Management Controller Password Reset via Timestamped Barcode Authentication
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for resetting passwords on management controllers of Information Handling Systems (IHS) are insecure, costly, or inconvenient, particularly when physical access is not secure, and there is a need for secure and cost-effective password recovery techniques.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure hashing algorithm on the remote access controller to generate a temporary password based on a timestamp and server attributes, synchronized with a vendor application, and transmitting the password to a designated administrative contact via text message, ensuring authentication and secure access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical access methods are used for password recovery, then cost is reduced, but security is compromised when physical access is not secure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces physical access methods with a digital authentication system. The management controller uses cryptographic hashing algorithms to generate temporary passwords based on server attributes and timestamps, transmitting them via SMS to designated contacts. This eliminates the need for physical access while maintaining security through encryption and verification mechanisms.
2Productivity
If human intervention is required for password reset, then cost is reduced, but time consumption and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service password recovery without human intervention. The management controller automatically generates temporary passwords using server attributes and timestamps, then transmits them via SMS to pre-designated contacts. The user can reset their password independently through the user interface, eliminating wait times for support staff and accelerating the recovery process.
3Reliability
If simple password reset methods are used, then ease of operation is improved, but security and authentication reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cryptographic parameter changes to enhance security. The management controller uses hashing algorithms to transform server attributes and timestamps into temporary passwords. The system verifies authentication by comparing hashed values and manages password expiration timing, creating a secure multi-parameter authentication mechanism that balances complexity with security.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods provide a password reset for a management controller, which is not exposed to the Internet. Upon receiving a request to reset the password, the management controller generates computer-readable information such as a barcode, where the computer-readable information indicates attributes of an information handling system associated with the management controller as well as a timestamp. A user can transmit the computer-readable information to a vendor application service via for example a mobile device that reads the computer-readable information. The vendor application service verifies the request and generates a temporary password from the timestamp and the attributes. Independently of the vendor application service, the management controller also generates the temporary password from the timestamp in the attributes. The vendor application service may then cause the temporary password to be sent to verified contact information.