Build-Integrated Penetration Scanning for Vulnerability-Gated Releases
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software development methodologies fail to effectively detect and address security vulnerabilities introduced during frequent application updates, leaving systems vulnerable to exploitation.
Innovation Solution
A scanning tool is integrated into the software development architecture as a plugin component, which dynamically controls the code build process to perform penetration testing and can terminate the build if vulnerabilities are detected, ensuring the application is secure before deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional penetration testing is performed on a scheduled basis (e.g., monthly or quarterly), then the testing process is simple and manageable, but security vulnerabilities may remain undetected for prolonged periods between updates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates penetration testing into the code build process itself, performing security tests before the application is deployed. This preliminary action ensures vulnerabilities are detected immediately when introduced, rather than waiting for scheduled tests months later.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent establishes continuous security testing by integrating the scanning tool into every code build event. As applications are updated frequently, each update triggers an automatic penetration test, creating an unbroken chain of security verification that matches the continuous nature of software development.
2Reliability
If a scanning tool is integrated into the code build process to perform penetration testing, then security vulnerability detection is improved, but the code build process complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the penetration testing function with the existing code build process by integrating the scanning tool as a plugin. This combination allows security testing to occur within the familiar build workflow without requiring separate testing infrastructure or processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The scanning tool is designed as a multi-functional plugin that can be integrated into various build systems and performs multiple security testing functions. This universal design reduces overall system complexity by using a single tool rather than multiple specialized systems.
3Reliability
If the scanning tool terminates the code build when vulnerabilities are detected, then security is enhanced by preventing vulnerable releases, but development productivity decreases due to build interruptions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by having the scanning tool communicate vulnerability results back to the build process. When vulnerabilities are detected, the build is terminated with specific feedback about what was found, allowing developers to understand and fix the issues. This feedback loop prevents vulnerable code from progressing further in the pipeline.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting and preventing vulnerable deployments without requiring manual intervention. The scanning tool autonomously analyzes the code, determines security status, and makes decisions about build continuation, freeing developers from manual security checks while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for dynamically controlling whether a code build of an application finishes to completion or is terminated prior to completion are disclosed. An application is determined to be entering a development state in which a code build of the application is to occur. After the code build for the application has started, the code build is prevented from completing by a scanning tool. While the code build is being prevented from completing, the scanning tool performs a penetrative test of the application. Based on a result of the penetrative test, the code build is either permitted to complete or, alternatively, the code build is terminated prior to completion.