DNSSEC Signing Server Decoupling Zone Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current DNSSEC techniques are inefficient for large-scale use, particularly in managing and processing large numbers of signatures, and are limited to individual users or small domains, leading to potential resolution delays and failures in high-traffic sites.
Innovation Solution
A network-accessible signing server decouples zone management and zone serving, allowing remote management and signing of DNSSEC zones, supporting inline signing, dynamic key creation, and batch signing, reducing the need for manual configuration and hardware installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If current DNSSEC techniques are used for large-scale use, then individual user domains can be secured, but processing efficiency and signature management capability deteriorate due to the inability to handle large numbers of signatures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized signing server as an intermediary between DNS zones and resolvers. This server consolidates signature generation capabilities, allowing it to efficiently manage and process large numbers of DNSSEC signatures for multiple zones. The signing server acts as a mediator that receives signing requests, generates appropriate signatures using cryptographic keys, and returns signed data, thereby solving the scalability problem of handling numerous signatures across large-scale DNS infrastructure.
2Reliability
If manual configuration and hardware installation are required for DNSSEC signing, then security can be maintained, but deployment complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The signing server implements automated key management and signature generation capabilities that reduce manual intervention. The system can dynamically create cryptographic key pairs, manage key lifecycles, and automatically sign DNS zone data without requiring manual hardware configuration at each deployment point. This self-service approach maintains security through cryptographic best practices while significantly reducing deployment complexity and time.
3Reliability
If DNSSEC signing is performed locally at each zone, then security is maintained, but performance deteriorates due to resolution delays in high-traffic sites
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signature generation function into a centralized signing server that can serve multiple DNS zones simultaneously. By consolidating cryptographic operations in a single high-performance location, the system eliminates the need for each individual zone to perform separate signing operations locally. This merging of functions reduces redundant computational overhead and improves overall DNS resolution speed while maintaining the authenticity and security guarantees of DNSSEC signatures.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for performing DNSSEC signing are described in which digital signature operations may be performed by a network accessible signing server that is configured to interact with a separate client application. Exemplary methods may include receiving a signing request at the signing server from the client application to sign first data. The signing server may determine an active KSK and/or an active ZSK for the first data. The first data may then be transmitted by the signing server to a digital signature modules, which may include, for example, a hardware support module, or software signing applications. The signing server may receive a digitally signed version of the first data from the digital signature module, and provide the signed first data to the client application.