DRM Key Interception for Secure Media Streaming
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing digital rights management (DRM) systems for HTTP-based media streaming face challenges in providing effective security and user control, particularly in broadcast models where a single key is transmitted to multiple recipients, and in scenarios where non-native players are used, leading to security risks and inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
The system employs native APIs to intercept key requests, allowing a local client application to manage DRM key delivery and licensing, enabling per-user control and secure streaming of DRM-protected media content using HLS AES protection, while supporting various operational modes including single key encryption and local playback.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a single key is transmitted to multiple recipients in broadcast models, then key distribution is simplified, but security is compromised as keys can be intercepted and reused
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the key distribution process by introducing per-user key requests and individual key delivery mechanisms. Instead of broadcasting a single key to all users, the system creates separate key delivery channels for each user, where keys are requested and delivered individually through controlled channels, preventing interception and reuse by unauthorized parties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a key delivery channel as an intermediary between the content server and client applications. This intermediary mechanism controls and monitors key distribution, ensuring that keys are delivered securely to authorized users only, and preventing the security vulnerabilities associated with direct broadcast key distribution
2Adaptability or versatility
If non-native players are used for media playback, then player versatility is improved, but security risks increase due to lack of native DRM support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a DRM agent as an intermediary component that bridges non-native players and DRM-protected content. This agent intercepts key requests from non-native players, validates DRM rights, and delivers encrypted keys through secure channels, enabling non-native players to access protected content while maintaining security through controlled key delivery
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical key delivery mechanism of non-native players with a software-based DRM agent that controls key distribution. Instead of relying on the player's built-in (insecure) key handling, the system substitutes a secure, controlled key delivery mechanism that operates independently of the player's native capabilities
3Reliability
If per-user key control is implemented, then user security and control are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal DRM agent that handles multiple functions including key request interception, rights validation, and key delivery for different content types and scenarios. This multi-functional approach consolidates complexity into a single reusable component rather than requiring separate security mechanisms for each use case
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques and mechanisms described herein facilitate the management of digital rights for media content item presentation. According to various embodiments, a request for a content decryption key may be received at a media application implemented at a computing device. The request may be transmitted by a media content player implemented at the computing device. The request may be transmitted in accordance with a designated key exchange protocol. A license for an encrypted media content item corresponding with the requested content decryption key may be identified at the media application. Based on information included in the license, encrypted key material may be decrypted to create the requested content decryption key via a processor at the computing device. The requested content decryption key may be provided to the media content player.