Application-Layer Certificate Authentication Across Intermediaries
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security protocols like TLS are vulnerable when a client communicates with an intermediate device, such as a gateway or load balancer, as these devices can tamper with security data, compromising the integrity of the communication channel between the client and the server.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where security data is structured at the application layer to pass through intermediate devices without being processed, using unencrypted and encrypted forms of authentication certificates, allowing the target device to authenticate the sending device outside the secure communication channel, while keeping the intermediate device inaccessible to the security data.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TLS protocol is used for secure communication between client and server, then security is improved, but vulnerability to intermediate device tampering occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the authentication process into two independent channels: (1) an encrypted channel between client and intermediate device for establishing secure communication, and (2) a separate authentication channel where the client directly authenticates with the server using certificates embedded in HTTP requests. This segmentation allows the client to verify server identity without exposing security data to the intermediate device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses HTTP requests as an intermediary carrier to transport server authentication certificates from the server to the client. The certificates are embedded within standard HTTP response headers or body, allowing the client to authenticate the server through a familiar protocol while maintaining security against intermediate device tampering.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate device decrypts and processes security data, then communication compatibility is improved, but security data integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent separates security data into two forms: (1) encrypted security data exchanged between client and intermediate device for compatibility with TLS protocol, and (2) unencrypted authentication certificates embedded in HTTP messages for direct client-server verification. This segmentation allows the intermediate device to process encrypted data while the client independently verifies authenticity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different encryption states to different portions of security data based on their intended use: encrypted form for transmission through intermediate devices requiring compatibility, and unencrypted form for direct authentication between client and server. This local differentiation of data properties resolves the contradiction between compatibility and integrity.
Data Source
AI summary
A sending device may send data intended for a target device. An intermediate device may intercept the data sent from the sending device and forward the communications to the target device. Security data (e.g., a security certificate for authentication) along with an encrypted version of the security data may be sent at the application layer such that it passes from the sending device, through the intermediate device, and to the target device without being analyzed or modified by the intermediate device. The target device may use the encrypted security data and the security data to verify the identity of the sending device.