Covert Channel Detector for MLS Cryptographic Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cryptographic systems, particularly in multi-level security (MLS) and multiple independent levels of security (MILS) systems, are vulnerable to covert channels, which are difficult to detect and can lead to the unauthorized transfer of critical information, posing a significant security concern.
Innovation Solution
A communication system incorporating a cryptographic engine, statistics collectors, and a covert channel detector that analyzes data from encrypted and non-encrypted channels to identify the presence of covert channels, utilizing statistical analysis and mathematical comparisons to determine subtle anomalies indicative of covert channel activity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional cryptographic systems are used in MLS or MILS systems, then security levels are maintained, but covert channels become difficult to detect
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a covert channel detection engine as an intermediary component that monitors communication channels between cryptographic processes. This detector acts as a mediator that observes data flows without interfering with the cryptographic operations, enabling detection of covert channels while maintaining the security architecture of MLS/MILS systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the covert channel detector continuously monitors communication channels and provides information about detected anomalies back to the system administrators. This feedback loop enables ongoing detection and response to covert channel attempts without disrupting the normal cryptographic operations.
2Reliability
If multiple independent levels of security are implemented, then data protection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the cryptographic system into distinct components: cryptographic processes operating at different security levels, communication channels separating these processes, and a covert channel detection engine monitoring the interfaces. This segmentation allows each component to be designed and analyzed independently, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining multiple security levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The covert channel detection engine serves as an intermediary layer that simplifies the monitoring of complex multi-level security systems. Rather than requiring complex monitoring mechanisms at each security level interface, the detector provides a unified approach to covert channel detection across all channels.
3Productivity
If cryptographic processes operate in parallel on the same platform, then processing efficiency is improved, but covert channel risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The covert channel detection engine is positioned as an intermediary that monitors all communication between parallel cryptographic processes without interfering with their efficient operation. This allows high-speed cryptographic processing to continue in parallel while the detector surveils for covert channel activities on the communication channels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces physical or hardware-based isolation mechanisms with a software-based covert channel detection approach. Instead of requiring physically separate systems for different security levels, the system uses logical separation with software-based monitoring to detect covert channels, enabling parallel processing while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
A communication system comprises a covert channel detector. The covert channel detector can be used in a multi-level security system (MLS) or multiple single levels of security (MSLS). The covert channel detector detects covert channels in a cryptographic system. The cryptographic system can be used in a military radio system.