Browser Cookie Spillover with Overflow Flags for Database Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large browser cookies can cause performance issues due to size constraints and increase server storage costs, while server-side database solutions introduce security vulnerabilities like DOS attacks.
Innovation Solution
Implement a browser cookie structure that includes an overflow indication to store excess data in a network database, with encrypted and compressed information, and prioritize data storage based on frequency of use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is stored in browser cookies, then user session information can be maintained, but cookie size constraints cause performance issues when data exceeds threshold size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides cookie data into two segments: essential session data stored in the browser cookie (up to threshold size) and overflow data stored in server-side database. The cookie contains an overflow indication flag that signals when additional data is stored externally, allowing the system to maintain reliable session information while keeping browser cookie size within performance thresholds.
2Quantity of substance
If all data is stored in server-side database, then storage capacity is sufficient, but security vulnerabilities like DOS attacks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies different storage strategies to different data based on their characteristics: critical session data that requires fast access and low attack surface remains in browser cookies, while non-critical overflow data is stored in server database. This localized quality approach minimizes the attack surface by keeping the database portion smaller and less critical, reducing DOS attack vectors while maintaining sufficient storage capacity.
3Quantity of substance
If cookie size is increased to store more data, then less server storage is needed, but browser performance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the browser cookie contains not only session data but also an overflow indication flag and database identifier. This intermediary structure enables the browser to know when to fetch additional data from the server, effectively mediating between browser storage constraints and server storage capacity to optimize overall system performance.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If encryption is applied to cookie data, then security is enhanced, but processing overhead increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies encryption selectively rather than universally: the overflow indication flag and database identifier in the cookie are kept unencrypted for efficient processing, while only the actual session data and overflow data are encrypted. This partial action approach enhances security for sensitive information while minimizing processing overhead by leaving non-sensitive metadata unencrypted.
Data Source
AI summary
A data storage and retrieval system for a computer memory associated with a web browser, the data storage and retrieval system comprising a means for configuring the computer memory for storing a browser cookie, the browser cookie including session cookie information, the session cookie information being up to a threshold size; and overflow cookie information, the overflow cookie information including an overflow indication and a database identifier pointing to a database on a server where additional cookie information is stored.