Transparent Credential Migration Using Dual Obfuscation Stores
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in transparently updating user credentials, such as passwords, from one obfuscation algorithm to another due to potential flaws or advancements in processing capabilities, which can compromise security and require manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a mechanism where user credentials are obfuscated using a new algorithm transparently by temporarily storing the new obfuscated password in a pending store, allowing seamless transition without user intervention, and ensuring continued access until the update is complete.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If user credentials are updated from an old obfuscation algorithm to a new obfuscation algorithm, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The credential storage system is segmented into two separate stores: a primary credential store containing credentials obfuscated with the old algorithm, and a pending credential store containing credentials obfuscated with the new algorithm. This segmentation allows the system to maintain both old and new credential formats simultaneously, enabling secure migration without compromising system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The pending credential store acts as an intermediary between the old and new obfuscation algorithms. During the transition period, the system can authenticate users using credentials from either store, allowing seamless migration while maintaining security. The intermediary store buffers the transition and prevents direct conflict between the two algorithms
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for credential updates, then control is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service during credential migration by automatically detecting which credential store (primary or pending) contains valid credentials and using that store for authentication. The system autonomously manages the transition between algorithms without requiring manual configuration or intervention, thereby maintaining ease of operation while implementing security updates
3Reliability
If a new obfuscation algorithm is implemented immediately, then security is enhanced, but compatibility with existing credentials is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The credential authentication system is made dynamic by allowing the active credential store to change over time. The system can switch between using the primary credential store and the pending credential store based on migration progress. This dynamic adaptability ensures that security is enhanced through the new algorithm while compatibility is maintained by continuing to support the old algorithm during the transition period
Data Source
AI summary
A user password is obfuscated using a first obfuscation algorithm and stored. A security module receives a password from a user a first time and, in response thereto, obfuscates the password using a second obfuscation algorithm and stores the obfuscated password. The security module subsequently receives the password from the user a second time. In response thereto, the security module obfuscates the password using the second algorithm a second time and compares the results of the obfuscation with the stored password obfuscated using the second algorithm. If the results of the obfuscation and the stored password obfuscated using the second algorithm match, the security module replaces the stored password obfuscated using the first algorithm with the password obfuscated using the second algorithm. The operations are performed transparently to the user associated with the password.