Encrypted Configuration File Segmentation for Secure Database Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Secure communication in computer networks is challenging due to the difficulty in protecting sensitive data, such as database connection strings, which often contain clear text user names and passwords, and ensuring secure data exchange across the network.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where sensitive data in text-based configuration files is encrypted, allowing only the web server with the decryption tool to access it, while maintaining the encryption/decryption process transparent to the web server, using a decryption provider and configurable encryption methods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sensitive data such as connection strings are stored in text-based configuration files, then ease of access and modification is improved, but security is worsened due to exposure of clear text credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The configuration file is segmented into two parts: unencrypted configuration data and encrypted sensitive data. The sensitive portion (connection strings) is separated and encrypted using a specific encryption method, while the rest of the configuration remains accessible in plain text. This allows the system to maintain ease of access for non-sensitive data while protecting sensitive information.
Solution Approach 2:
An encryption layer is introduced as an intermediary between the configuration file and the sensitive data. The encryption mechanism acts as a mediator that transforms the readable configuration data into encrypted form for sensitive portions, allowing the web server to access the data securely without exposing clear text credentials to unauthorized users.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If sensitive data is encrypted to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases due to encryption/decryption mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The encryption mechanism is designed to be self-contained within the configuration file system. The encryption and decryption operations are automatically handled by the system when reading configuration data, without requiring external intervention or complex manual encryption/decryption processes. The decryption provider automatically retrieves and applies the appropriate decryption key.
Solution Approach 2:
The encryption mechanism is designed to be universally applicable to different types of sensitive data in the configuration file. A single encryption framework handles various encryption methods and decryption providers, making the system multi-functional and reducing overall complexity compared to implementing separate security measures for different data types.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a decryption provider is introduced to enable secure data access, then security is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to additional configuration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The decryption provider acts as an intermediary that automatically handles the decryption process. Instead of requiring manual configuration of decryption keys and methods, the decryption provider mediates between the encrypted data and the web server, automatically retrieving and applying the correct decryption parameters based on the configuration file metadata.
Solution Approach 2:
The decryption parameters and keys are prepared in advance and stored in the configuration file metadata. The decryption provider retrieves these pre-configured parameters automatically when decryption is needed, eliminating the need for real-time configuration input and simplifying operation.
Data Source
AI summary
System and methods for protecting sensitive data stored in a text-based configuration file. In a web server application, data associated with sensitive information such as connection information for a remote database may be stored within a configuration file and accessed whenever a request for information from that database is received. To prevent unwanted access to remote database, the portion of the configuration file with sensitive information is encrypted. A decryption provider selected by the requesting server or client application decrypts the sensitive data using the decryption key, retrieves protected data from the remote database, and the configuration server provides a response based on the sensitive data protecting access to the remote database. The encryption/decryption process is transparent to the web server application consuming the configuration.