Authenticator Module Secure Pre-Boot Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems lack secure mechanisms to prevent tampering and unauthorized access, particularly during pre-boot and root access, which can lead to malicious attacks by interceptors.
Innovation Solution
An authenticator module is introduced that communicates a signed unique identifier between a client information handling system and an access controller, using a private key and public key pair for authentication, enabling secure pre-boot and root access only when the decrypted identifier matches the original, thus ensuring the system's integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If no authentication mechanism is implemented, then the system is easier to access and operate, but the system becomes vulnerable to tampering and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary authentication actions before allowing system access. The authenticator module performs authentication checks at pre-boot and root access stages, verifying cryptographic identifiers before the system operates. This preliminary verification ensures security is established before any potential tampering can occur, resolving the contradiction by preventing unauthorized access while maintaining system integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authenticator module that mediates between the client information handling system and the host information handling system. This intermediary component handles all authentication transactions, including receiving unique identifiers, verifying cryptographic signatures, and controlling access permissions. The intermediary approach isolates security functions from the main system, providing reliable security without overwhelming system complexity.
2Reliability
If cryptographic authentication is implemented, then unauthorized access is prevented, but the system requires additional computational resources and keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and isolates the cryptographic authentication functions into a dedicated authenticator module. This extraction separates security computations from the main system operations, allowing authentication to be performed with dedicated computational resources rather than consuming system-wide resources. The authenticator module handles key management, identifier verification, and access control independently, improving security while optimizing resource utilization.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of authentication by using asymmetric cryptography (public/private key pairs) instead of symmetric authentication. This parameter change allows the system to verify authenticity without requiring shared secrets, reducing the computational burden on individual operations. The public key can be freely distributed for verification while the private key remains secure, enabling efficient authentication with appropriate computational resource allocation.
3Reliability
If pre-boot and root access are enabled without authentication, then system operations are faster and simpler, but the system becomes vulnerable to malicious attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service authentication where the authenticator module automatically performs verification without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously receives unique identifiers, verifies cryptographic signatures, and makes access decisions based on the verification results. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation by eliminating manual authentication steps while providing robust pre-boot and root access security through automated cryptographic verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the authenticator module continuously verifies authentication status and adjusts access permissions accordingly. The system receives feedback from the authentication verification process and uses this information to control whether pre-boot or root access is granted. This feedback loop ensures that security verification directly influences access decisions, maintaining both security and operational simplicity by automatically adapting access rights based on authentication results.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with embodiments of the present disclosure, a method may include receiving a unique identifier associated with a host information handling system. The method may also include, responsive to receiving the unique identifier, communicating a signed unique identifier to the host information handling system, the signed unique identifier comprising the unique identifier signed with a private key. The method may further include enabling at least one of pre-boot access and root access by a client information handling system to an access controller responsive to the access controller decrypting the signed unique identifier with a public key corresponding to the private key and determining that the decrypted signed unique identifier and the unique identifier match.