Command Interception Agent for Contextual Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing user-based restrictions in server operating systems lack real-time monitoring and contextual control for command line commands and file access, failing to provide adequate access management, especially in multi-regional and time-zone collaborative environments.
Innovation Solution
A system that intercepts commands issued to a host server using an agent library with overriding functions to transmit command indications to a collector for logging and evaluation, incorporating local and collector rules to determine whether to block or permit commands based on contextual factors, including time and location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user-based restrictions are implemented in the server operating system, then access control to files and commands is provided, but real-time monitoring and contextual control of command line commands are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system consisting of an agent library, collector, and server that sits between the user and the server operating system. The agent library intercepts command line commands before they reach the OS, allowing real-time monitoring and contextual control without modifying the core OS access control mechanisms. This intermediary layer provides the missing real-time monitoring capability while maintaining existing access control reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the access control system into multiple independent components: user-based restrictions in the OS, an agent library for command interception, a collector for gathering command indications, and a server for policy evaluation. This segmentation allows each component to specialize in specific functions, enabling real-time monitoring without complicating the overall system architecture.
2Reliability
If user-based restrictions are implemented in the server operating system, then basic access control is provided, but contextual control for multi-regional and time-zone collaborative environments is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic access control by introducing contextual parameters such as time and location into the authorization process. The server evaluates commands based on dynamic context information (e.g., current time zone, user location) rather than static user-based restrictions alone. This allows the system to adapt access control policies to different regions and time zones, providing contextual control for collaborative environments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters of access control from simple user-based restrictions to multi-parameter evaluation including time, location, and command context. The server considers multiple parameters simultaneously to determine whether to permit or block a command, enabling contextual control that adapts to different business scenarios across regions and time zones.
3Reliability
If commands are intercepted and evaluated before execution, then real-time monitoring and contextual access control are enabled, but additional system components and processing overhead are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary agent library that integrates with the existing server operating system without requiring fundamental architectural changes. The agent library hooks into the command execution flow at a convenient point, intercepting commands before execution but allowing the rest of the system architecture to remain relatively simple and maintainable.
4Adaptability or versatility
If commands are intercepted and evaluated before execution, then contextual access control is enabled, but processing time and potential command execution delays are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary evaluation of commands by the agent library before full execution. The agent library quickly determines whether a command should be blocked based on contextual rules, allowing legitimate commands to proceed without significant delay while preventing prohibited commands from executing. This preliminary filtering reduces overall processing time by avoiding unnecessary evaluation of obviously prohibited commands.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for intercepting commands issued to a host server. An agent is installed on the host server and configured to intercept commands issued to the host server and to transmit indications of said commands to a collector for logging and evaluation. The collector includes rules for determining whether a command issued to the host is to be blocked. Collector rules may be informed by supplementary information from third party information systems. The agent queries the collector for whether a command is to be blocked, and also include rules for blocking commands without evaluation by the collector. Indications of intercepted commands are stored by the collector in databases accessible by an administrator for monitoring activity on the host server and for configuring rules for blocking commands issued to the server.