Codependent PUF and RNG Circuit Integration for Hardware Integrity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cryptographic systems face challenges in validating the identity of hardware and ensuring the randomness of random number sources, as attackers can disable or replace random sources with pseudo-random ones, compromising system security.
Innovation Solution
A device combining physical unclonable function (PUF) circuitry and random number generator (RNG) circuitry, where the PUF and RNG share components, allowing the device to determine if the RNG is an untainted source of random numbers based on the PUF output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate PUF and RNG circuits are used, then hardware identity validation and random number generation are independent, but attackers can replace the RNG with a pseudo-random source without affecting the PUF
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines PUF circuitry and RNG circuitry into a single integrated device with shared components. The PUF circuitry and RNG circuitry share common hardware resources, creating a codependent relationship where tampering with one affects the other. This merging ensures that if an attacker replaces the RNG with a pseudo-random source, the PUF output will also be altered, providing detectable validation of the RNG's authenticity.
2Reliability
If PUF and RNG share components, then tampering with RNG is detectable through PUF output changes, but the device complexity increases due to codependent circuit design
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality where shared hardware components serve dual purposes: they are used by both the PUF circuitry for identity validation and the RNG circuitry for random number generation. This universal usage creates inherent cross-validation, where the same physical components that generate randomness also provide the unique fingerprint for verifying that the randomness source has not been tampered with.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If codependent PUF and RNG circuits are implemented, then attackers cannot silently replace the RNG, but the difficulty of detecting and measuring circuit alterations increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the PUF circuitry continuously monitors the integrity of the RNG circuitry through their shared components. When the PUF is challenged, its output serves as feedback indicating whether the RNG has been tampered with. If the RNG is replaced or altered, the PUF output changes accordingly, providing immediate feedback that alerts the system to the tampering attempt.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for codependent physical unclonable function (PUF)/random number generator (RNG) generator pairing for physical provenance are described herein. In one example a device includes physical unclonable function (PUF) circuitry configured to produce a PUF output in response to an input and random number generator (RNG) circuitry configured to output one or more random numbers. The PUF circuitry and the RNG circuitry share one or more components such that an alteration of the RNG circuitry alters the PUF circuitry. The device is configured to determine whether the RNG circuitry is an untainted source of random numbers based on an output of the PUF circuitry.