Client-Side Extensions for HTTP Proxy Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Proxy servers face difficulties in enforcing traffic policies effectively due to lack of context information, leading to improper filtering and enforcement of network restrictions, particularly with complex web pages and mixed content types.
Innovation Solution
Implementing computer-readable instructions as plug-in applications or executable code within web browsers to report contextual information back to proxy servers, enabling better policy enforcement by providing context-aware filtering and reporting of web document content, such as Active-X controls and phishing attempts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If proxy servers enforce traffic policies by intercepting requests, then network security and policy compliance are improved, but the proxy lacks sufficient context information leading to improper filtering
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces client-side extensions as an intermediary component between the web browser and the proxy server. These extensions capture context information (such as URL, request type, and webpage content) locally at the client and transmit it to the proxy server, enabling the proxy to make informed policy enforcement decisions without directly observing the original request context.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent shifts the information gathering function from the server-side proxy to the client-side extension, adding a new dimensional layer to the architecture. This allows context information to be collected at the source (client) and transmitted to the proxy, resolving the information asymmetry problem.
2Productivity
If proxy servers filter requests without context information, then network traffic can be monitored, but filtering accuracy deteriorates leading to false blocking of permissible content
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where client-side extensions continuously report context information back to the proxy server. This feedback loop enables the proxy to accurately classify content by receiving real-time information about the nature of requests, URL categories, and webpage content, thereby improving filtering precision while maintaining monitoring productivity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If proxy servers block requests to restricted sites, then network security is improved, but legitimate content from permitted sites is incorrectly blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by having the client-side extension analyze and classify the request context before the proxy server makes the blocking decision. The extension pre-processes information such as URL categorization and content type identification, so that when the proxy receives the request, it already has the context needed to make accurate allow/deny decisions, reducing false positives while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A Web browser is configured to participate with a proxy server in enforcing traffic policies within a computer network. This may include modifying the Web browser to report contextual information regarding requests for Web documents to the proxy server and/or causing the Web browser to report information concerning Web documents requested through the proxy server to the proxy server.