eUICC Profile Data Generation for Secure Late Binding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current in-factory profile provisioning methods for eUICCs require early binding of profiles to specific eUICCs, which can be inconvenient and insecure, especially when the eUICC key is not available or when late-stage binding is desired.
Innovation Solution
The method generates at least some of the profile data, specifically the network authentication key K, on-board in the target eUICC, allowing for late binding of profiles to eUICCs, enhancing security by preventing unauthorized cloning and key leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If profiles are bound to eUICCs early in the provisioning process, then the profile provisioning can be completed in factory environment, but the security is reduced and flexibility is lost when eUICC key is not available or late-stage binding is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the binding timing dynamic by allowing profile binding to occur at multiple stages: early binding in factory environment using placeholder keys, and late binding in field environment using actual eUICC keys. This dynamic approach resolves the contradiction by adapting the binding timing to the availability of security credentials and operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary profile binding in the factory environment using placeholder keys before the actual eUICC keys are available. This preliminary action enables early productivity while maintaining security, as the placeholder keys are replaced with actual keys in a secure key agreement process during field deployment.
2Ease of manufacture
If profiles are bound to specific eUICCs early, then profile provisioning is simplified, but adaptability is reduced when late-stage binding is desired
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adapts the binding process to different deployment scenarios. In factory environments, early binding simplifies manufacturing. In field environments, late binding provides flexibility when eUICC keys become available later. The dual-binding approach enables the system to adapt to varying operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal profile binding mechanism that works in both factory and field environments. The profile can be bound early with placeholder keys or late with actual keys, making the provisioning system multi-functional and adaptable to different deployment timelines and security requirements.
3Reliability
If eUICC specific keys are used for profile binding, then security is enhanced, but the complexity of the provisioning process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces placeholder keys as intermediaries that bridge the gap between early profile provisioning and late eUICC key availability. These intermediary keys enable secure early binding without requiring the actual eUICC keys, reducing complexity while maintaining security. The placeholder keys are subsequently replaced through a secure key agreement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the key management process into distinct phases: initial placeholder key generation, profile binding with placeholder keys, and subsequent key replacement through key agreement. This segmentation allows security-critical operations to be separated from provisioning operations, reducing overall process complexity while maintaining security.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method for establishing, in a target eUICC, profile data of at least one profile, the profile data including at least a subscriber identity (IMSI; SUPI; NAI) and an authentication key K, the method characterized by the step: a) generate, in the target eUICC, at least some of the profile data, herein at least a network authentication key K.