Application Sensor Injection for Vulnerability Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting vulnerabilities in software applications are inadequate, as they fail to efficiently identify and report potential security threats early in the development process, leading to increased business risk due to the growing complexity and interconnectedness of software systems.
Innovation Solution
A method that modifies application instructions to include configurable sensors generating event indicators, which are stored and analyzed to detect vulnerabilities such as SQL injection, command injection, and other security risks, with reporting capabilities to alert users of potential threats.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional vulnerability detection methods are used, then the detection process is simple, but the detection precision and ability to identify vulnerabilities early is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by modifying application instructions beforehand to include sensors that will detect vulnerabilities during execution. The sensors are pre-configured with vulnerability patterns and rules, enabling early detection of security issues before they can be exploited, thus improving detection precision without requiring complex post-deployment analysis systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces sensors as intermediary components that are embedded within the application instructions. These sensors act as mediators between the application execution and vulnerability detection, capturing event indicators and translating them into detectable security anomalies, thereby enhancing detection capabilities while maintaining a manageable system architecture
2Reliability
If sensors are added to application instructions to detect vulnerabilities, then vulnerability detection capability is improved, but the complexity of modifying and analyzing instructions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments vulnerability detection into discrete sensor modules that can be independently configured and deployed within application instructions. Each sensor is responsible for specific vulnerability patterns, allowing for modular modification of instructions and simplified analysis through event indicator segmentation, thus improving security reliability while managing modification complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where sensors generate event indicators that are analyzed and fed back to identify vulnerabilities. This feedback loop enables continuous monitoring and detection, improving security reliability through iterative detection and response, while the automated feedback process reduces the manual complexity of instruction analysis
3Adaptability or versatility
If comprehensive vulnerability detection is performed, then security coverage is improved, but the time and resources required for analysis increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by focusing sensor detection on specific vulnerability patterns and event indicators rather than attempting to analyze all possible execution paths. This targeted approach improves vulnerability detection coverage for critical security issues while reducing overall analysis time by concentrating resources on high-priority vulnerability detection
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by configuring sensors with specific vulnerability patterns, event types, and detection rules that can be adjusted based on security requirements. This parameter-based configuration enables versatile vulnerability detection coverage across different application types while optimizing analysis time through selective parameter setting for different detection scenarios
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, methods, and apparatus, including computer program products, for detecting a presence of at least one vulnerability in an application. The method is provided that includes modifying instructions of the application to include at least one sensor that is configurable to generate an event indicator, wherein the event indicator includes at least some data associated with the event; storing the event indicator with other stored event indicators generated by the at least one sensor during the execution of the application; analyzing the stored event indicators; detecting a presence of at least one vulnerability in the application based on the analysis of the stored event indicators; and reporting the presence of at least one vulnerability.