Embedded System Communication Module Secure Remote Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional consumer devices with embedded systems often lack secure networking and remote control capabilities, leading to security vulnerabilities due to insecure remote interfaces and permanent passwords, which can be compromised during manufacturing and distribution, resulting in potential security leaks throughout the device's lifetime.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a remote control application that establishes direct LAN sessions with embedded systems and uses a WAN accessible service as a proxy for communication, enabling automatic connection type identification and transition between LAN and WAN connections, while employing non-static security mechanisms like shared keys that can be revoked for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a permanent password is configured on the device for remote interface access, then ease of operation is improved, but security is worsened due to potential compromise during manufacturing and distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring multiple authentication credentials (primary and secondary passwords) before device deployment. The secondary password is prepared in advance as a backup authentication mechanism, allowing the system to maintain security while providing ease of access without requiring permanent single passwords to be distributed with devices
2Adaptability or versatility
If networking and remote control capabilities are designed into embedded systems, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the authentication and communication functions into distinct modules within the embedded system. The authentication module handles credential verification while the communication module manages network protocols, allowing complex networking capabilities to be added without overwhelming the embedded system's processing resources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary authentication mechanism that mediates between the embedded system and remote users. This authentication layer acts as a buffer, managing security credentials and session control without requiring the embedded system to implement complex security protocols directly
3Reliability
If secure authentication mechanisms are implemented, then security is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to additional authentication steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the authentication process adaptive rather than static. The system dynamically selects which authentication method to use (primary password, secondary password, or alternative credentials) based on the situation, allowing secure authentication while maintaining ease of operation when conditions permit
Data Source
AI summary
A hardware module for an embedded system comprises a network adapter, a memory and a processing device. The memory stores a shared key and a key identifier (ID) associated with the shared key. The processing device is to connect to a local area network (LAN) using the network adapter. The processing device is further to receive a first notification from a computing device that is also connected to the LAN and determine whether the computing device has access to a copy of the shared key based on the key identifier (ID). Responsive to determining that the computing device has access to the copy of the shared key, the processing device is to use the shared key to generate a session key for a session with the computing device. The processing device may then encrypt communications to the computing device using the session key.