Error Message Obfuscation Framework for Secure Debugging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Detailed error and exception messages in computer systems can provide sensitive information that makes them susceptible to malicious activity, requiring additional effort and cost to obfuscate this information without delaying problem resolution for authorized users.
Innovation Solution
An error message handling framework that translates detailed error messages into obfuscated messages, providing authorized users with detailed information while misleading unauthorized users with decoy messages, using a set of obfuscation rules that can customize the level of obfuscation based on the severity and likelihood of exploitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If detailed error and exception messages are provided to users, then debugging efficiency and problem resolution are improved, but security is worsened because malicious users can exploit the sensitive information to attack or subvert the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing different error message formats to different user groups: authorized users (developers, technicians) receive detailed technical error messages with full diagnostic information, while unauthorized users receive generic non-technical messages. This selective information disclosure resolves the contradiction by localizing the quality of error messages to match the security clearance and needs of specific user groups.
Solution Approach 2:
The error message handling framework acts as an intermediary between the error-generating component and the user. It intercepts detailed error messages, evaluates user authorization status, and transforms them into appropriate formats before delivery. This mediator protects sensitive information from unauthorized users while preserving full diagnostic capability for authorized users, thus resolving the security versus debugging efficiency contradiction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If non-technical or generic error messages are used to protect sensitive information, then security is improved, but debugging efficiency and problem resolution time are worsened due to additional translation work required
Solution Approach 1:
The framework enables authorized users to self-serve by directly receiving detailed error messages without requiring translation or interpretation. The system automatically determines user authorization and delivers the appropriate message format, eliminating the time-consuming translation step that would otherwise be required for generic messages.
Solution Approach 2:
The error message format is made dynamic rather than static. Instead of always providing generic messages, the system dynamically adapts the message format based on the user's authorization status and role. This dynamic approach allows the system to provide detailed information when appropriate (reducing resolution time) while maintaining security when necessary.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional obfuscation work is performed on error messages, then security is improved, but development cost and complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The error message handling framework provides multiple functions within a single system: it logs errors, determines user authorization, transforms error messages into appropriate formats, and delivers them to users. This multi-functional approach consolidates what would otherwise require separate components (error logging, security evaluation, message transformation, user authentication), reducing overall development complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The framework performs preliminary action by pre-defining error message templates and transformation rules during system setup. Common error types are pre-configured with appropriate message formats for different user groups, eliminating the need for ad-hoc obfuscation work during development and maintenance phases.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are systems and methods for counteracting attempts at unauthorized use of information systems. An error message generated in response to an error in the information system is received, where the error message includes a set of information describing the error. The received error message is then translated into an obfuscated message, where the obfuscated message replaces at least a portion of the set of information describing the error with a set of alternative information. The obfuscated message is then presented to a user via a user interface.