Auxiliary Device Access Control via Functionality Descriptors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing security solutions fail to effectively control auxiliary device access to computing devices based on device functionality, as malicious devices can spoof valid device IDs, leading to unauthorized data access and potential data breaches.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that detect auxiliary device connections, receive and compare functionality descriptors with reference descriptors, and perform security actions to allow or block device interactions, ensuring only authorized devices with matching functionality descriptors can interface with the computing device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If device identifiers (vendor ID, product ID) are used for device authentication, then device identification is simplified, but malicious devices can spoof these identifiers to gain unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The device identification process is segmented into multiple independent verification stages: initial identification using device identifiers, followed by detailed verification through functionality descriptors that break down device capabilities into separate verifiable components. This segmentation prevents spoofing because each segment must match independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication using device identifiers to establish initial device access, then immediately follows with preliminary verification of functionality descriptors before allowing full device operation. This preliminary action sequence ensures security checks are performed before unauthorized access can occur.
2Reliability
If functionality descriptors are verified to prevent spoofing, then authentication security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The functionality descriptor verification system uses universal data structures and standardized comparison protocols that can authenticate multiple types of auxiliary devices (webcams, microphones, storage devices) through a single unified verification process. This multi-functionality approach reduces complexity by eliminating the need for device-type-specific verification logic.
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates simplified copies of device functionality information in the form of standardized descriptors that represent complex device capabilities in a uniform, easily comparable format. These descriptor copies enable efficient verification without requiring direct analysis of the actual device hardware.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If strict device authentication is implemented, then unauthorized data access is prevented, but legitimate auxiliary device connectivity is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system applies different verification strictness levels to different device functionality descriptors based on security risk assessment. High-risk functionalities (data storage, data processing) undergo stringent verification, while low-risk functionalities undergo simpler verification. This local quality approach maintains security for critical functions while preserving connectivity for legitimate devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts authentication parameters such as verification depth and descriptor comparison strictness based on device type, functionality, and contextual risk factors. This parameter changes approach allows the system to be strict when necessary and permissive when appropriate, balancing security with device connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for controlling auxiliary device access to computing devices based on device functionality descriptors may include (i) detecting a connection of an auxiliary device to a client computing device, (ii) receiving a set of functionality descriptors from the auxiliary device, each functionality descriptor of the set of functionality descriptors identifying a separate functionality of the auxiliary device, (iii) determining whether the set of functionality descriptors matches a set of reference descriptors, and (iv) performing a security action based on the determination of whether the set of functionality descriptors matches the set of reference descriptors. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.