BLE Access Control via State Machine for Configuration Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for controlling access to configuration settings in Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) devices are inadequate, particularly in ensuring secure changes and preventing unauthorized access, which can lead to unwanted changes or hacker access.
Innovation Solution
A system that establishes a Bluetooth connection between a BLE device and another device, determines if the BLE device is in a configuration-changes-enabled state, and either changes the configuration or refrains from doing so based on this state, while also using a timer that can be canceled with an access code to maintain the connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control for configuration changes is implemented in BLE devices, then security against unauthorized changes and hacker access is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional security mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a state machine that pre-defines access states (first state allowing configuration changes, second state restricting changes) and transitions between them based on connection events. This preliminary structuring of access control states provides security without requiring complex runtime decision-making, thus improving security while managing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control mechanism is segmented into distinct states (first access state and second access state) with clear transition conditions. By dividing the access control into discrete states rather than implementing a continuous complex authorization system, the patent achieves reliable security through state management while keeping the implementation relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If configuration changes are allowed during Bluetooth connection, then ease of operation is improved, but security against unwanted changes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control where the device transitions between different access states based on connection events and state machine logic. The system dynamically adjusts its security posture - allowing configuration changes in the first state while restricting them in the second state - thereby providing both ease of operation when needed and security when required.
Solution Approach 2:
The state machine mechanism provides feedback-based control where the system monitors connection events and automatically transitions between access states. This feedback loop ensures that configuration change permissions are automatically adjusted based on the current operational context, balancing ease of operation with security without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer readable medium comprising instructions which, when executed, cause performance of operations comprising: successfully establishing a Bluetooth connection between a Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) device and another device, receiving, by the BLE device from the other device, a request for a change in a configuration, determining, by the BLE device, if the BLE device is in a configuration-changes-enabled state, responsive to determining that the BLE device is in a configuration-changes-enabled state, changing the configuration based on the request, and responsive to determining that the BLE device is not in a configuration-changes-enabled state, refraining from changing the configuration.