Browser Cookie OS Command Execution via Agent
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Solution Overview
Problem
Web applications running in browsers face challenges in communicating with the underlying operating system due to security threats and complex infrastructure requirements, limiting their ability to perform tasks like software installation or updates without proper privileges.
Innovation Solution
A processing device detects and analyzes specially formatted browser cookies containing instructions in proprietary syntax, allowing communication with the operating system through an agent application, enabling the execution of OS-level commands and bidirectional communication with minimal overhead.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If web applications use traditional methods (ActiveX, Java) to communicate with the operating system, then they can perform OS-level tasks, but the infrastructure becomes complex and security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cookie-based intermediary mechanism that mediates between the web application and the operating system. Instead of directly complex interactions via ActiveX or Java, the system uses cookies as a simple, standardized data structure that the browser can natively handle, thus reducing infrastructure complexity while maintaining OS communication capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/complex infrastructure of ActiveX controls and Java applets with a lighter, data-based mechanism using cookies. This substitution eliminates the need for additional runtime environments and complex plugin infrastructures, reducing overall system complexity while achieving the same functional goal of OS-level task execution
2Adaptability or versatility
If web applications use traditional methods (ActiveX, Java) to communicate with the operating system, then they can perform OS-level tasks, but security threats increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cookie structure serves as a secure intermediary that the browser's existing security model can validate. The browser can verify cookie authenticity and control its execution, providing a security layer that prevents unauthorized OS interactions while still enabling legitimate tasks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the browser's native cookie mechanism—a well-understood, security-vetted data structure—as a copy or alternative representation of command instructions. This allows the system to leverage the browser's existing security infrastructure rather than introducing new, unproven execution mechanisms like ActiveX or Java
3Reliability
If web applications are restricted to protected browser space, then security is maintained, but the ability to perform tasks like software installation is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically transitions from the protected browser space to the operating system level when needed. The cookie mechanism allows the application to remain secure within the browser during normal operation, then selectively invoke OS-level tasks when required, providing both security and versatility
Solution Approach 2:
The cookie acts as a controlled intermediary that enables selective communication between the browser environment and the operating system. It allows the system to maintain the security boundary while providing a controlled pathway for executing specific tasks that require OS-level access
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods are disclosed for initiating operating system commands based on browser cookies. In one implementation, a processing device detects a browser cookie that includes one or more instructions to invoke at least one operating system (OS) level command. The processing device analyzes the browser cookie to identify at least one of the one or more instructions. The processing device executes the identified at least one of the one or more instructions. The processing device modifies the browser cookie based on an execution of the at least one of the one or more instructions.