Binary Scrambling Compiler for Malware Defense
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cybersecurity measures, such as address space layout randomization (ASLR), are insufficient in preventing malware attacks like return-oriented programming (ROP) and jump-oriented programming (JOP), as attackers can easily bypass these defenses by determining a single memory address, and existing patch mechanisms struggle to distribute scrambled binaries effectively across diverse systems.
Innovation Solution
A binary scrambling compiler generates scrambled binary output by randomizing register allocation, function layout, loop unrolling, import tables, and introducing chaff code, ensuring that each binary is unique across systems, and a system for distributing these scrambled binaries through a download server, utilizing essential hardware components for generation and distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If address space layout randomization (ASLR) is used to randomly move binaries into different memory locations, then it becomes more difficult for attackers to find code needed to create viruses, but attackers can still easily bypass this defense by figuring out a single memory address
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the binary distribution problem into multiple components: a centralized server that generates scrambled binaries, a distribution mechanism that delivers them, and client systems that execute them. This segmentation allows each component to handle specific aspects of the security challenge independently, with the server focusing on generation and the clients on execution, thereby managing overall system complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized server as an intermediary between the binary source and the end-user systems. This intermediary generates and distributes scrambled binaries to multiple clients, eliminating the need for each client to independently implement complex scrambling mechanisms. The intermediary handles the complexity of binary scrambling and distribution, while clients simply receive and execute the scrambled binaries, thus reducing client-side complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If scrambled binaries are generated with high diversity (billions of configurations), then security against malware is significantly improved, but conventional patch mechanisms cannot cope with the diversity
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic binary distribution where the centralized server can generate different scrambled binary configurations on-demand based on client needs. Rather than pre-generating all possible billion configurations, the server dynamically creates scrambled binaries when requested, adapting to each client's specific requirements. This dynamic approach maintains high security diversity while improving distribution efficiency by only generating what is needed when it is needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of binary distribution by transitioning from static, pre-defined binary versions to dynamically generated scrambled binaries with variable parameters. The centralized server can adjust scrambling parameters, selection criteria, and generation methods based on security requirements and distribution efficiency considerations, allowing the system to optimize between security diversity and distribution productivity as needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unique scrambled binaries are created for each system, then the economic advantage of attackers is reduced, but the complexity of distributing these binaries across systems increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized server acts as an intermediary that manages the complexity of generating and distributing unique scrambled binaries to multiple systems. Each client receives a unique scrambled binary from the server, ensuring that malware effective against one system cannot easily attack another. The intermediary handles the complexity of tracking, generating, and distributing these unique binaries, while clients simply receive and execute their assigned scrambled binary, thus reducing client-side complexity while maintaining the security benefit of uniqueness.
Solution Approach 2:
The centralized server provides universal functionality by serving multiple clients with different scrambled binaries through a single distribution infrastructure. Rather than requiring separate distribution systems for each client, the universal server can generate and distribute unique scrambled binaries to any number of clients, each receiving customized binaries while sharing the same distribution mechanism. This universality reduces overall infrastructure complexity while maintaining the security advantage of unique binaries per system.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to methods and systems for distributing scrambled binaries, binary scrambling, and applications for cybersecurity technology aimed at preventing cyber-attacks.