Bookmarking Tunneled Endpoints via Constructive Port Modification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively manage bookmarking for tunneled endpoints, particularly in scenarios where tunneling is used to bypass security features, leading to issues with port changes rendering bookmarked URLs ineffective.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that prevent users from bookmarking tunneled endpoints by embedding a flag in response data recognizable by browsers, disabling or gray-out bookmarking options, and creating constructive bookmarks by modifying port numbers in URLs to ensure access through valid ports.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users are allowed to bookmark tunneled endpoints with port designations, then ease of access to endpoints is improved, but security is worsened because port changes render bookmarked URLs ineffective and allow unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by creating constructive bookmarks in advance that contain embedded tunneling information and valid port designations. These constructive bookmarks are prepared beforehand so that when users need to access the endpoint, they can use the pre-configured bookmark that automatically establishes the proper tunnel connection, eliminating the need for users to manually configure tunneling parameters and reducing the risk of unauthorized access through invalid port attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary mechanism (the constructive bookmark with embedded tunneling information) that mediates between the user's bookmarking action and the actual endpoint access. This intermediary contains the necessary tunneling configuration and port designation information, allowing the system to control and validate the connection process, thereby maintaining security while enabling convenient access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If bookmarking is disabled for tunneled endpoints, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened because users cannot quickly access previously visited endpoints
Solution Approach 1:
The system creates a copy of the endpoint access information in the form of a constructive bookmark that contains embedded tunneling information. This copy includes all necessary connection parameters and port designations, allowing users to access the endpoint efficiently without having to re-enter tunneling configuration or manually navigate to the endpoint, thereby maintaining both security and ease of operation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If port numbers are changed for tunneled endpoints, then security is improved, but reliability is worsened because existing bookmarked URLs become invalid
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic port management where the constructive bookmark contains embedded tunneling information that can adapt to port changes. When the endpoint's port designation changes, the tunneling mechanism automatically updates the connection parameters within the constructive bookmark, ensuring that the bookmark remains valid and functional despite port changes, thereby maintaining reliability while improving security through dynamic port assignment.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for managing tunneled endpoints are provided. One method includes preventing a user from accessing an endpoint that was previously accessed by the user via a first URL including an address with a first port designation, creating a constructive bookmark to the previously accessed endpoint, and establishing a tunnel to the previously accessed endpoint based on the constructive bookmark. Another method includes preventing a user from bookmarking a URL to an endpoint. A system includes a processor coupled to a memory a module for managing tunneled endpoints that, when executed by the processor, cause the processor to perform one or more of the above methods.