Cloud Attack Path Visualization Using Static Analysis Artifacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computing environments present unique challenges in incident response and cybersecurity due to their distributed nature and reliance on third-party providers, making it difficult to manage and analyze the vast amounts of data generated from security incidents effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system and method for detecting forensic artifacts and cybersecurity objects in a computing environment, generating representations and visualizations of potential lateral movement paths, and initiating remediation actions using a security database and inspection controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If static analysis techniques are used to detect cybersecurity risks in cloud computing environments, then detection capability is improved, but the complexity of managing and analyzing the vast amounts of data generated increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a standardized data model as an intermediary layer between the cloud computing environment and analysis tools. This data model standardizes the representation of cloud resources, forensic artifacts, and their relationships, making the vast amounts of generated data more manageable and analyzable without reducing detection capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex cloud environment into discrete, standardized components represented in the data model, including cloud resources, forensic artifacts, and their relationships. This segmentation allows for systematic management and analysis of individual elements while maintaining the ability to analyze their collective relationships
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive forensic analysis is performed on cloud resources, then incident detection accuracy is improved, but the time required for analysis increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by proactively collecting and standardizing forensic artifacts from cloud resources before incidents occur. The standardized data model pre-structures resource representations, relationships, and artifacts, so that when an incident is detected, analysis can proceed quickly using the pre-prepared framework rather than constructing it during the incident response
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates standardized representations (copies) of cloud resources and their relationships in the data model. These standardized copies can be analyzed without affecting the actual cloud environment, enabling comprehensive forensic analysis to be performed efficiently on the replicated data structures
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for detecting an attack path in a computing environment is presented. The method includes: detecting a forensic artifact in a computing environment, the forensic artifact including an identifier of a resource deployed in the computing environment; inspecting the resource for a cybersecurity object, the cybersecurity object indicating a cybersecurity issue; generating a representation of: the detected forensic artifact, the resource, and the cybersecurity object, in a security database, wherein the security database includes a representation of the computing environment; generating a potential lateral movement path between the resource and another resource; and generating a visualization based on the potential lateral movement, the forensic artifact, and the cybersecurity object.