Bare-Metal Server Boot Signature Verification for Secure Deployment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data centre deployment methods involve manual configuration, leading to errors, inconsistencies, and extended downtime, and existing solutions like Cisco APIC, OpenStack Ironic, and Microsoft Azure Stack are unsuitable for initial deployments due to resource limitations or requiring pre-existing infrastructure.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method using a CMDB module, deployment module, communication module, configuration module, NOG module, and DNS module to automate the deployment of computing infrastructure, including un-provisioned servers and switches, with secure boot and encryption features to ensure authenticity and integrity of components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual configuration methods are used for deploying data centre infrastructure, then flexibility and adaptability are maintained, but errors, inconsistencies, and extended downtime occur
Solution Approach 1:
The deployment system performs self-configuration by automatically discovering hardware components, generating configuration files, and provisioning infrastructure without human intervention. The system validates hardware signatures, calculates IP addresses, and configures network devices autonomously, eliminating manual configuration errors while maintaining deployment flexibility through automated decision-making
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical configuration processes are replaced with automated software-based deployment modules that use algorithms to generate configurations, validate hardware signatures, and provision infrastructure. The system substitutes human operators with automated agents that execute deployment tasks consistently and reliably
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing solutions like Cisco APIC are deployed, then infrastructure management capabilities are provided, but three controllers are required making it unsuitable for initial deployments with limited resources
Solution Approach 1:
The solution extracts and removes the requirement for multiple external controllers from the deployment system. The hardware signature validation and configuration management capabilities are integrated directly into the bare metal server itself, eliminating the need for separate Cisco APIC controllers and enabling deployment with limited resources
Solution Approach 2:
The bare metal server is designed to perform multiple functions including hardware signature validation, configuration file generation, network device provisioning, and infrastructure management. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for separate specialized controllers, allowing the system to adapt to initial deployments with minimal hardware
3Adaptability or versatility
If OpenStack Ironic is used for managing BareMetal servers, then server lifecycle management is provided, but pre-existing infrastructure (servers, network) is required before deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary hardware signature validation and configuration generation during the boot process itself, before any external infrastructure is established. The bare metal server validates its hardware components, generates necessary configuration files, and prepares for self-provisioning autonomously, eliminating the need for pre-existing OpenStack Ironic infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The bare metal server provides self-service by autonomously validating its hardware signatures, generating configuration files for network devices, and provisioning its own infrastructure without requiring external OpenStack Ironic controllers. The system discovers hardware components, calculates IP addresses, and configures network devices independently
4Reliability
If signature verification is performed for all modules during booting, then security and integrity are ensured, but boot time and system startup duration increase
Solution Approach 1:
Hardware signature validation is performed during the hardware initialization phase before the operating system boots. The system validates critical hardware components such as TPM, CPU, and motherboard signatures during power-on self-test, ensuring integrity is established before full system startup begins
Solution Approach 2:
Signature verification is applied selectively to critical hardware components rather than all software modules. The system validates security-critical components like TPM and CPU signatures with high priority, while non-critical components undergo lighter validation, optimizing the balance between security and boot time
Data Source
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AI summary
The technology relates to a computer-implemented method for automated deployment of at least one computing infrastructure, the computing infrastructure comprising at least one un-provisioned server and at least one switch, the method comprising: • accessing a computer-readable medium comprising instructions which, upon being operated by a processor (300), causes execution of: o a server management module, and o a key management module ; • wherein, during each booting of the at least one server (11), the server management module compares a series of at least one signature, to signatures stored in a signatures file, and depending on the result of the comparison, the server management module validates the loading of the operating system if all the signatures of the series are listed in the signatures file, such that only the totally signed operating system is loaded during the booting of the at least one server.