Database Query Security via Immutable IP Attribute Validation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems face challenges in distinguishing legitimate users from non-legitimate users, particularly in public search engines without user names or passwords, and previous techniques like blacklisting become impractical as user numbers increase, making it difficult to protect proprietary databases from botnets that replicate data by submitting repetitive search queries.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that process database queries by determining location and attribute information based on IP addresses, withholding information if the query source does not satisfy required source attributes, using a database interface system with processing logic and memory to inhibit responses to suspicious queries, and employing criteria rules to derive and enforce source attributes for legitimate user access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If blacklisting techniques are used to block non-legitimate users, then security against botnets is improved, but the system becomes impractical as the number of users increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter for user identification from maintainable attributes (like user names and passwords) to immutable attributes (like IP addresses, hardware identifiers, and network characteristics). This transformation makes the security system scalable because immutable attributes cannot be spoofed by botnets and do not require manual management updates as user bases grow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical blacklisting system (manual maintenance of blocked user lists) with an automated attribute-based filtering system. The system automatically analyzes immutable attributes of query sources and applies security rules without requiring manual intervention, making it practical for large-scale deployments.
2Reliability
If user authentication (user names or passwords) is required, then database security is improved, but legitimate users experience inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs security verification automatically based on immutable attributes without requiring user action. Legitimate users' devices inherently possess unique immutable attributes that the system recognizes and validates automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually provide authentication credentials while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces immutable attributes as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the database system. Instead of direct user authentication, the system uses device-level immutable attributes as a mediator to verify legitimacy, providing security without requiring user involvement in the authentication process.
3Ease of operation
If public search engine access is provided without authentication, then ease of operation is improved, but botnets can replicate database contents by submitting repetitive queries
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of immutable attributes before allowing database queries to proceed. By checking the legitimacy of the query source's immutable attributes in advance, the system prevents botnets from submitting repetitive queries while still allowing public access for legitimate users without authentication.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the user base into legitimate users (with unique immutable attributes) and botnets (with spoofed or identical immutable attributes) by analyzing device-level characteristics. This segmentation allows the system to differentiate between genuine users and automated attackers based on inherent device properties rather than requiring authentication.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods of processing database search queries are provided. A method of processing database search queries includes receiving a database query from a query source. The method also includes determining location information associated with the query source based at least partially on an Internet Protocol (IP) address associated with the database query. The method further includes determining, based at least partially on the location information, whether the query source satisfies a required source attribute. The method also includes withholding information requested by the database query when the required source attribute is not satisfied.