Cloud Node Parameter Mapping for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud computing environments face security threats due to homogenous configurations, where a compromise in one node can affect all, and existing heterogeneous solutions create operational issues with unique attributes requiring complex tracking.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that generate a unique set of randomized system parameters for nodes in a cloud environment, mapping them to generic parameters for access control, intercepting and modifying access requests, and temporarily changing parameters during user sessions to enhance security without administrative complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If nodes in a cloud computing environment use common images with the same passwords and file paths, then deployment efficiency is improved, but security is worsened because an attack that compromises one node would compromise all nodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by maintaining common images for most system files while introducing unique, randomized attributes at specific critical locations (passwords, SSH host keys, file paths). This allows the system to enjoy the benefits of homogeneity for deployment efficiency while introducing local differentiation to prevent widespread compromise from a single attack vector.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes specific parameters (passwords, SSH host keys, file paths) from their traditional static, identical values to randomized unique values for each node. This parameter transformation maintains the overall homogenous structure of common images while introducing variability where it provides security benefits without significantly impacting deployment efficiency.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If nodes are heterogenized with unique attributes such as unique passwords and SSH host keys, then security is improved, but operational complexity worsens because administrators must track these unique aspects
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cloud mapping system as an intermediary layer between administrators and the heterogeneous node attributes. This mediator automatically manages the mapping between generic parameters (used by administrators) and unique randomized parameters (used by individual nodes), eliminating the need for administrators to manually track unique attributes while maintaining security benefits.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mapping system that handles multiple functions: it manages password mappings, SSH key mappings, file path translations, and session-based parameter changes. This single intermediary system provides multi-functionality that would otherwise require multiple separate tracking mechanisms, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If unique system parameters are generated for each node, then security is improved by preventing widespread attacks, but access management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by creating a generic template or model of system parameters that represents all nodes. The cloud mapping system maintains copies of the mapping relationships between generic and unique parameters, allowing administrators to interact with a single generic model while the system automatically handles the unique instances. This copying approach simplifies access management while maintaining security isolation.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer-usable medium are disclosed for controlling access to a node deployed in a cloud environment. A new node, based upon a common image, is created in a cloud computing environment. A unique set of randomized system parameters are then generated for the new node, which is then mapped to a set of generic system parameters. A request to access the new node is intercepted, which contains the generic system parameters. The intercepted access request is then parsed to extract the set of generic system parameters, which are then replaced with the unique set of randomized system parameters associated with the target node to generate a modified access request. The modified access request is then forwarded to the target node.