Domain-Specific Language for Cloud Graph Reachability Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing approaches to analyzing security and operational issues in cloud provider networks are cumbersome and error-prone, requiring developers to hardcode cross-resource relations, making it difficult to modify or add new relations, thus limiting the ability to perform graph reachability-based analyses efficiently.
Innovation Solution
A domain-specific language and framework that allows users to define cross-resource relations in a human-readable and machine-readable format, enabling the generation of ontology models and performing graph reachability analyses, thereby simplifying the process of identifying security and operational issues in cloud-based systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If developers hardcode cross-resource relations in existing analysis approaches, then the analysis can be performed, but the system becomes cumbersome and error-prone, and modification or addition of new relations becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the domain-specific language and framework) between the hardcoded relations and the graph reachability analysis. This intermediary allows relations to be defined in a structured, declarative format rather than being embedded directly in code, making the system more maintainable and less error-prone while preserving analysis accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The framework enables the system to automatically generate and manage cross-resource relations through the domain-specific language, reducing the need for manual hardcoding and making modifications easier. The system serves itself by providing tools to define and update relations without requiring complex manual intervention
2Productivity
If developers hardcode cross-resource relations, then the analysis can be performed, but adding or modifying new relations becomes difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the system dynamic by allowing cross-resource relations to be defined and modified through the domain-specific language at runtime or configuration time, rather than being fixed at compile time. This enables easy addition and modification of relations without requiring system redesign, improving both productivity and adaptability
Solution Approach 2:
The framework segments the relation definitions into discrete, manageable units that can be independently defined, modified, and maintained. Each cross-resource relation becomes a separate entity in the domain-specific language, allowing granular control and easy updates without affecting the entire system
3Ease of operation
If a domain-specific language and framework are used to define cross-resource relations, then the process becomes simpler and more flexible, but the initial setup and learning curve increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical system of hardcoding relations with a declarative domain-specific language. Instead of manually embedding relations in code structures, users can define relations using high-level syntax that is automatically processed by the framework, significantly easing the operation despite the added framework layer
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for a domain-specific language and associated framework for implementing analyses of security, operational, or functional properties involving computing resources. The specification language enables users to readily define the semantics of a set of cross-resource relations of interest using a human-readable language. For example, the language enables users to express properties over computing resources based on a user-defined set of cross-resource relations. The specification language is human-readable, allowing users to easily add new cross-resource relations or to modify existing relations and properties, thereby enabling users to readily modify existing analyses or to create new ones entirely. The specification language is also machine-readable such that a compiler and other tools can automatically generate an ontology model based on local resource configurations, augment the graph with the cross-resource relations defined in the specifications, and perform graph reachability analyses based on defined properties of interest.