Blockchain Firmware Update Validation via Smart Contracts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current firmware update methods for servers lack security and reliability due to the open nature of firmware downloads, making them vulnerable to illegal penetration and tampering, which compromises the bottom-level security of the operating system.

Innovation Solution

A data processing method based on an intelligent contract and blockchain technology is implemented, where a blockchain network with release nodes, contract nodes, and execution nodes ensures secure firmware updates by using a consensus mechanism to validate and record firmware version updates, preventing unauthorized changes and ensuring integrity through a distributed ledger system.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional firmware update methods are used, then the update process is simple and easy to operate, but the security and reliability of the update is compromised due to open download access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity and reliability of firmware updateVSAvoidcomplexity of update system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a blockchain as an intermediary system between the firmware vendor and the server. The blockchain network includes release nodes that manage firmware distribution, contract nodes that enforce update policies through smart contracts, and execution nodes that perform the actual firmware updates. This intermediary blockchain system provides security and reliability while maintaining a simplified interface for firmware updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical firmware update mechanisms with a blockchain-based distributed system. Instead of direct file downloads and manual installations, the system uses cryptographic hashing, consensus mechanisms, and smart contracts to automatically verify and execute secure firmware updates across the network.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If open firmware download is allowed, then the ease of operation is improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to illegal penetration and tampering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevulnerability to illegal penetration and tamperingVSAvoidease of firmware update operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements preliminary actions by pre-storing firmware hash values and version information in the blockchain before updates are needed. The smart contracts are pre-configured with update policies and validation rules. When a firmware update is requested, the system automatically retrieves pre-validated firmware information from the blockchain and executes the update according to pre-established secure protocols, preventing tampering while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes a feedback mechanism where the blockchain continuously monitors and records firmware update activities. Release nodes provide feedback on firmware availability and validity, contract nodes provide feedback on policy compliance, and execution nodes provide feedback on update completion. This multi-layer feedback system ensures that only authorized and verified firmware updates are executed, eliminating vulnerabilities while keeping the operation simple for users.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4024812B1Smart contract-based data processing method, and device and storage medium
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 TENCENT TECHNOLOGY (SHENZHEN) CO LTD
  • EP4024812B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4024812B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4024812B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments of the present disclosure disclose a data processing method based on an intelligent contract, a device, and a storage medium. The method includes: receiving a firmware update request corresponding to a first server node transmitted by an execution node, the firmware update request including an updated version parameter of the first server node; invoking an intelligent contract according to the firmware update request, and obtaining, from a blockchain based on the intelligent contract, a firmware version update record and a firmware version release record that are associated with the first server node; and determining validity of the firmware update request according to the firmware version update record, the firmware version release record, and the updated version parameter. The firmware version release record is determined by a release node on the blockchain based on a consensus mechanism.