Credential Generation Using Threshold-Based Key Rotation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Client-server network environments are vulnerable to attacks such as Denial of Service (DoS) and Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) due to the allocation of resources for TLS handshake requests, which can overwhelm servers and lead to performance degradation or failure, and existing credential validation techniques are insufficient to prevent these attacks.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a system where a server generates credentials using a single current secret key up to a threshold number of uses, allowing connection requests with credentials generated using the current and legacy keys, and updating the key when the threshold is reached, thereby reducing exposure to key discovery and mitigating attacks by limiting key usage based on a counter rather than time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the server uses a single secret key for credential generation over an extended period, then system overhead is reduced and key management is simplified, but the exposure time of the key increases making the system more vulnerable to key discovery attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic key rotation where the server transitions from using a single static secret key to using multiple rotating secret keys. The system dynamically switches between a current key and legacy keys based on a usage counter threshold, reducing key exposure time while maintaining operational simplicity through automated key management
2Adaptability or versatility
If the server accepts credentials generated with multiple legacy keys, then connectivity is maintained during key rotation, but the window for potential key discovery attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by differentiating the treatment of keys based on their usage status. The system maintains one current key for new credential generation and a limited number of legacy keys for validating existing credentials. This localized differentiation allows the server to accept compatible credentials from clients while minimizing the overall attack surface by limiting the number of active legacy keys
3Reliability
If the server implements frequent key rotation, then key exposure time is reduced enhancing security, but system overhead and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through automated key rotation mechanisms. The server autonomously manages the rotation of secret keys based on a usage counter threshold without requiring manual intervention. The system automatically generates new keys, updates the current key, and manages legacy key transitions, reducing the operational burden while maintaining frequent key rotation for security
4Object-affected harmful factors
If the server uses a threshold-based key usage limit, then key exposure is minimized, but the complexity of tracking and managing key usage counters increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the key management complexity from the core authentication logic by implementing a separate usage counter mechanism. The system maintains a simple counter that increments with each credential generation and triggers key rotation when reaching a predefined threshold. This extraction separates the security-critical key rotation function from the authentication process, making both easier to manage independently
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques for generating and validating credentials are disclosed. A server generates credentials using only a single current key, up to a threshold number of credentials. The server accepts client connection requests with credentials that were generated using n most recently used keys, including the current key and one or more legacy keys. The server rejects connection requests with credentials that were generated using any other key. When the current key has been used to generate the threshold number of credentials, the server updates the current key to a new key.