How to get JavaCard version on card

Question

How to get java card version from card? Is there any way how to get version of JC from the card. Or should I try to install applets with specific for each JC version option

Answer 1

I'll be bold and advice some way around the issue. If you can load applets you normally also have access to the Global Platform card manager. The card manager should support a command APDU called GET CPLC (DATA). This returns the Card Production Life Cycle data, which includes identifiers for the chip manufacturer (there is a limited number of those), OS manufacturer and version information.

Armed with this information, you should be able to ask the creator of the OS for more information, such as which version is exactly supported, Global Platform support, additional libraries etc. Of course it depends a bit on who and where you are if they actually deem you worthy of support.

A small issue is that Visa seems to maintain the mapping of the identifiers to actual companies. I haven't found a definite list on the internet just yet, but the more common ones seem to be known.