Access Graph Analysis for Conditional Access Vulnerabilities
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for identifying cyber security vulnerabilities in configuration data are slow and limited, failing to effectively mitigate security misconfigurations that increase the risk of data breaches and cyberattacks, particularly in complex networks with frequent changes.
Innovation Solution
A method involving data collection, graph modeling, and analysis to identify vulnerabilities by grouping users with similar access paths, storing conditions as nodes and relationships, and outputting user groups with incomplete conditions, enabling rapid identification and quantification of security gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If existing methods are used to identify vulnerabilities in configuration data, then vulnerability identification can be performed, but the process is slow and limited in scope
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vulnerability identification process into multiple phases: data collection from conditional access configurations, graph modeling of access paths, analysis of incomplete conditions, and grouping of affected users. This segmentation enables systematic and comprehensive analysis while improving processing efficiency through structured approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a graph data structure to model access paths between nodes, transforming traditional flat configuration data into a relational graph representation. This dimensional change enables more efficient traversal and analysis of access paths, significantly improving both speed and completeness of vulnerability identification.
2Reliability
If comprehensive vulnerability analysis is performed, then more vulnerabilities can be identified, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-collecting and storing conditional access configuration data, pre-modeling access paths in a graph structure, and pre-identifying incomplete conditions. This preparation enables rapid vulnerability analysis without time-consuming operations during the actual analysis phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a graphical representation (copy) of the access path relationships, allowing analysis to be performed on the graph model rather than directly on the original configuration data. This copying approach simplifies the analysis process and reduces computational time while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
3Productivity
If security misconfigurations are not addressed promptly, then organizations can maintain current operations, but the risk of cyberattacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors conditional access configurations, identifies incomplete conditions and vulnerabilities, and provides actionable insights for remediation. This feedback loop enables organizations to promptly address security misconfigurations while maintaining operational continuity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service vulnerability identification by automatically analyzing configuration data and generating reports on affected users and access paths. This automation reduces manual intervention requirements, allowing organizations to quickly respond to security issues without disrupting normal operations.
Data Source
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AI summary
There is disclosed a method and system for identifying vulnerabilities in a security configuration system. The method comprises collecting data for a plurality of users concerning user access to computer systems controlled by a security configuration system, wherein the data is collected from conditional access configurations for said users. Storing the collected data about the plurality of users' access to said computer systems as a graph comprising nodes and access paths between said nodes. Performing an analysis on the collected data stored in the graph to identify vulnerabilities in the security configuration system by identifying access paths for which one of more condition is incomplete. Grouping users which have access paths having the same vulnerabilities and outputting an indication of said user groups.