Automated Code Signing with Audit Logging for Accountability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional code signing systems require human interaction, leading to delays and lack of accountability in automated code signing processes, making it difficult to track security vulnerabilities introduced during automated compilation and signing of code images.
Innovation Solution
A method for automated code signing where a machine client, equipped with a package builder utility and a code signing module, requests and performs cryptographic operations on code images without human intervention, using encrypted passwords, digital certificates, and secure connections to authenticate and sign code images, while maintaining audit logs for accountability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If automated code signing is implemented without human interaction, then productivity and speed are improved, but accountability and security tracking deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive audit logging that automatically records all actions, decisions, and metadata associated with code signing operations. This feedback mechanism captures build server identifiers, code repository locations, build log references, and signing results, creating a complete trail that maintains accountability while enabling automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary audit logging system that mediates between the automated code signing process and the need for accountability. This intermediary layer records and preserves information about automated operations without requiring human intervention in the signing process itself, thus maintaining both automation and accountability.
2Reliability
If manual code signing processes are used with human interaction, then accountability is improved, but productivity and time efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables build servers to automatically initiate and complete code signing operations without human intervention. The system self-services by automatically retrieving code images, submitting signing requests, receiving signed images, and updating repositories, thereby achieving high productivity while the audit log maintains accountability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary configuration of audit logging and authentication credentials before automated operations begin. Build servers are pre-configured with authentication information and audit log locations, enabling them to autonomously perform code signing operations with built-in accountability tracking from the outset.
3Productivity
If automated build and signing processes are implemented, then productivity is improved, but the ability to detect and measure security vulnerabilities deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements comprehensive audit logging that automatically records all actions, decisions, and metadata associated with code signing operations. This feedback mechanism captures build server identifiers, code repository locations, build log references, and signing results, creating a complete trail that maintains accountability while enabling automated operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual tracking mechanisms with automated electronic audit logging that systematically captures security-relevant information. This substitution transitions from mechanical human review to automated digital recording, making security vulnerability tracking easier while maintaining productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved code signing method is provided. The code signing method includes receiving a build notification at a package builder utility and retrieving one or more remotely stored code images and build logs identified in the build notification, invoking a code signing module with the package builder utility to request a digital signature from a remote code signing system, combining the requested digital signature with a code image or a manifest file comprising hashes of multiple code images, and storing the signed code image or signed manifest file at a code repository.