Browser Plugin HTTPS Data Processing via Pre-Configured Proxy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The HTTPS protocol does not provide a standard interface for custom data transformation or proprietary data processing, as encryption randomizes the data, making it difficult for compression and other operations like data recording or alteration, and SSL/TLS are designed to prevent data tampering, making it hard to retrieve the original source data.
Innovation Solution
A browser plugin method, BPAHDP, intercepts and modifies HTTPS requests and responses before encryption, adding custom headers to indicate supported processing operations, allowing for custom data compression, encryption, and other operations, while ensuring the SSL/TLS channel is maintained for security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If data is encrypted using SSL/TLS for secure transmission, then security and confidentiality are improved, but the ability to intercept and modify data by proxy components is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing a trusted relationship between the browser and proxy component before encrypted communication begins. The proxy component is pre-installed in the browser's trusted certificate store and configured as a legitimate intermediary, allowing it to perform data processing operations on encrypted HTTPS traffic without breaking security. This pre-configuration enables the proxy to intercept, modify, and process encrypted data while maintaining the integrity and security of the SSL/TLS channel.
2Adaptability or versatility
If custom data processing operations are implemented on HTTPS traffic, then data monitoring and modification capabilities are improved, but the complexity of the system architecture increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a proxy component that can perform multiple functions within a single integrated architecture. The same proxy component that establishes SSL/TLS connections can also perform data compression, encryption, monitoring, and modification operations. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate components for each operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining versatile data processing capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by positioning the proxy component as a trusted mediator between the browser and the internet. This intermediary is seamlessly integrated into the browser's network stack and operates transparently to the user. The proxy component mediates all HTTPS traffic, performing custom data processing operations without requiring separate systems or complex point-to-point connections, thereby simplifying the overall architecture.
3Ease of operation
If HTTP proxy components intercept and modify clear-text data, then custom data processing is simplified, but this approach cannot be applied to encrypted HTTPS traffic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-configuring the proxy component as a trusted entity in the browser's security infrastructure. Before any encrypted communication occurs, the proxy's certificate is installed in the browser's trusted store, and the proxy is authorized to act as a legitimate intermediary. This pre-configuration enables the proxy to transparently intercept and modify encrypted HTTPS traffic without compromising security, as the browser already trusts the proxy's identity and authority.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention described here deals with implementing custom data processing of HTTPS based on a Browser-Plugin Method. Such custom data processing may include, but is not limited to, custom data compression, custom data encryption, data monitoring, data modification. There are two distinct methods to implement the Browser-Plugin Method for Advanced HTTPS Data Processing of the subject invention (BPAHDP). In both cases, BPAHDP provides the option of conducting custom data processing that co-exists with data compression, data encryption, or other types of data processing operations supported by the HTTP standard. Additionally, both BPAHDP methods ensure that the web-browser still implements and executes the underlying SSL/TLS channel setup and encryption operations. In both embodiments of BPAHDP, the most critical functionality is the ability to modify HTTP request/response headers and data sent over a TLS/SSL channel. In the regular HTTP case (HTTP over TCP) headers and data are sent as clear-text (i.e., as unencrypted data). Therefore, any HTTP proxy component can intercept and modify header/data as it chooses - allowing custom data processing operations (including a custom compression operation) to be implemented. For HTTPS traffic, the data leaving a web-browser is encrypted. Therefore, a proxy cannot modify encrypted data, hence the novelty of the BPAHDP methodology. Both methods require specific implementation methods that are described. In particular, both embodiments of BPAHDP require specific techniques to facilitate the use of Microsoft Internet Explorer as a BPAHDP enabled web-browser. Microsoft COM (Component Object Model) interfaces and lE's Pluggable Protocol capabilities are utilized to meet all requirements of both BPAHDP embodiments.