CA Bundle Authentication Using Asymmetric Keys Across Cloud Networks
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing environments, there are challenges in securely provisioning and validating certificate authority (CA) datasets across virtual cloud networks, particularly in ensuring the integrity and trustworthiness of CA certificates distributed to network entities.
Innovation Solution
A global public key corresponding to a global private key is used by a key management service to digitally sign CA datasets, which are then validated by network entities using the global public key, providing a trusted source of CA certificates and ensuring their integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If CA certificates are distributed without digital signatures, then the distribution process is simpler and faster, but the integrity and trustworthiness of the certificates cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the key management service digitally sign the CA dataset before distribution. This advance authentication ensures that when network entities receive the certificates, their integrity is already verified through the global public key, eliminating the need for complex validation processes during installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses an intermediary approach by introducing a key management service that acts as a trusted mediator between certificate issuers and network entities. This service signs CA datasets with a global private key, and network entities validate using the corresponding global public key, simplifying the trust establishment process.
2Reliability
If trust on first use is employed for CA certificates, then certificate installation is faster and simpler, but security vulnerabilities arise from accepting unverified certificates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the time loss issue by performing the trust verification action in advance. The key management service digitally signs the CA dataset before distribution, so when network entities receive and install the certificates, the trust verification is already complete, eliminating delays during the installation process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables self-service by providing network entities with the global public key needed to verify certificate authenticity independently. Each network entity can validate CA certificates using its own copy of the global public key without requiring manual intervention or complex validation procedures.
3Adaptability or versatility
If CA datasets are updated frequently to add or remove certificates, then the system adapts to changing security requirements, but the complexity of managing and validating updates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the key management service digitally sign each CA dataset update before distribution. This advance signing ensures that updates can be seamlessly integrated by network entities without complex validation, as the authenticity is verified in advance through the global public key.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where network entities validate received CA datasets against the global public key, providing feedback on the authenticity and integrity of updates. This feedback loop ensures that only valid, signed certificates are accepted, simplifying the management of frequent updates.
Data Source
AI summary
Operations of a digital signature manager may include detecting, in a certificate repository on a first virtual cloud network, set of one or more new certificate authority (CA) certificates; transmitting, to a key management service hosted on a second virtual cloud network, a CA dataset that includes the set of one or more new CA certificates; receiving, from the key management service, a digital signature of the CA dataset generated based at least on a global private key stored on the second virtual cloud network in a private key repository associated with the key management service; and storing the digital signature in the certificate repository in a data structure that associates the digital signature with the CA dataset.