Container Network Configuration Access Control via Database Mediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing network configurations lack a systematic method to manage and restrict changes to network configuration parameters, particularly for non-global containers, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and inefficiencies in resource allocation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a network configuration database to determine user privileges and enforce changes to network configuration parameters, ensuring only authorized users can modify parameters associated with virtual network stacks, thereby maintaining secure and efficient network operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If network configuration parameters are made accessible for modification, then ease of operation is improved, but network security deteriorates due to potential unauthorized changes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments network configuration parameters into different categories with distinct access control levels. Global parameters can be modified by privileged users, while non-global parameters are restricted to specific users with explicit permissions. This segmentation allows the system to maintain ease of operation for authorized users while preserving network security through selective restriction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a network configuration database as an intermediary between users and network configuration parameters. This database mediates all modification requests by first checking user privileges and then allowing or blocking changes accordingly. The intermediary mechanism enables the system to balance operational ease with security by centralizing access control logic.
2Reliability
If network configuration parameters are restricted to privileged users only, then network security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to limited access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different access permissions to different users based on their specific roles and needs. Rather than a uniform restriction, the system grants tailored access rights - some users can modify global parameters while others can only access non-global parameters. This localized approach to quality control maintains security while preserving operational ease for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic access control where user privileges are determined at runtime based on the network configuration database entries. The system dynamically evaluates each modification request against stored privilege information, allowing flexible access management that adapts to different user roles and contexts, thereby maintaining both security and ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a systematic privilege checking mechanism is implemented, then network security is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional control logic
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-storing user privilege information in the network configuration database before any modification requests are processed. This advance preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time privilege evaluation logic during runtime. The system simply retrieves pre-computed privilege information from the database, significantly reducing operational complexity while maintaining strong security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a simplified copying approach where privilege information is replicated in the network configuration database as a reference model. Instead of implementing complex privilege calculation algorithms, the system copies and stores privilege decisions in advance, then retrieves them during operation. This copying strategy reduces device complexity by replacing complex logic with simple data retrieval and comparison operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A method for changing network configuration parameters that includes generating a request to change a network configuration parameter by a user, determining whether the user is allowed to change the network configuration parameter using a network configuration database, if the user is allowed to change the network configuration parameter, updating the network configuration database to reflect the change in the network configuration parameter, updating a container associated with the network configuration parameter to reflect the change in the configuration parameter, and if the user is not allowed to change the network configuration parameter, dropping the request.