Containerized Code Execution With Proxy Auditing and Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software development processes allow untrusted code execution in production environments without adequate audit trails or access controls, posing security risks and compliance challenges.
Innovation Solution
Executing untrusted code within a container using a 'virtually air-gapped' environment with network traffic proxied through security proxies, enforcing access controls, and requiring multi-party approval before execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If untrusted code is executed in production environment without containerization, then code execution flexibility is improved, but security risk and lack of audit controls worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the execution environment by implementing containerization, isolating untrusted code within dedicated containers that have limited access to system resources. This segmentation allows flexible code execution while containing security risks within isolated boundaries, preventing lateral movement to other system components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer between code execution and the host system through container runtimes and security proxies. This intermediary mediates all system calls and network traffic, enabling audit controls and access management while maintaining code execution flexibility.
2Reliability
If access controls are implemented for untrusted code, then security and audit control are improved, but device complexity and operational overhead worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple security functions into the container runtime itself, combining execution management, isolation, and access control in a single integrated layer. This reduces overall system complexity by eliminating the need for separate security infrastructure while maintaining comprehensive audit controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The container runtime provides self-service security mechanisms where the system automatically enforces access controls, generates audit logs, and manages isolation without requiring external security infrastructure. This reduces operational overhead by automating security functions that would otherwise require manual configuration and monitoring.
3Reliability
If network traffic is proxied through security proxies, then access control and auditing are improved, but network performance and throughput worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial proxying where only specific network traffic requiring security inspection is routed through security proxies, while other traffic can bypass the proxy infrastructure. This selective approach maintains access control and auditing for critical operations while minimizing impact on overall network performance and throughput.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus for executing code in a container are described. In one embodiment, the method comprises generating code on a host computer system using a user interface; and executing the code inside a container on the host computer system, including performing access control based on one or more properties of the host computer system.