Dynamic Code Injection into Running Process
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing techniques for activating code in a targeted process at startup are costly and inefficient, requiring restarts and complex configuration management, which can lead to difficulties in reproducing issues like thread race conditions and memory leaks, and entail substantial security risks and versioning problems.
Innovation Solution
A method for dynamically injecting arbitrary code into a running process by receiving a message with a code identifier, locating, and activating the code within the process, allowing for dynamic execution without the need for API functionality or restarts, and enabling flexible control and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If code activation is performed at process startup using traditional configuration methods, then code can be activated in the targeted process, but the process must be restarted which introduces additional cost and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic code activation by allowing code to be injected and activated in a running process without requiring restart. The system uses a runtime environment that can dynamically load and execute code containers at any time during process execution, transforming a static startup-only activation model into a dynamic runtime-agnostic activation model.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs preliminary action by pre-configuring code containers and their activation parameters in advance. When code activation is needed, the system retrieves pre-prepared code containers from storage and activates them directly in the running process, avoiding the need for process restart and configuration re-setup.
2Reliability
If traditional startup configuration methods are used for code activation, then code can be activated, but it becomes difficult to reproduce runtime issues like thread race conditions and memory leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic code activation during runtime, allowing the system to capture and reproduce actual runtime conditions including thread race conditions and memory leaks. By activating code at the moment it is needed during process execution, rather than at startup, the system preserves the dynamic state of threads, memory, and system resources as they exist during normal operation.
3Ease of operation
If platform-provided APIs are used for code activation, then code can be activated with standard functionality, but production and maintenance of documentation and forward compatibility become costly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the code activation functionality from the traditional platform API model. Instead of requiring users to interact with complex platform-provided APIs for code activation, the system provides a simplified mechanism where code containers are automatically located, loaded, and activated based on their metadata and the running process state.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by allowing code containers to self-describe their activation requirements through embedded metadata. The runtime environment automatically interprets this metadata and performs the activation process without requiring manual configuration or complex API calls, reducing both user complexity and platform maintenance overhead.
4Adaptability or versatility
If arbitrary code execution is enabled in running processes, then flexible code activation is achieved, but substantial security risks are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by validating and verifying code containers before activation. The system checks code signatures, permissions, and other security attributes in advance to ensure that only authorized and safe code can be executed in the running process, preventing malicious or unapproved code from gaining access.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secure runtime environment as an intermediary between the code container and the running process. This intermediary layer provides security isolation, code validation, and controlled execution, allowing arbitrary code to be activated while maintaining security boundaries that prevent direct access to critical system resources.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described herein that are capable of dynamically injecting code into a running process. For instance, the techniques are capable of causing arbitrary code to be activated in the process while the process is running in response to receipt of a request for dynamic execution of the arbitrary code from outside the process while the process is running.