Dispatcher Module Isolation in Virtualized Hosts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional systems face security vulnerabilities due to the lack of isolation between hosts and Virtual Machines (VMs) or Containers, allowing intruders to compromise entire hosts and VMs, especially when accessed through remote shells or web servers.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a host as a secure Container or VM by allocating one Container for a dispatcher module in an isolated environment, with a thin dispatcher running on the host OS and a secured dispatcher module inside the Container, ensuring that even if an intruder gains access, they cannot create or delete VMs or Containers, and allowing administrators to connect directly to the dispatcher module inside the Container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a dispatcher module runs directly on the host OS, then it can manage VMs and Containers efficiently, but the host becomes vulnerable to security breaches allowing intruders to compromise the entire system
Solution Approach 1:
The dispatcher module is segmented into two separate components: a secure dispatcher running inside an isolated Container on the host, and a thin dispatcher running inside a dedicated VM. This segmentation isolates the critical security functions from direct host access, preventing intruders from compromising the entire system through the dispatcher interface.
Solution Approach 2:
A thin dispatcher module acts as an intermediary between the external environment and the secure dispatcher inside the Container. This intermediary provides a controlled interface that limits direct access to the host OS, allowing management operations while maintaining security boundaries.
2Ease of operation
If remote shell access is provided to the host, then administrators can manage the system conveniently, but intruders can exploit this access point to launch malicious applications with root privileges
Solution Approach 1:
Remote shell access is redirected to the Container hosting the secure dispatcher rather than providing direct access to the host OS. The Container acts as an intermediary environment that provides administrative functionality while isolating the host from direct external access, preventing intruders from exploiting remote shell vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
Different access points are provided for different functions: the Container receives remote shell access for administrative operations, while the host OS maintains isolated access controls. This local quality differentiation ensures that even if the Container is compromised, the host OS remains protected.
3Ease of operation
If web server interface is exposed on the host, then it provides convenient access for VM and Container management, but it creates additional vulnerability points for intrusions
Solution Approach 1:
The web server interface is relocated to run inside the Container hosting the secure dispatcher, acting as an intermediary layer between external web access and the host OS. This allows web-based management operations while isolating the host from direct web interface vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The web server functionality is extracted from the host OS and placed inside the Container environment. This extraction removes the web interface vulnerability from the host attack surface while maintaining web-based management capabilities through the Container's isolated environment.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented system for migration of a host Virtual Execution Environment (VEE), including a first VM running in a public cloud; the first VM having a first thin guest OS and a first file system; a dedicated hosting VEE on the first VM and executing user applications; a first dispatcher module running inside the dedicated hosting VEE, the first dispatcher module accessible to a user of the dedicated hosting VEE; a second dispatcher module running inside the first VM, the second dispatcher module in communication with the first dispatcher. The second dispatcher module is configured to live-migrate the dedicated hosting VEE with the executing user applications from the first VM to a second VM running on another public cloud, such that the migration is transparent to the dedicated hosting VEE.