eUICC Profile Download via Token-Based Server Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge of managing in-the-field updates of eUICCs is significant due to the need for pre-stored root certificates, leading to failed profile downloads when the certificates are missing, requiring high effort and cooperation among multiple entities.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that involves a first profile delivery server retrieving an authentication token from a second profile delivery server to facilitate profile downloads, even when the secure element cannot authenticate the first server, using a root certificate assigned to the second server, thereby establishing a trust chain.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the secure element uses pre-stored root certificates for authentication, then security is improved, but profile downloads fail when certificates are missing or outdated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a second profile delivery server as an intermediary trust anchor. When the secure element cannot authenticate the first profile delivery server (due to missing or outdated certificates), the system retrieves authentication tokens from the second server. These tokens act as mediators that enable the download process to continue despite certificate mismatches, effectively decoupling the authentication reliability from strict certificate validation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary authentication capability assessment by checking whether the secure element can authenticate the first profile delivery server before attempting the download. Based on this preliminary check, the system proactively retrieves authentication tokens from a second profile delivery server, preventing potential download failures rather than reacting to them afterward.
2Reliability
If the system requires strict certificate validation, then security is improved, but download flexibility and success rate deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements partial certificate validation by allowing downloads to proceed with authentication tokens from alternative profile delivery servers when primary certificate validation fails. Instead of requiring complete and strict certificate matching, the system accepts partial authentication evidence (tokens from trusted alternative servers), thereby maintaining security while significantly improving download success rates.
Solution Approach 2:
Authentication tokens from a second profile delivery server serve as intermediary credentials that bridge the gap between strict security requirements and operational flexibility. These tokens enable the system to maintain authentication security while bypassing rigid certificate validation constraints that would otherwise cause download failures.
3Reliability
If multiple entities cooperate for certificate management, then security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the trust management function across multiple profile delivery servers. Instead of requiring a single centralized certificate authority, the system divides trust validation across multiple independent servers, each capable of issuing authentication tokens. This segmentation distributes the complexity while maintaining overall system security through diversified trust anchors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal authentication mechanism where multiple profile delivery servers can issue compatible authentication tokens that are mutually recognized. This multi-functionality allows any trusted server to serve as a fallback authentication source, reducing the need for complex point-to-point coordination between specific entities while maintaining security through universal token acceptance.
Data Source
AI summary
In accordance with a first aspect of the present disclosure, a method for supporting a profile download is conceived, comprising that: a first profile delivery server receives, from a user device, a request for downloading a profile on a secure element embedded in the user device, wherein said request comprises authentication capability information; the first profile delivery server determines, based on said authentication capability information, whether the secure element is capable of authenticating the first profile delivery server; the first profile delivery server retrieves, upon or after determining that the secure element is not capable of authenticating the first profile delivery server, an authentication token from a second profile delivery server, and transmits said authentication token to the user device. In accordance with a second aspect of the present disclosure, a corresponding first profile delivery server is provided.