Binary Code Analysis for Security Bypass Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current security systems in computing platforms, such as z/OS, are vulnerable to security bypasses where authorized programs can modify system control blocks directly, bypassing intended security interfaces, leading to unintended consequences and compromised system integrity.

Innovation Solution

A method for detecting security bypasses through binary code analysis, involving static code analysis and platform-specific security analysis to identify modifications of system control blocks, such as ACEE and JSCB, and generating security reports to flag potential risks and escalate privileges.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If programs with sufficient privilege levels directly modify system control blocks to bypass security interfaces, then system operation flexibility is improved, but system integrity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem operation flexibilityVSAvoidsystem integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs static code analysis on binary files before execution to identify potential security bypasses. By analyzing the code structure and control flow in advance, the system can detect direct modifications to system control blocks before they compromise system integrity, while still allowing legitimate operations to proceed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the results of static code analysis are used to generate security reports and alert system administrators. This feedback loop allows the system to maintain awareness of potential security issues while preserving the operational flexibility needed for authorized programs to function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If static code analysis is performed on binary files to detect security bypasses, then system integrity is improved, but analysis time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem integrityVSAvoidanalysis time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and analyzes only specific critical elements within binary files, such as direct references to system control blocks and privilege escalation patterns. By focusing on these specific elements rather than performing comprehensive analysis of entire codebases, the system achieves effective security detection with reduced analysis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the analysis parameters by focusing on specific security-relevant features in binary code rather than进行全面分析. By adjusting what aspects of the code are analyzed and at what depth, the system optimizes the balance between detection accuracy and analysis time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240378290A1Detecting a security bypass through binary code analysis
Publication Date: 2024.11.14 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION
  • US20240378290A1 patent drawing
  • US20240378290A1 patent drawing
  • US20240378290A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Detecting a security bypass through binary code analysis is disclosed, including identifying one or more binary files of an authorized program; determining, based on a static code analysis of the one or more binary files, that the authorized program includes a potential security bypass, wherein the potential security bypass includes a modification of a system control block; and generating, in response to determining that the authorized program includes a potential security bypass, a security report.