Credential-Isolated Code Execution Through a Trusted Gateway
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing software engineering methods require significant human supervision and trust between users and developers to execute code safely, especially when accessing external resources, leading to limitations in automation and security.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing a Large Language Model (LLM) Code Interpreter and Execution Environment (LCIEE) that separates code execution from resource access, using a trusted server to manage credentials and execute code in a controlled sandbox, ensuring secure and reliable execution of user-generated tasks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a sandbox with limited access is used to execute code, then security is improved, but functionality deteriorates because certain operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway server as an intermediary between the sandboxed code execution environment and external resources. The gateway server receives requests from the sandbox, validates them against security policies, and executes them in a controlled manner. This allows the sandbox to access external resources (improving functionality) while the gateway maintains security controls (preserving security). The gateway acts as a mediator that enables necessary operations without compromising the sandbox's isolation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If full trust is required between users and developers, then functionality is improved, but security deteriorates due to potential data access risks
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway server serves as a trusted intermediary that eliminates the need for direct trust between users and developers. Instead of users trusting developers with their credentials, the gateway server mediates all access requests, validating them against security policies. This allows the system to maintain full functionality (code can access external resources) while improving security (no direct trust relationship needed between users and developers).
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service security mechanisms where the gateway server automatically validates requests, enforces policies, and manages credentials without requiring manual user intervention or trust decisions. The sandboxed code requests access through the gateway, which automatically handles authentication and authorization based on predefined security policies, eliminating the need for users to manually trust developers.
3Reliability
If manual supervision by engineers is required, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to increased time and cost
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements automated security enforcement through the gateway server, which automatically validates requests, checks security policies, and executes code in sandboxed environments without requiring manual engineer supervision. The gateway server self-manages credential validation, request filtering, and security policy enforcement, enabling full automation of the code execution workflow while maintaining security controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The gateway server implements automated feedback mechanisms where it continuously monitors sandboxed code execution, validates requests in real-time, and enforces security policies dynamically. The system provides automated feedback to the sandboxed code about which operations are permitted or denied based on security policies, enabling secure automation without manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are presented for managing access to external resources while executing code. The method involves receiving a request to execute code and sending an identifier (ID) for the code execution and credentials for accessing an external resource to a trusted server. The request is sent to execute the code with the ID to a code executer, and the code is executed. During code execution, an operation for accessing the external resource is detected. In response to the detection, a request to access the external resource is sent from the code executer to the trusted server. The trusted server accesses the external resource using the provided credentials and sends a response with the results back to the code executer. The code executer does not have access to the credentials for accessing the external resource. After the code terminates execution, the results from the code execution are presented on a device.