Container Image Security Parameter Customization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current container security settings are often set to the least common denominator, resulting in either inadequate or excessive security levels, as container engines must accommodate various workloads, leading to reliance on developers for appropriate security configurations.
Innovation Solution
A processing device determines the minimum necessary security level for an application and generates custom security settings, which are embedded into the container image, allowing users to apply stricter settings if they are more secure than default settings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If container engines use default security settings to accommodate various workloads, then compatibility and ease of operation are improved, but security level deteriorates due to the least common denominator approach
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling different security settings for different container images based on their specific security requirements. Instead of a uniform default security level, the system determines and applies customized security settings (such as custom seccomp profiles, capabilities, or mount options) tailored to each image's needs, allowing both high security for critical applications and ease of operation for standard workloads.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the security parameter from a fixed default value to a dynamically determined value based on image characteristics. The processing device analyzes container image metadata and determines appropriate security settings as parameters, allowing the security level to adapt to different workload requirements while maintaining operational ease through automation.
2Reliability
If container engines apply strict security settings, then security level is improved, but compatibility and adaptability deteriorate due to inability to accommodate diverse workloads
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by customizing security settings for each container image based on its specific requirements. Critical images receive stricter security measures while standard images use appropriate default settings, allowing the system to maintain both high security where needed and broad compatibility where required.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamics by making security settings adjustable and adaptable rather than fixed. The processing device dynamically determines security parameters based on image analysis, allowing the system to adapt security strictness to match the specific needs of different workloads, from highly secure critical applications to more permissive development environments.
3Reliability
If developers manually configure security settings, then security level can be optimized, but device complexity and operational burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the container engine to automatically determine and apply appropriate security settings without requiring manual developer configuration. The processing device analyzes image metadata and autonomously selects security parameters, freeing developers from the complexity of manual security configuration while maintaining optimized security levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-determining security settings during the image build or deployment phase rather than requiring real-time configuration at runtime. The processing device analyzes and configures security parameters in advance based on image characteristics, reducing operational complexity while ensuring optimized security from the outset.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure relate to security settings for containers. The method may include tracing, using a trace tool, system calls made by an application to determine a system call that is necessary for the application to operate, wherein the system call corresponds to a minimum level of security for the application. The method may also include embedding, based on the system call, a custom security setting into a container image corresponding to the application.