Dynamic Control Flow Graph Instrumentation for Source Code Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current approaches to identifying and instrumenting data arguments in software programs are inadequate due to complexity and timely availability issues, leading to inadequate protection against malicious attacks and security vulnerabilities.
Innovation Solution
A data control system that generates real-time control flow graphs incorporating both control and non-control data arguments, automatically instruments source code to ensure data and program flow integrity by monitoring integrated development environments and dynamically updating the control flow graph as code is modified.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If control flow graphs are generated using traditional approaches, then program flow analysis is achieved, but the graphs become large and complex making them impractical for developers to interpret
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the control flow graph into multiple views: a high-level summary view showing only critical security-relevant paths and detailed function-level views that can be accessed on-demand. This segmentation reduces the complexity presented to developers while maintaining comprehensive analysis capabilities through selective detail revelation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by providing different levels of detail in different parts of the control flow graph. Critical security-relevant sections are highlighted with detailed information, while less important areas are summarized or hidden, allowing developers to focus on security-critical paths without being overwhelmed by the entire program's complexity.
2Reliability
If traditional control flow graph generation is used, then program analysis is possible, but the graphs are not available in a timely manner for use during program generation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary analysis during the compilation process itself, extracting control flow information as the program is being compiled rather than as a separate post-processing step. This allows the control flow graph to be available in real-time during program generation and development, enabling immediate feedback to developers.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent maintains continuous updates to the control flow graph as source code is modified during development. The system continuously monitors code changes and updates the graph in real-time, ensuring the analysis remains current without requiring repeated full regenerations, thus reducing time loss while maintaining analysis reliability.
3Reliability
If instrumentation is manually added to source code for security, then security checks can be implemented, but the process complicates development and may lead to inadequate instrumentation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated instrumentation generation where the system itself identifies security-relevant code paths and automatically inserts appropriate instrumentation code without requiring manual developer intervention. The system uses the control flow graph to self-determine where security checks are needed and generates the instrumentation code automatically, maintaining security protection while simplifying the development process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses feedback from the control flow graph analysis to automatically guide instrumentation placement. The system analyzes the control flow, identifies security-critical paths, and uses this feedback to automatically insert instrumentation at appropriate locations, ensuring comprehensive security coverage without requiring developers to manually determine instrumentation needs.
4Reliability
If comprehensive instrumentation is added to protect all data arguments, then security is improved, but the number of instrumentation segments increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by instrumenting only the specific data arguments and code paths that are security-relevant, rather than uniformly instrumenting all code. The control flow graph analysis identifies which data arguments require protection, and instrumentation is selectively applied only to those critical locations, maintaining data flow integrity while reducing overall instrumentation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the instrumentation requirements into distinct categories based on security relevance. By dividing the code base into security-critical and non-critical segments, the system applies comprehensive instrumentation only where necessary, reducing the total number of instrumentation segments while maintaining protection for all important data arguments.
Data Source
AI summary
System, methods, and other embodiments described herein relate to validating data arguments in a program. In one embodiment, a method includes, in response to an electronic request, identifying a data argument within a code segment of source code of the program. The data argument is non-control data passed between one or more functions of the program. The method includes storing data characteristics about the data argument within a control flow graph derived from the source code. The control flow graph represents execution paths within the program. The data characteristics indicate a state of the data argument and at least one relationship associated with the data argument. The method includes providing the control flow graph as an electronic output to facilitate adjustments in the source code.