The question is pretty simple, is it possible to create a FIPS 140-2 compliant server in Perl? Especially, is it possible without modifying any of the C code for the modules? If it's not possible in straight Perl, what would be the easiest way to go about it from a C perspective?
I'm basically creating a mini-httpd that only serves up a single file, but due to security restrictions it needs to be served up on SSL under FIPS compliance.
I don't know all of the rules when it comes to FIPS 140-2. However, unlike HIPAA and PCI-DSS its a standard that governs the strength of cryptography and doesn't take the system as a whole into consideration. Parts of OpenSSL can be FIPS 140-2 compliant and this library is exposed to perl via the Crypt::OpenSSL module. You just have to make sure your key size is large enough for the level of FIPS certification you need and that you don't violate a one of the many Cryptographic Issues.
Take a look at Mozilla's FIPS strategy. Triple DES is most likely to be Open Source. I am unaware of any certified FIPS 140-2 solutions in Perl.
Most implementation approvals are very restrictive, such as being on a certain hardware platform, CPU, and OS version. If you are on one of those platforms, you can often piggyback on the OS approval, such as Windows 7, Redhat, etc.