Digital Key Embedding in Application Code for Secure Processor Provisioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for providing digital keys to processor units are vulnerable to unauthorized access, necessitating improved security measures to protect the secret information.
Innovation Solution
A method involving splitting a digital key into multiple parts and embedding these parts within an application code, particularly in unused fields of R-type instructions, and using a hardware identifier for secure reconstruction, ensuring the key is difficult to intercept.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the digital key is transmitted directly to the processor unit, then the transmission process is simple and fast, but the security is compromised as unauthorized persons may access the key
Solution Approach 1:
The digital key is divided into multiple key parts that are embedded in different instructions of the application code. The processor unit receives the complete application code and reconstructs the digital key by extracting and combining these distributed key parts, thereby enhancing security without requiring complex external key management infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The key parts are nested within the application code instructions, specifically embedded in unused fields of R-type instructions. This nesting allows the key to be hidden within the code structure, making it difficult for unauthorized persons to extract while maintaining the code's functionality
2Quantity of substance
If the key parts are embedded in unused fields of instructions, then the application code size remains unchanged, but the embedding process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The compiler performs preliminary actions during the compilation process to identify unused fields in R-type instructions and embed the key parts in these fields before the application code is executed. This preliminary embedding ensures that the key parts are seamlessly integrated into the code structure without requiring additional storage space
3Reliability
If the digital key is hidden in the application code, then unauthorized access becomes difficult, but the processor unit must have prior knowledge of key locations for reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The processor unit is equipped with self-service capabilities to automatically locate and extract key parts from the application code instructions. The processor can independently identify instructions containing key parts and reconstruct the digital key without requiring external assistance or complex reconstruction procedures
Data Source
AI summary
A method for providing a digital key to a processor unit using a computer system. The digital key is provided within an application code and a sequence of instructions is stored in the application code. In the method, a digital key is generated using a computer system and divided into at least two key parts. The key parts are embedded in at least two instructions of the application code which is transmitted from the computer system to the processor unit.