
     def set_signature(self, sig):
         self.signature = sig
 
-        
     ##
     # Need the issuer's private key and name
     # @param key Keypair object containing the private key of the issuer
@@ -354,7 +368,6 @@ class Credential(object):
         self.issuer_privkey = privkey
         self.issuer_gid = gid
 
-
     ##
     # Set this credential's parent
     def set_parent(self, cred):
@@ -394,16 +407,19 @@ class Credential(object):
         if not self.gidObject:
             self.decode()
         return self.gidObject
-            
-    ##
-    # Expiration: an absolute UTC time of expiration (as either an int or string or datetime)
-    # 
+
+    #
+    # Expiration: an absolute UTC time of expiration (as either an int
+    # or string or datetime)
+    #
     def set_expiration(self, expiration):
-        expiration_datetime = utcparse (expiration)
+        expiration_datetime = utcparse(expiration)
         if expiration_datetime is not None:
             self.expiration = expiration_datetime
         else:
-            logger.error ("unexpected input %s in Credential.set_expiration"%expiration)
+            logger.error(
+                "unexpected input {} in Credential.set_expiration"
+                .format(expiration))
 
     ##
     # get the lifetime of the credential (always in datetime format)
@@ -411,19 +427,21 @@ class Credential(object):
     def get_expiration(self):
         if not self.expiration:
             self.decode()
-        # at this point self.expiration is normalized as a datetime - DON'T call utcparse again
+        # at this point self.expiration is normalized as a datetime - DON'T
+        # call utcparse again
         return self.expiration
 
     ##
     # set the privileges
     #
-    # @param privs either a comma-separated list of privileges of a Rights object
+    # @param privs either a comma-separated list of privileges of a
+    # Rights object
 
     def set_privileges(self, privs):
         if isinstance(privs, str):
-            self.privileges = Rights(string = privs)
+            self.privileges = Rights(string=privs)
         else:
-            self.privileges = privs        
+            self.privileges = privs
 
     ##
     # return the privileges as a Rights object
@@ -437,24 +455,25 @@ class Credential(object):
     # determine whether the credential allows a particular operation to be
     # performed
     #
-    # @param op_name string specifying name of operation ("lookup", "update", etc)
+    # @param op_name string specifying name of operation
+    #  ("lookup", "update", etc)
 
     def can_perform(self, op_name):
         rights = self.get_privileges()
-        
+
         if not rights:
             return False
 
         return rights.can_perform(op_name)
 
-
     ##
-    # Encode the attributes of the credential into an XML string    
-    # This should be done immediately before signing the credential.    
+    # Encode the attributes of the credential into an XML string
+    # This should be done immediately before signing the credential.
     # WARNING:
     # In general, a signed credential obtained externally should
     # not be changed else the signature is no longer valid.  So, once
-    # you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or sign() on it.
+    # you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or
+    # sign() on it.
 
     def encode(self):
         # Create the XML document
@@ -467,18 +486,28 @@ class Credential(object):
         # Note that delegation of credentials between the 2 only really works
         # cause those schemas are identical.
         # Also note these PG schemas talk about PG tickets and CM policies.
-        signed_cred.setAttribute("xmlns:xsi", "http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance")
-        # FIXME: See v2 schema at www.geni.net/resources/credential/2/credential.xsd
-        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation", "http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/credential.xsd")
-        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:schemaLocation", "http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/ext/policy/1 http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
+        signed_cred.setAttribute(
+            "xmlns:xsi", "http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance")
+        # FIXME: See v2 schema at
+        # www.geni.net/resources/credential/2/credential.xsd
+        signed_cred.setAttribute(
+            "xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation",
+            "http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/credential.xsd")
+        signed_cred.setAttribute(
+            "xsi:schemaLocation",
+            "http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/ext/policy/1 "
+            "http://www.planet-lab.org/resources/sfa/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
 
         # PG says for those last 2:
-        #        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation", "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/credential.xsd")
-        #        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:schemaLocation", "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1 http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
+        #        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation",
+        #        "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/credential.xsd")
+        #        signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:schemaLocation",
+        #         "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1 "
+        #         "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
 
-        doc.appendChild(signed_cred)  
-        
-        # Fill in the <credential> bit        
+        doc.appendChild(signed_cred)
+
+        # Fill in the <credential> bit
         cred = doc.createElement("credential")
         cred.setAttribute("xml:id", self.get_refid())
         signed_cred.appendChild(cred)
@@ -490,13 +519,17 @@ class Credential(object):
         append_sub(doc, cred, "target_urn", self.gidObject.get_urn())
         append_sub(doc, cred, "uuid", "")
         if not self.expiration:
-            logger.debug("Creating credential valid for %s s"%DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME)
-            self.set_expiration(datetime.datetime.utcnow() + datetime.timedelta(seconds=DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME))
+            logger.debug("Creating credential valid for {} s".format(
+                DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME))
+            self.set_expiration(datetime.datetime.utcnow(
+            ) + datetime.timedelta(seconds=DEFAULT_CREDENTIAL_LIFETIME))
         self.expiration = self.expiration.replace(microsecond=0)
-        if self.expiration.tzinfo is not None and self.expiration.tzinfo.utcoffset(self.expiration) is not None:
+        if self.expiration.tzinfo is not None \
+           and self.expiration.tzinfo.utcoffset(self.expiration) is not None:
             # TZ aware. Make sure it is UTC - by Aaron Helsinger
             self.expiration = self.expiration.astimezone(tz.tzutc())
-        append_sub(doc, cred, "expires", self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT))
+        append_sub(doc, cred, "expires",
+                   self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT))
         privileges = doc.createElement("privileges")
         cred.appendChild(privileges)
 
@@ -505,7 +538,8 @@ class Credential(object):
             for right in rights.rights:
                 priv = doc.createElement("privilege")
                 append_sub(doc, priv, "name", right.kind)
-                append_sub(doc, priv, "can_delegate", str(right.delegate).lower())
+                append_sub(doc, priv, "can_delegate",
+                           str(right.delegate).lower())
                 privileges.appendChild(priv)
 
         # Add the parent credential if it exists
@@ -514,14 +548,19 @@ class Credential(object):
             # If the root node is a signed-credential (it should be), then
             # get all its attributes and attach those to our signed_cred
             # node.
-            # Specifically, PG and PLadd attributes for namespaces (which is reasonable),
+            # Specifically, PG and PL add attributes for namespaces
+            # (which is reasonable),
             # and we need to include those again here or else their signature
             # no longer matches on the credential.
             # We expect three of these, but here we copy them all:
-            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xmlns:xsi", "http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance")
+            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xmlns:xsi",
+            #                   "http://www.w3.org/2001/XMLSchema-instance")
             # and from PG (PL is equivalent, as shown above):
-            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation", "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/credential.xsd")
-            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:schemaLocation", "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1 http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
+            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:noNamespaceSchemaLocation",
+            #      "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/credential.xsd")
+            #  signed_cred.setAttribute("xsi:schemaLocation",
+            #      "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1 "
+            #      "http://www.protogeni.net/resources/credential/ext/policy/1/policy.xsd")
 
             # HOWEVER!
             # PL now also declares these, with different URLs, so
@@ -543,20 +582,30 @@ class Credential(object):
             # the contents of the schemas are the same,
             # or something else, but it seems odd. And this works.
             parentRoot = sdoc.documentElement
-            if parentRoot.tagName == "signed-credential" and parentRoot.hasAttributes():
+            if parentRoot.tagName == "signed-credential" and \
+               parentRoot.hasAttributes():
                 for attrIx in range(0, parentRoot.attributes.length):
                     attr = parentRoot.attributes.item(attrIx)
                     # returns the old attribute of same name that was
                     # on the credential
-                    # Below throws InUse exception if we forgot to clone the attribute first
-                    oldAttr = signed_cred.setAttributeNode(attr.cloneNode(True))
+                    # Below throws InUse exception if we forgot to clone the
+                    # attribute first
+                    oldAttr = signed_cred.setAttributeNode(
+                        attr.cloneNode(True))
                     if oldAttr and oldAttr.value != attr.value:
-                        msg = "Delegating cred from owner %s to %s over %s:\n - Replaced attribute %s value '%s' with '%s'" % \
-                              (self.parent.gidCaller.get_urn(), self.gidCaller.get_urn(), self.gidObject.get_urn(), oldAttr.name, oldAttr.value, attr.value)
-                        logger.warn(msg)
-                        #raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Can't encode new valid delegated credential: %s" % msg)
-
-            p_cred = doc.importNode(sdoc.getElementsByTagName("credential")[0], True)
+                        msg = "Delegating cred from owner {} to {} over {}:\n"
+                        "- Replaced attribute {} value '{}' with '{}'"\
+                            .format(self.parent.gidCaller.get_urn(),
+                                    self.gidCaller.get_urn(),
+                                    self.gidObject.get_urn(),
+                                    oldAttr.name, oldAttr.value, attr.value)
+                        logger.warning(msg)
+                        # raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                        # "Can't encode new valid delegated credential: {}"
+                        # .format(msg))
+
+            p_cred = doc.importNode(
+                sdoc.getElementsByTagName("credential")[0], True)
             p = doc.createElement("parent")
             p.appendChild(p_cred)
             cred.appendChild(p)
@@ -570,32 +619,36 @@ class Credential(object):
         if self.parent:
             for cur_cred in self.get_credential_list()[1:]:
                 sdoc = parseString(cur_cred.get_signature().get_xml())
-                ele = doc.importNode(sdoc.getElementsByTagName("Signature")[0], True)
+                ele = doc.importNode(
+                    sdoc.getElementsByTagName("Signature")[0], True)
                 signatures.appendChild(ele)
-                
+
         # Get the finished product
         self.xml = doc.toxml("utf-8")
 
-
-    def save_to_random_tmp_file(self):       
+    def save_to_random_tmp_file(self):
         fp, filename = mkstemp(suffix='cred', text=True)
         fp = os.fdopen(fp, "w")
         self.save_to_file(filename, save_parents=True, filep=fp)
         return filename
-    
+
     def save_to_file(self, filename, save_parents=True, filep=None):
         if not self.xml:
             self.encode()
         if filep:
-            f = filep 
+            f = filep
         else:
             f = open(filename, "w")
+        if PY3 and isinstance(self.xml, bytes):
+            self.xml = self.xml.decode()
         f.write(self.xml)
         f.close()
 
     def save_to_string(self, save_parents=True):
         if not self.xml:
             self.encode()
+        if PY3 and isinstance(self.xml, bytes):
+            self.xml = self.xml.decode()
         return self.xml
 
     def get_refid(self):
@@ -610,12 +663,12 @@ class Credential(object):
     # Figure out what refids exist, and update this credential's id
     # so that it doesn't clobber the others.  Returns the refids of
     # the parents.
-    
+
     def updateRefID(self):
         if not self.parent:
             self.set_refid('ref0')
             return []
-        
+
         refs = []
 
         next_cred = self.parent
@@ -626,12 +679,11 @@ class Credential(object):
             else:
                 next_cred = None
 
-        
         # Find a unique refid for this credential
         rid = self.get_refid()
         while rid in refs:
             val = int(rid[3:])
-            rid = "ref%d" % (val + 1)
+            rid = "ref{}".format(val + 1)
 
         # Set the new refid
         self.set_refid(rid)
@@ -650,14 +702,15 @@ class Credential(object):
     # WARNING:
     # In general, a signed credential obtained externally should
     # not be changed else the signature is no longer valid.  So, once
-    # you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or sign() on it.
+    # you have loaded an existing signed credential, do not call encode() or
+    # sign() on it.
 
     def sign(self):
         if not self.issuer_privkey:
-            logger.warn("Cannot sign credential (no private key)")
+            logger.warning("Cannot sign credential (no private key)")
             return
         if not self.issuer_gid:
-            logger.warn("Cannot sign credential (no issuer gid)")
+            logger.warning("Cannot sign credential (no issuer gid)")
             return
         doc = parseString(self.get_xml())
         sigs = doc.getElementsByTagName("signatures")[0]
@@ -665,13 +718,13 @@ class Credential(object):
         # Create the signature template to be signed
         signature = Signature()
         signature.set_refid(self.get_refid())
-        sdoc = parseString(signature.get_xml())        
-        sig_ele = doc.importNode(sdoc.getElementsByTagName("Signature")[0], True)
+        sdoc = parseString(signature.get_xml())
+        sig_ele = doc.importNode(
+            sdoc.getElementsByTagName("Signature")[0], True)
         sigs.appendChild(sig_ele)
 
         self.xml = doc.toxml("utf-8")
 
-
         # Split the issuer GID into multiple certificates if it's a chain
         chain = GID(filename=self.issuer_gid)
         gid_files = []
@@ -682,13 +735,15 @@ class Credential(object):
             else:
                 chain = None
 
-
         # Call out to xmlsec1 to sign it
-        ref = 'Sig_%s' % self.get_refid()
+        ref = 'Sig_{}'.format(self.get_refid())
         filename = self.save_to_random_tmp_file()
-        command='%s --sign --node-id "%s" --privkey-pem %s,%s %s' \
-            % (self.xmlsec_path, ref, self.issuer_privkey, ",".join(gid_files), filename)
-#        print 'command',command
+        xmlsec1 = self.get_xmlsec1_path()
+        if not xmlsec1:
+            raise Exception("Could not locate required 'xmlsec1' program")
+        command = '{} --sign --node-id "{}" --privkey-pem {},{} {}' \
+                  .format(xmlsec1, ref, self.issuer_privkey,
+                          ",".join(gid_files), filename)
         signed = os.popen(command).read()
         os.remove(filename)
 
@@ -698,8 +753,7 @@ class Credential(object):
         self.xml = signed
 
         # Update signatures
-        self.decode()       
-
+        self.decode()
 
     ##
     # Retrieve the attributes of the credential from the XML.
@@ -713,7 +767,7 @@ class Credential(object):
         doc = None
         try:
             doc = parseString(self.xml)
-        except ExpatError,e:
+        except ExpatError as e:
             raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Malformed credential")
         doc = parseString(self.xml)
         sigs = []
@@ -727,10 +781,11 @@ class Credential(object):
                 sigs = signatures[0].getElementsByTagName("Signature")
         else:
             creds = doc.getElementsByTagName("credential")
-        
+
         if creds is None or len(creds) == 0:
             # malformed cred file
-            raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Malformed XML: No credential tag found")
+            raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                "Malformed XML: No credential tag found")
 
         # Just take the first cred if there are more than one
         cred = creds[0]
@@ -740,8 +795,7 @@ class Credential(object):
         self.gidCaller = GID(string=getTextNode(cred, "owner_gid"))
         self.gidObject = GID(string=getTextNode(cred, "target_gid"))
 
-
-        ## This code until the end of function rewritten by Aaron Helsinger
+        # This code until the end of function rewritten by Aaron Helsinger
         # Process privileges
         rlist = Rights()
         priv_nodes = cred.getElementsByTagName("privileges")
@@ -751,9 +805,10 @@ class Credential(object):
                 kind = getTextNode(priv, "name")
                 deleg = str2bool(getTextNode(priv, "can_delegate"))
                 if kind == '*':
-                    # Convert * into the default privileges for the credential's type
+                    # Convert * into the default privileges
+                    # for the credential's type
                     # Each inherits the delegatability from the * above
-                    _ , type = urn_to_hrn(self.gidObject.get_urn())
+                    _, type = urn_to_hrn(self.gidObject.get_urn())
                     rl = determine_rights(type, self.gidObject.get_urn())
                     for r in rl.rights:
                         r.delegate = deleg
@@ -762,14 +817,14 @@ class Credential(object):
                     rlist.add(Right(kind.strip(), deleg))
         self.set_privileges(rlist)
 
-
         # Is there a parent?
         parent = cred.getElementsByTagName("parent")
         if len(parent) > 0:
             parent_doc = parent[0].getElementsByTagName("credential")[0]
             parent_xml = parent_doc.toxml("utf-8")
             if parent_xml is None or parent_xml.strip() == "":
-                raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Malformed XML: Had parent tag but it is empty")
+                raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                    "Malformed XML: Had parent tag but it is empty")
             self.parent = Credential(string=parent_xml)
             self.updateRefID()
 
@@ -780,17 +835,17 @@ class Credential(object):
             for cur_cred in self.get_credential_list():
                 if cur_cred.get_refid() == Sig.get_refid():
                     cur_cred.set_signature(Sig)
-                                    
-            
+
     ##
     # Verify
-    #   trusted_certs: A list of trusted GID filenames (not GID objects!) 
-    #                  Chaining is not supported within the GIDs by xmlsec1.
+    #   trusted_certs: A list of trusted GID filenames (not GID objects!)
+    #           Chaining is not supported within the GIDs by xmlsec1.
     #
     #   trusted_certs_required: Should usually be true. Set False means an
-    #                 empty list of trusted_certs would still let this method pass.
-    #                 It just skips xmlsec1 verification et al. Only used by some utils
-    #    
+    #           empty list of trusted_certs would still let this method pass.
+    #           It just skips xmlsec1 verification et al.
+    #           Only used by some utils
+    #
     # Verify that:
     # . All of the signatures are valid and that the issuers trace back
     #   to trusted roots (performed by xmlsec1)
@@ -803,7 +858,8 @@ class Credential(object):
     #
     # -- For Delegates (credentials with parents)
     # . The privileges must be a subset of the parent credentials
-    # . The privileges must have "can_delegate" set for each delegated privilege
+    # . The privileges must have "can_delegate"
+    #      set for each delegated privilege
     # . The target gid must be the same between child and parents
     # . The expiry time on the child must be no later than the parent
     # . The signer of the child must be the owner of the parent
@@ -813,7 +869,8 @@ class Credential(object):
     #   must be done elsewhere
     #
     # @param trusted_certs: The certificates of trusted CA certificates
-    def verify(self, trusted_certs=None, schema=None, trusted_certs_required=True):
+    def verify(self, trusted_certs=None, schema=None,
+               trusted_certs_required=True):
         if not self.xml:
             self.decode()
 
@@ -825,7 +882,9 @@ class Credential(object):
                 xmlschema = etree.XMLSchema(schema_doc)
                 if not xmlschema.validate(tree):
                     error = xmlschema.error_log.last_error
-                    message = "%s: %s (line %s)" % (self.pretty_cred(), error.message, error.line)
+                    message = "{}: {} (line {})"\
+                              .format(self.pretty_cred(),
+                                      error.message, error.line)
                     raise CredentialNotVerifiable(message)
 
         if trusted_certs_required and trusted_certs is None:
@@ -834,8 +893,8 @@ class Credential(object):
 #        trusted_cert_objects = [GID(filename=f) for f in trusted_certs]
         trusted_cert_objects = []
         ok_trusted_certs = []
-        # If caller explicitly passed in None that means skip cert chain validation.
-        # Strange and not typical
+        # If caller explicitly passed in None, that means
+        # skip cert chain validation. Strange and not typical
         if trusted_certs is not None:
             for f in trusted_certs:
                 try:
@@ -843,57 +902,72 @@ class Credential(object):
                     # or non PEM files
                     trusted_cert_objects.append(GID(filename=f))
                     ok_trusted_certs.append(f)
-                except Exception, exc:
-                    logger.error("Failed to load trusted cert from %s: %r"%( f, exc))
+                except Exception as exc:
+                    logger.exception(
+                        "Failed to load trusted cert from {}".format(f))
             trusted_certs = ok_trusted_certs
 
         # make sure it is not expired
         if self.get_expiration() < datetime.datetime.utcnow():
-            raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Credential %s expired at %s" % \
-                                          (self.pretty_cred(),
-                                           self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT)))
+            raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                "Credential {} expired at {}"
+                .format(self.pretty_cred(),
+                        self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT)))
 
         # Verify the signatures
         filename = self.save_to_random_tmp_file()
 
-        # If caller explicitly passed in None that means skip cert chain validation.
-        # - Strange and not typical
+        # If caller explicitly passed in None that means
+        # skip cert chain validation. Strange and not typical
         if trusted_certs is not None:
-            # Verify the gids of this cred and of its parents
+            # Verify the caller and object gids of this cred and of its parents
             for cur_cred in self.get_credential_list():
-                cur_cred.get_gid_object().verify_chain(trusted_cert_objects)
-                cur_cred.get_gid_caller().verify_chain(trusted_cert_objects)
+                # check both the caller and the subject
+                for gid in (cur_cred.get_gid_object(),
+                            cur_cred.get_gid_caller()):
+                    logger.debug("Credential.verify: verifying chain {}"
+                                 .format(gid.pretty_cert()))
+                    logger.debug("Credential.verify: against trusted {}"
+                                 .format(" ".join(trusted_certs)))
+                    gid.verify_chain(trusted_cert_objects)
 
         refs = []
-        refs.append("Sig_%s" % self.get_refid())
+        refs.append("Sig_{}".format(self.get_refid()))
 
         parentRefs = self.updateRefID()
         for ref in parentRefs:
-            refs.append("Sig_%s" % ref)
+            refs.append("Sig_{}".format(ref))
 
         for ref in refs:
-            # If caller explicitly passed in None that means skip xmlsec1 validation.
-            # Strange and not typical
+            # If caller explicitly passed in None that means
+            # skip xmlsec1 validation. Strange and not typical
             if trusted_certs is None:
                 break
 
             # Thierry - jan 2015
-            # up to fedora20 we used os.popen and checked that the output begins with OK
-            # turns out, with fedora21, there is extra input before this 'OK' thing
-            # looks like we're better off just using the exit code - that's what it is made for
-            #cert_args = " ".join(['--trusted-pem %s' % x for x in trusted_certs])
-            #command = '{} --verify --node-id "{}" {} {} 2>&1'.\
+            # up to fedora20 we used os.popen and checked
+            # that the output begins with OK; turns out, with fedora21,
+            # there is extra input before this 'OK' thing
+            # looks like we're better off just using the exit code
+            # that's what it is made for
+            # cert_args = " ".join(['--trusted-pem {}'.format(x) for x in trusted_certs])
+            # command = '{} --verify --node-id "{}" {} {} 2>&1'.\
             #          format(self.xmlsec_path, ref, cert_args, filename)
-            command = [ self.xmlsec_path, '--verify', '--node-id', ref ]
+            xmlsec1 = self.get_xmlsec1_path()
+            if not xmlsec1:
+                raise Exception("Could not locate required 'xmlsec1' program")
+            command = [xmlsec1, '--verify', '--node-id', ref]
             for trusted in trusted_certs:
-                command += ["--trusted-pem", trusted ]
-            command += [ filename ]
+                command += ["--trusted-pem", trusted]
+            command += [filename]
             logger.debug("Running " + " ".join(command))
             try:
-                verified = subprocess.check_output(command, stderr=subprocess.STDOUT)
+                verified = subprocess.check_output(
+                    command, stderr=subprocess.STDOUT)
                 logger.debug("xmlsec command returned {}".format(verified))
                 if "OK\n" not in verified:
-                    logger.warning("WARNING: xmlsec1 seemed to return fine but without a OK in its output")
+                    logger.warning(
+                        "WARNING: xmlsec1 seemed to return fine but without a OK in its output")
             except subprocess.CalledProcessError as e:
                 verified = e.output
                 # xmlsec errors have a msg= which is the interesting bit.
@@ -903,9 +977,12 @@ class Credential(object):
                     mstart = mstart + 4
                     mend = verified.find('\\', mstart)
                     msg = verified[mstart:mend]
-                logger.warning("Credential.verify - failed - xmlsec1 returned {}".format(verified.strip()))
-                raise CredentialNotVerifiable("xmlsec1 error verifying cred %s using Signature ID %s: %s" % \
-                                              (self.pretty_cred(), ref, msg))
+                logger.warning(
+                    "Credential.verify - failed - xmlsec1 returned {}"
+                    .format(verified.strip()))
+                raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                    "xmlsec1 error verifying cred {} using Signature ID {}: {}"
+                    .format(self.pretty_cred(), ref, msg))
         os.remove(filename)
 
         # Verify the parents (delegation)
@@ -918,9 +995,9 @@ class Credential(object):
         return True
 
     ##
-    # Creates a list of the credential and its parents, with the root 
+    # Creates a list of the credential and its parents, with the root
     # (original delegated credential) as the last item in the list
-    def get_credential_list(self):    
+    def get_credential_list(self):
         cur_cred = self
         list = []
         while cur_cred:
@@ -930,7 +1007,7 @@ class Credential(object):
             else:
                 cur_cred = None
         return list
-    
+
     ##
     # Make sure the credential's target gid (a) was signed by or (b)
     # is the same as the entity that signed the original credential,
@@ -942,7 +1019,10 @@ class Credential(object):
         root_target_gid = root_cred.get_gid_object()
         if root_cred.get_signature() is None:
             # malformed
-            raise CredentialNotVerifiable("Could not verify credential owned by %s for object %s. Cred has no signature" % (self.gidCaller.get_urn(), self.gidObject.get_urn()))
+            raise CredentialNotVerifiable(
+                "Could not verify credential owned by {} for object {}. "
+                "Cred has no signature"
+                .format(self.gidCaller.get_urn(), self.gidObject.get_urn()))
 
         root_cred_signer = root_cred.get_signature().get_issuer_gid()
 
@@ -963,9 +1043,9 @@ class Credential(object):
         # Case 2:
         # Allow someone to sign credential about themeselves. Used?
         # If not, remove this.
-        #root_target_gid_str = root_target_gid.save_to_string()
-        #root_cred_signer_str = root_cred_signer.save_to_string()
-        #if root_target_gid_str == root_cred_signer_str:
+        # root_target_gid_str = root_target_gid.save_to_string()
+        # root_cred_signer_str = root_cred_signer.save_to_string()
+        # if root_target_gid_str == root_cred_signer_str:
         #    # cred signer is target, return success
         #    return
 
@@ -986,15 +1066,16 @@ class Credential(object):
         if trusted_gids and len(trusted_gids) > 0:
             root_cred_signer.verify_chain(trusted_gids)
         else:
-            logger.debug("Cannot verify that cred signer is signed by a trusted authority. "
-                         "No trusted gids. Skipping that check.")
+            logger.debug(
+                "Cannot verify that cred signer is signed by a trusted authority. "
+                "No trusted gids. Skipping that check.")
 
         # See if the signer is an authority over the domain of the target.
         # There are multiple types of authority - accept them all here
         # Maybe should be (hrn, type) = urn_to_hrn(root_cred_signer.get_urn())
         root_cred_signer_type = root_cred_signer.get_type()
         if root_cred_signer_type.find('authority') == 0:
-            #logger.debug('Cred signer is an authority')
+            # logger.debug('Cred signer is an authority')
             # signer is an authority, see if target is in authority's domain
             signerhrn = root_cred_signer.get_hrn()
             if hrn_authfor_hrn(signerhrn, root_target_gid.get_hrn()):
@@ -1020,7 +1101,7 @@ class Credential(object):
     # . The privileges must have "can_delegate" set for each delegated privilege
     # . The target gid must be the same between child and parents
     # . The expiry time on the child must be no later than the parent
-    # . The signer of the child must be the owner of the parent        
+    # . The signer of the child must be the owner of the parent
     def verify_parent(self, parent_cred):
         # make sure the rights given to the child are a subset of the
         # parents rights (and check delegate bits)
@@ -1028,13 +1109,15 @@ class Credential(object):
             message = (
                 "Parent cred {} (ref {}) rights {} "
                 " not superset of delegated cred {} (ref {}) rights {}"
-                .format(parent_cred.pretty_cred(),parent_cred.get_refid(),
+                .format(parent_cred.pretty_cred(), parent_cred.get_refid(),
                         parent_cred.get_privileges().pretty_rights(),
                         self.pretty_cred(), self.get_refid(),
                         self.get_privileges().pretty_rights()))
             logger.error(message)
-            logger.error("parent details {}".format(parent_cred.get_privileges().save_to_string()))
-            logger.error("self details {}".format(self.get_privileges().save_to_string()))
+            logger.error("parent details {}".format(
+                parent_cred.get_privileges().save_to_string()))
+            logger.error("self details {}".format(
+                self.get_privileges().save_to_string()))
             raise ChildRightsNotSubsetOfParent(message)
 
         # make sure my target gid is the same as the parent's
@@ -1044,7 +1127,8 @@ class Credential(object):
                 "Delegated cred {}: Target gid not equal between parent and child. Parent {}"
                 .format(self.pretty_cred(), parent_cred.pretty_cred()))
             logger.error(message)
-            logger.error("parent details {}".format(parent_cred.save_to_string()))
+            logger.error("parent details {}".format(
+                parent_cred.save_to_string()))
             logger.error("self details {}".format(self.save_to_string()))
             raise CredentialNotVerifiable(message)
 
@@ -1060,33 +1144,36 @@ class Credential(object):
             message = "Delegated credential {} not signed by parent {}'s caller"\
                 .format(self.pretty_cred(), parent_cred.pretty_cred())
             logger.error(message)
-            logger.error("compare1 parent {}".format(parent_cred.get_gid_caller().pretty_cred()))
-            logger.error("compare1 parent details {}".format(parent_cred.get_gid_caller().save_to_string()))
-            logger.error("compare2 self {}".format(self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().pretty_cred()))
-            logger.error("compare2 self details {}".format(self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().save_to_string()))
+            logger.error("compare1 parent {}".format(
+                parent_cred.get_gid_caller().pretty_cert()))
+            logger.error("compare1 parent details {}".format(
+                parent_cred.get_gid_caller().save_to_string()))
+            logger.error("compare2 self {}".format(
+                self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().pretty_crert()))
+            logger.error("compare2 self details {}".format(
+                self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().save_to_string()))
             raise CredentialNotVerifiable(message)
-                
+
         # Recurse
         if parent_cred.parent:
             parent_cred.verify_parent(parent_cred.parent)
 
-
     def delegate(self, delegee_gidfile, caller_keyfile, caller_gidfile):
         """
-        Return a delegated copy of this credential, delegated to the 
-        specified gid's user.    
+        Return a delegated copy of this credential, delegated to the
+        specified gid's user.
         """
         # get the gid of the object we are delegating
         object_gid = self.get_gid_object()
-        object_hrn = object_gid.get_hrn()        
+        object_hrn = object_gid.get_hrn()
+
         # the hrn of the user who will be delegated to
         delegee_gid = GID(filename=delegee_gidfile)
         delegee_hrn = delegee_gid.get_hrn()
-  
-        #user_key = Keypair(filename=keyfile)
-        #user_hrn = self.get_gid_caller().get_hrn()
-        subject_string = "%s delegated to %s" % (object_hrn, delegee_hrn)
+
+        # user_key = Keypair(filename=keyfile)
+        # user_hrn = self.get_gid_caller().get_hrn()
+        subject_string = "{} delegated to {}".format(object_hrn, delegee_hrn)
         dcred = Credential(subject=subject_string)
         dcred.set_gid_caller(delegee_gid)
         dcred.set_gid_object(object_gid)
@@ -1094,7 +1181,7 @@ class Credential(object):
         dcred.set_expiration(self.get_expiration())
         dcred.set_privileges(self.get_privileges())
         dcred.get_privileges().delegate_all_privileges(True)
-        #dcred.set_issuer_keys(keyfile, delegee_gidfile)
+        # dcred.set_issuer_keys(keyfile, delegee_gidfile)
         dcred.set_issuer_keys(caller_keyfile, caller_gidfile)
         dcred.encode()
         dcred.sign()
@@ -1103,50 +1190,61 @@ class Credential(object):
 
     # only informative
     def get_filename(self):
-        return getattr(self,'filename',None)
+        return getattr(self, 'filename', None)
 
-    def actual_caller_hrn (self):
-        """a helper method used by some API calls like e.g. Allocate
+    def actual_caller_hrn(self):
+        """
+        a helper method used by some API calls like e.g. Allocate
         to try and find out who really is the original caller
 
         This admittedly is a bit of a hack, please USE IN LAST RESORT
 
         This code uses a heuristic to identify a delegated credential
 
-        A first known restriction if for traffic that gets through a slice manager
-        in this case the hrn reported is the one from the last SM in the call graph
-        which is not at all what is meant here"""
+        A first known restriction if for traffic that gets through a
+        slice manager in this case the hrn reported is the one from
+        the last SM in the call graph which is not at all what is
+        meant here
+        """
 
-        caller_hrn = self.get_gid_caller().get_hrn()
-        issuer_hrn = self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().get_hrn()
+        caller_hrn, caller_type = urn_to_hrn(self.get_gid_caller().get_urn())
+        issuer_hrn, issuer_type = urn_to_hrn(
+            self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().get_urn())
         subject_hrn = self.get_gid_object().get_hrn()
-        # if we find that the caller_hrn is an immediate descendant of the issuer, then
-        # this seems to be a 'regular' credential
-        if caller_hrn.startswith(issuer_hrn):
-            actual_caller_hrn=caller_hrn
-        # else this looks like a delegated credential, and the real caller is the issuer
+        # if the caller is a user and the issuer is not
+        # it's probably the former
+        if caller_type == "user" and issuer_type != "user":
+            actual_caller_hrn = caller_hrn
+        # if we find that the caller_hrn is an immediate descendant
+        # of the issuer, then this seems to be a 'regular' credential
+        elif caller_hrn.startswith(issuer_hrn):
+            actual_caller_hrn = caller_hrn
+        # else this looks like a delegated credential, and the real caller is
+        # the issuer
         else:
-            actual_caller_hrn=issuer_hrn
-        logger.info("actual_caller_hrn: caller_hrn=%s, issuer_hrn=%s, returning %s"
-                    %(caller_hrn,issuer_hrn,actual_caller_hrn))
+            actual_caller_hrn = issuer_hrn
+        logger.info(
+            "actual_caller_hrn: caller_hrn={}, issuer_hrn={}, returning {}"
+            .format(caller_hrn, issuer_hrn, actual_caller_hrn))
         return actual_caller_hrn
 
     ##
     # Dump the contents of a credential to stdout in human-readable format
     #
     # @param dump_parents If true, also dump the parent certificates
-    def dump (self, *args, **kwargs):
-        print self.dump_string(*args, **kwargs)
+    def dump(self, *args, **kwargs):
+        print(self.dump_string(*args, **kwargs))
 
     # SFA code ignores show_xml and disables printing the cred xml
     def dump_string(self, dump_parents=False, show_xml=False):
-        result=""
-        result += "CREDENTIAL %s\n" % self.pretty_subject()
-        filename=self.get_filename()
-        if filename: result += "Filename %s\n"%filename
+        result = ""
+        result += "CREDENTIAL {}\n".format(self.pretty_subject())
+        filename = self.get_filename()
+        if filename:
+            result += "Filename {}\n".format(filename)
         privileges = self.get_privileges()
         if privileges:
-            result += "      privs: %s\n" % privileges.save_to_string()
+            result += "      privs: {}\n".format(privileges.save_to_string())
         else:
             result += "      privs: \n"
         gidCaller = self.get_gid_caller()
@@ -1156,10 +1254,12 @@ class Credential(object):
 
         if self.get_signature():
             result += "  gidIssuer:\n"
-            result += self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid().dump_string(8, dump_parents)
+            result += self.get_signature().get_issuer_gid()\
+                                          .dump_string(8, dump_parents)
 
         if self.expiration:
-            result += "  expiration: " + self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT) + "\n"
+            result += "  expiration: " + \
+                self.expiration.strftime(SFATIME_FORMAT) + "\n"
 
         gidObject = self.get_gid_object()
         if gidObject:
@@ -1179,7 +1279,7 @@ class Credential(object):
                 result += "\nEnd XML\n"
             except:
                 import traceback
-                print "exc. Credential.dump_string / XML"
+                print("exc. Credential.dump_string / XML")
                 traceback.print_exc()
 
         return result