Container Proxy for Secure Application Communication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network security measures, such as firewalls, fail to identify unauthorized users and secure communications between applications within a network, especially in legacy systems where malware can intercept data, and adding proxies for secure communication increases latency and resource requirements.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system with containers that include a proxy which uses access information from a controller to encrypt and decrypt messages, ensuring secure communication between applications without modifying existing applications and reducing the need for additional network hops.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If firewalls are employed to control network traffic, then network security is improved, but unauthorized users with stolen credentials or spoofed connections cannot be identified
Solution Approach 1:
A proxy is introduced as an intermediary component between applications within the container. The proxy intercepts messages, validates access information, and routes communications securely. This intermediary enables the system to detect and prevent unauthorized access by verifying credentials at the application level rather than relying solely on network-level firewall controls.
2Reliability
If proxies are added for secure communication between applications, then communication security is improved, but latency and resource requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy and the application are merged into a single container infrastructure. This co-location eliminates the need for additional network hops between separate physical or virtual machines, reducing latency while maintaining the security benefits of proxy-mediated communication. The container shared memory and network namespace enable efficient inter-process communication.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy within the container serves multiple functions: message interception, access information validation, encryption/decryption, and routing. By consolidating these functions into a single component rather than requiring separate security infrastructure, the system achieves comprehensive security without proportionally increasing latency or resource consumption.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional network security measures are used, then basic traffic control is provided, but secure communication between applications within the network cannot be ensured
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments security enforcement into two layers: network-level firewall controls for basic traffic management, and application-level proxy validation within containers for secure inter-application communication. This segmentation allows each layer to specialize in its function, with the proxy handling fine-grained access control for messages between applications while firewalls manage broader network traffic patterns.
4Adaptability or versatility
If access information is dynamically updated for secure communication, then security adaptability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the proxy continuously receives updated access information from external controllers or configuration sources. This feedback loop enables dynamic adaptation to changing security requirements without manual reconfiguration. The proxy validates incoming messages against current access information, automatically adjusting security enforcement based on updated credentials, authorization rules, or recipient information.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for sending messages. A message is received by a proxy in a container running on a computer system from an application in the container. A recipient for the message is identified by the proxy using access information. The message is encrypted by the proxy using the access information. The message to the recipient is sent by the proxy, wherein the access information is received from a controller.