BIOS ACPI Power Objects for Secure Device Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Information handling systems lack security measures at the BIOS level, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access of sensitive devices such as embedded microphones and cameras, which can lead to espionage and other malicious activities.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a BIOS-level solution that creates an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) power object for information handling resources, requiring cryptographic validation before allowing access, and restricting access to authorized applications, with user notification and limited-time access permissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures are implemented at the operating system level, then access control to sensitive devices is improved, but vulnerabilities remain until updates are deployed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements security measures at the BIOS level, performing preliminary security validation before the operating system loads. The BIOS creates ACPI power objects with cryptographic validation requirements during system initialization, establishing security controls in advance before any applications can execute, thus eliminating the time gap where vulnerabilities exist
2Reliability
If BIOS-level security measures are implemented with cryptographic validation, then unauthorized access to sensitive devices is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces ACPI power objects as intermediary components between the BIOS and sensitive devices. These power objects serve as mediators that handle cryptographic validation and access control requests, isolating the complexity of security operations from both the BIOS core and the applications, thus managing system complexity while maintaining strong security
3Reliability
If access to sensitive devices is restricted to authorized applications only, then user privacy is protected, but legitimate application functionality may be limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where ACPI power objects can be created, modified, and removed based on application authentication status. The system dynamically adjusts device accessibility - devices remain inaccessible by default, then become accessible only after cryptographic validation of authorized applications, and can be revoked when no longer needed, providing both privacy protection and legitimate functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include a processor, a basic input/output system (BIOS) that is coupled to the processor and configured to execute a pre-boot environment prior to initialization of an operating system of the information handling system, an information handling resource coupled to the processor. The information handling system may be configured to: during execution of the pre-boot environment, create an Advanced Configuration and Power Interface (ACPI) power object for the information handling resource; after initialization of the operating system, execute an application that is configured to request access to the ACPI power object; and in response to cryptographic validation of the application, grant the application access to the ACPI power object, wherein granting the access includes allowing the application to cause the information handling resource to power on.