Automated API Endpoint Discovery and Normalization for Cloud Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for collecting application data for security analytics in cloud-based environments are inefficient and error-prone, requiring significant manual effort and struggling with proprietary data formats and unique identifiers across different cloud instances.
Innovation Solution
An automated system and method that collects, organizes, and understands endpoints accessible to various user roles in cloud instances, using a discovery module to identify APIs, an identifier resolution module to standardize identifiers, and generating OpenAPI documents for integration with standard security testing tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual methods are used to collect and document each endpoint, then data accuracy can be maintained through human review, but the process requires significant manual effort and time
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables automated self-service data collection by having the cloud instance automatically provide endpoint information through standardized interfaces (OpenAPI/Swagger). The security testing system queries these interfaces to automatically discover and document endpoints without manual intervention, while the system itself maintains accuracy through structured data validation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If proprietary APS formats are used, then data can be collected from cloud instances, but integration with standard security testing tools becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces standardized API interfaces (OpenAPI/Swagger specifications) as intermediaries between the proprietary APS cloud instance data and external security testing tools. These standardized interfaces act as a mediator that translates proprietary formats into universally compatible formats, enabling seamless integration without requiring custom adapters for each tool.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements universal standardized interfaces (OpenAPI/Swagger) that can be used by any security testing tool that supports these standards. This multi-functional approach allows a single interface design to serve multiple different security testing tools, eliminating the need for proprietary integrations with each individual tool.
3Reliability
If unique identifiers are used for each cloud instance, then data can be precisely tracked, but transfer and application of security configurations between instances becomes problematic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments identifier handling into two distinct layers: instance-specific unique identifiers for precise tracking within a cloud instance, and standardized role-based identifiers for cross-instance configuration. This segmentation allows each layer to serve its specific purpose without interfering with the other, enabling both precise tracking and portable configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies local quality by using different identifier types in different contexts: unique instance identifiers are used locally within each cloud instance for precise data tracking, while standardized role-based identifiers are used for cross-instance configurations. Each context gets the appropriate identifier type for its specific needs.
4Ease of operation
If automated discovery is implemented, then manual effort is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses copying by replicating standardized OpenAPI/Swagger interface templates across different cloud instances and user roles. Instead of building custom discovery logic for each instance, the system copies and adapts proven standardized interfaces, reducing system complexity while maintaining automated discovery capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methodologies are provided for the automated collection, transformation, and documentation of API endpoints in cloud environments, streamlining cybersecurity workflows. A discovery module autonomously identifies endpoints accessible by various user roles. An Identifier Normalization Module dynamically adapts unique identifiers to a standardized naming convention for documentation. The system can further include a comparison engine to evaluate and visualize API access across different user roles, facilitating a comprehensive audit and compliance process. Systems and methods enable consistent endpoint mapping, role-based access clarity, and enhanced security posture management through an interactive dashboard, generating insights into the cloud instance's API landscape.