Code Signing Server Configuration for Device-Specific Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing code signing systems lack the ability to restrict code signing based on employee status and specific device models, even when a common signing key is used across multiple device models, posing security concerns for device manufacturers and network operators.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a code signing server with different configurations for employees, allowing privileged clients to sign code for all device models and unprivileged clients to sign code only for specific subsets of target devices, by using additional header information that only compatible devices can interpret.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a common signing key is used across multiple device models, then code signing efficiency and versatility are improved, but security control and device-specific authorization are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the code signing process by introducing configuration data that divides the code execution environment into different device model groups. The configuration data includes a field that specifies which device models are authorized to execute the code, effectively segmenting the previously universal signing key usage into controlled subsets. This allows multiple device models to share a common signing key while maintaining security through model-specific configuration restrictions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by making the code execution behavior device-model-specific through configuration data. Different device models receive different configuration data that tailors the execution environment to their specific capabilities and authorization status. This allows the system to maintain a common signing key infrastructure while implementing device-specific security controls and execution permissions at the local level.
2Ease of operation
If code is signed for all device models, then distribution simplicity is improved, but unauthorized execution on incompatible devices increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by embedding configuration data into the code before distribution. This configuration data预先 specifies which device models are authorized to execute the code and what execution parameters are permitted. The configuration data is prepared and embedded in advance, allowing the code to be distributed once to multiple device models while the preliminary configuration restrictions prevent unauthorized execution on incompatible devices during actual execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces configuration data as an intermediary between the code and the device execution environment. This intermediary layer carries authorization information that mediates between the universal code distribution and the specific device model requirements. The configuration data acts as a mediator that translates the general code into device-specific execution instructions, preventing unauthorized execution while maintaining distribution simplicity.
3Reliability
If signing privileges are restricted by employee status, then internal security control is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service by enabling the code signing system to automatically enforce employee status restrictions through embedded configuration data. The configuration data includes authorization information that automatically determines which employees can sign code for which device models. The system self-enforces these restrictions during code execution without requiring manual intervention or complex administrative overhead, maintaining security while minimizing operational complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system is provided for signing data such as code images. In one embodiment, the method comprises receiving, from a requestor, a request to sign the data according to a requested configuration selected from a first configuration, in which the data is for use with any of the set of devices, and a second configuration in which the data is for use only with a subset of a set of devices; modifying the data according to the requested configuration; generating a data signature using the modified data; and transmitting the generated data signature to the requestor. Another embodiment is evidenced by a processor having a memory storing instructions for performing the foregoing operations.