AI-Generated Software Image Recipes for Targeted Security Updates
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Solution Overview
Problem
Maintaining software images to ensure performance and security in computing environments is challenging due to code updates, which can introduce vulnerabilities and require efficient management solutions.
Innovation Solution
Utilizing generative artificial intelligence models to create software image recipes that define a set of instructions for combining software packages, enabling the building and configuring of software components like containers or virtual machines, with the ability to update and redeploy images in response to cybersecurity threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If code is updated to patch vulnerabilities in software images, then security is improved, but the complexity of managing and redeploying software images increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the software image management process into distinct components: base images, software packages, and configuration files. This segmentation allows targeted updates of specific packages without requiring complete image rebuilds, reducing management complexity while maintaining security through selective patching.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining software packages and their dependencies in a package manifest before deployment. This allows the system to automatically identify and update only the necessary packages when security vulnerabilities are detected, rather than manually managing entire image updates, thus reducing complexity while improving security response.
2Reliability
If software images are rebuilt frequently to address vulnerabilities, then security is improved, but the time and resources required for maintenance increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by updating only the specific software packages that contain vulnerabilities rather than rebuilding entire software images. The package manifest enables identification of affected packages, allowing selective updates that reduce maintenance time and resources while still addressing security concerns effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements discarding and recovering by maintaining a package manifest that tracks software package versions and dependencies. When updates are needed, the system discards only the affected packages and recovers them in updated form, rather than discarding and recovering entire image builds, significantly reducing maintenance overhead.
3Reliability
If manual processes are used to track and update software packages, then control over security is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the package manifest system, which automatically tracks software package versions, dependencies, and update statuses. This automated feedback loop enables the system to identify security vulnerabilities and initiate updates without manual intervention, maintaining security control while dramatically improving productivity through automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the software image management system to automatically identify, download, and install updated software packages based on vulnerability information and package manifest data. This eliminates the need for manual tracking and updating processes, maintaining security control while freeing up resources and improving overall productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for building software image. A method includes generating a prompt based on an input portion of application-identifying data; prompting a generative artificial intelligence model using the prompt in order to output text indicating a plurality of software packages, wherein each software package is a set of code for performing a plurality of functions of an application; generating a software image recipe based on the output text, wherein the software image recipe is a file including a set of instructions that cause a processing circuitry to build the software image by combining the plurality of software packages when executed; and building the software image by executing the software image recipe via the processing circuitry, wherein the software image causes deployment of a software component when executed, wherein the software component is configured to perform the plurality of functions of the application.