Debug Proxy for Secure Remote Application Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Debugging applications in private cloud environments is challenging due to lack of secure and authorized remote debugging capabilities, as default debugging support often uses accessible ports, making it difficult to isolate and inspect application instances without compromising security.
Innovation Solution
Establishing secure connections between a client device and an application host in a private cloud environment through a debug proxy process, enabling secure inter-process communication and authentication, allowing only authorized users to debug specific application instances while preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If default debugging support is used with accessible ports, then debugging capability is provided, but security is compromised due to unauthorized access risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a debug proxy process as an intermediary component between the debugging client and the application instance. This proxy process receives debugging requests, establishes secure connections, and forwards them to the target application, thereby enabling debugging functionality while preventing direct access to the application's debugging ports and eliminating unauthorized access risks
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the connection parameters by implementing encrypted communication channels and authentication mechanisms. Instead of using accessible, unsecured ports, the system establishes secure connections with encryption and authorization checks, transforming the debugging interface from an open state to a secured state that maintains functionality while preventing harmful access
2Adaptability or versatility
If remote debugging is enabled in private cloud environment, then debugging flexibility is improved, but security risks increase due to potential interference from other users
Solution Approach 1:
The debug proxy process serves as a mediator that controls all interactions between external debugging clients and application instances. It implements authorization verification to ensure only authenticated users can debug specific applications, and establishes isolated communication channels that prevent other users from interfering with the debugging session, thus maintaining both flexibility and security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by providing customized debugging access control for each application instance. The debug proxy process evaluates authorization credentials specific to each user-application pair, granting or denying access based on individual permissions. This localized authorization approach allows different users to have different debugging capabilities on different applications, maintaining flexibility while preventing unauthorized interference
3Reliability
If secure connections are established for remote debugging, then security is improved, but connection complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The debug proxy process implements self-service by automatically managing the complex secure connection establishment. It handles encryption key generation, authentication verification, and secure channel setup without requiring manual configuration from users. The proxy process autonomously negotiates secure connections with both the debugging client and the application instance, reducing connection complexity for end users while maintaining high security standards
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure involves systems, software, and computer implemented methods for remotely debugging applications in a private cloud environment. One example method includes establishing a first secure connection with a client device in response to receiving a request from the client device for a secure debugging session to remotely debug an application instance running in a private cloud environment. A host that is hosting the application instance is identified. A second secure connection is established with the identified host. A request is submitted, over the second secured connection, to the identified host, to instantiate a debug proxy process. The debug proxy process is configured to establish a secure inter-process communication channel with the application instance and instruct the application instance to run in a debug mode.