Cloud-Based Whitebox Node Locking Service

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional white-box node-locking methods are vulnerable to attacks such as cloning, fuzzing, and side-channel attacks, and they require additional server infrastructure for secure secret encoding, which developers may not be able to implement securely.

Innovation Solution

A secure cloud-based node-locking service with built-in attack detection is implemented, where white-box base files are securely stored on the cloud service, and a dynamic secret encoding service reduces the risk of exposure of sensitive data. The service generates a locked whitebox implementation by applying run-time device specific node locking transformations to the secret, and transmits the encoded secret to the run-time device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional white-box node-locking is implemented, then code-lifting attacks are mitigated, but the system remains vulnerable to cloning, fuzzing, side-channel attacks, and reverse-engineering

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against code-lifting attacksVSAvoidvulnerability to cloning, fuzzing, side-channel attacks
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a cloud-based service as an intermediary between the white-box implementation and the node-locking process. The cloud service receives the base file and unlocked LUTs, performs secure processing, and returns the locked implementation. This intermediary architecture protects against local attacks while maintaining security during the node-locking process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces conventional mechanical/node-based locking mechanisms with a cloud-based service architecture. Instead of relying on local security measures that are vulnerable to various attacks, the system uses remote cloud-based processing with secure communication channels, eliminating the need for developers to implement and maintain complex local security infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If additional server infrastructure is deployed for secure secret encoding, then security is improved, but device complexity and implementation burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure secret encodingVSAvoidadditional server infrastructure requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based service performs multiple security functions within a single unified platform: secure storage of base files, generation of locked LUTs, node-locking processing, and distribution of encrypted secrets. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate server infrastructure for each security operation, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining comprehensive security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables developers to access secure white-box node-locking services through standard cloud service interfaces without needing to deploy or maintain their own security infrastructure. The cloud service automatically handles all security-critical operations, making security capabilities available as a self-service utility rather than requiring complex infrastructure investment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS12321481B2Cloud-based whitebox node locking
Publication Date: 2025.06.03 ARRIS ENTERPRISES LLC
  • US12321481B2 patent drawing
  • US12321481B2 patent drawing
  • US12321481B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A secure cloud-based node-locking service with built-in attack detection to eliminate fuzzing, cloning and other attacks is disclosed. White-box base files are securely stored on the cloud service and are not vulnerable to accidental leakage. A secure cloud-based dynamic secret encoding service reduces the risk of exposure of unprotected secrets and other sensitive data.