Native Browser Connector for Secure Web Cryptography
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern browsers operate in a highly secure, sandboxed environment that restricts access to the operating system, making it challenging for web applications to perform complex cryptographic operations like encryption, signing, and validation, which is critical for sectors such as government, military, and enterprises that need secure handling of sensitive data.
Innovation Solution
A system that securely delegates cryptographic operations from a browser-based web application to a native cryptographic application installed on the user's device, using a native application connector that operates outside the browser's sandbox and has access to the operating system's cryptographic resources, communicating via secure messaging protocols like Native Messaging, WebSocket API, HTTP Request API, or WebRTC.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If browsers operate in a sandboxed environment to enhance security, then security is improved, but the ability to perform cryptographic operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a browser extension as an intermediary component that bridges the sandboxed browser environment and the native cryptographic application. The extension receives cryptographic requests from web applications within the browser, forwards them through secure communication channels to the native application outside the sandbox, and returns results back to the browser. This mediator approach allows the browser to maintain its secure sandboxed operation while still enabling cryptographic functionality through the intermediary's access to native system resources.
2Reliability
If native plugins are eliminated to prevent cyber attacks, then security is improved, but the ability to handle cryptographic operations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cryptographic operation system into three distinct components: (1) the web application running within the browser sandbox, (2) the browser extension that acts as a secure bridge, and (3) the native cryptographic application that performs actual cryptographic operations. This segmentation allows each component to operate in its appropriate security context while maintaining overall system functionality. The native application can be installed once and reused across multiple web applications, improving ease of operation compared to requiring plugins for each operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The native cryptographic application is designed as a universal component that can serve multiple web applications and handle various cryptographic operations (encryption, decryption, signing, verification) through a standardized interface. Once installed, this single native application can be invoked by any web application through the browser extension, eliminating the need for separate plugins for each cryptographic function and enhancing ease of operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cryptographic operations are performed outside the browser sandbox, then cryptographic capability is improved, but security risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms through secure communication protocols between the browser extension and the native cryptographic application. The extension verifies the identity of the native application, establishes encrypted communication channels, and validates responses. This feedback loop ensures that even though operations occur outside the sandbox, the browser maintains control and verification of all cryptographic activities, mitigating security risks through continuous monitoring and validation.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and methods for securely performing cryptographic operations, including encryption, signing, validation, verification, and PKI-based identification, within a browser environment by utilizing a native application connector that operates outside the browser's sandbox.