Dynamic Root Privilege Management via Code Patch Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In computing systems, users with root privileges are necessary to solve system problems, but granting such privileges poses a risk of unfettered access, especially when historical data must be protected from modification.
Innovation Solution
A method that temporarily provides root privileges to a second user identifier by installing a code patch from a third party, ensuring that only the third party and the user can access these privileges, with the patch being uninstallable once the problem is solved and the password changed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If root privileges are permanently granted to a user identifier to solve system problems, then system accessibility and problem-solving capability are improved, but security risk and unauthorized access potential increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic privilege management where the root password is temporarily changed only when needed to solve system problems. The system transitions between secure state (original password) and accessible state (temporarily changed password) based on operational needs, rather than maintaining a static privileged state
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary security preservation by storing the original root password securely before temporarily changing it. This preliminary action ensures that the original credentials are preserved and can be restored, preventing permanent security compromise while enabling temporary access when needed
2Ease of operation
If password escrow services are implemented to manage root access, then system accessibility is improved, but device complexity and security vulnerability increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service password management by automatically changing and restoring the root password without requiring external escrow services or third-party intervention. The computing system itself manages the credential lifecycle, eliminating the need for complex external security infrastructure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the password management function from complex external escrow services and implements it directly within the computing system. By taking out the dependency on external security infrastructure and implementing native password management, the system reduces overall complexity while maintaining security
3Reliability
If additional security layers are added to protect historical data, then data protection is improved, but system complexity and access difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamic privilege management to protect historical data by temporarily elevating access rights only when problem-solving requires it. The system dynamically adjusts security posture based on operational context, providing strong protection during normal operation while enabling necessary access when needed, without requiring multiple static security layers
Data Source
AI summary
A root user identifier of a computing system is disabled. Thereafter, and in response to determining that a problem with the computing system requires root privileges to the computing system to solve, a code patch for installation on the computing system is received from a third party. The code patch is installed on the computing system, resulting in a user identifier temporarily having the root privileges to the computing system. The user identifier is different than the root user identifier is. A password for the user identifier is provided to the third party to permit the third party to solve the problem with the computing system using the root privileges, via the user identifier temporarily having the root privileges to the computing system. The code patch is computer code installable on the computing system.