Access Point Certificates Without Wildcards for Complex Domain Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional certificate generation approaches use wildcard entries to manage multiple domains and subdomains, which introduce security and compliance concerns, and fail to efficiently handle complex DNS topologies and CDN proxies, leading to incorrect configurations and increased attack surfaces.
Innovation Solution
A certificate management system generates certificates based on a graph representing relationships between access points and domains/subdomains, listing each node separately without wildcard entries, and continuously updates the certificates in response to changes in domain relationships.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If wildcard entries are used in certificates to represent multiple domains or subdomains, then certificate management becomes simpler and fewer certificates are needed, but security compliance deteriorates and attack surfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate by creating separate certificate entries for each specific domain and subdomain associated with an access point, rather than using a single wildcard entry. This segmentation allows precise control over which domains are covered while maintaining security compliance, as each entry is explicitly defined rather than broadly covered by a wildcard pattern.
2Quantity of substance
If wildcard entries are used in certificates, then the number of certificates needed is reduced, but the attack surface increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making each certificate entry specific to particular domains and subdomains rather than using a general wildcard pattern. This localized approach ensures that the certificate only covers the exact domains intended, reducing the attack surface while still providing comprehensive coverage for all legitimate domains through multiple specific entries within the same certificate.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional certificate approaches are used with wildcard entries, then certificate generation is simpler, but accuracy in reflecting current domain relationships deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring changes in domain relationships and automatically updating the certificate accordingly. The system receives notifications when domains are added or removed from the access point, and the certificate is regenerated to reflect only the current, accurate set of domains and subdomains, ensuring precision without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Generating an access point certificate based on a graph that defines relationships between an access point and at least one domain is described. Relationship data describing how data is to be routed between an access point and domains is received by a certificate management system. The certificate management system generates a graph representing an access point and associated domains as nodes, with edges connecting various nodes to model relationships between the access point and the associated domains. Based on the graph, a certificate is generated that individually lists each domain associated with the access point and includes information describing data routing for the domain via the access point. The certificate excludes wildcard entries that represent multiple domains via a single entry. The certificate is used to control data communication traffic via the access point and is updated responsive to changes in in domain relationship data for the access point.