End User Security Manager for Browser HTTP Header Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
End users are exposed to security breaches due to poor security practices in online applications, which often fail to implement essential HTTP security headers, leaving them vulnerable to attacks like XSS and CSRF, despite advances in security options available to application providers.
Innovation Solution
An End User Security Manager (EUSM) system that assesses online applications for compliance with security header policies, generates scoring, and automatically applies missing security headers, leveraging browser-enforced security mechanisms to enhance user security with minimal user effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If application vendors implement proper HTTP security headers, then user security is improved, but application complexity and development effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables end users to self-configure security headers directly in their browsers through a user-friendly interface. Users can select from predefined security policies (e.g., strict, balanced, permissive) and the system automatically applies the appropriate headers without requiring application vendors to implement complex security configurations. This transfers the security enforcement responsibility from the application layer to the client layer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary component (browser extension or client-side module) that sits between the user and the application. This intermediary automatically injects security headers into HTTP requests or modifies HTTP responses, acting as a mediator that enforces security policies without requiring changes to the application code. The intermediary translates user security preferences into actual HTTP header configurations.
2Reliability
If end users manually configure security settings, then security control is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the parameter representation of security configurations by offering predefined security policy profiles (e.g., strict, balanced, permissive) instead of requiring users to configure individual header parameters manually. Users simply select a policy profile, and the system automatically translates this high-level parameter selection into specific HTTP header configurations, dramatically reducing user effort while maintaining security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal security configuration system that works across multiple applications and websites simultaneously. A single user configuration or policy selection applies universally to all HTTP traffic handled by the browser extension, eliminating the need for users to manually configure security settings for each individual application. This multi-functional approach maintains comprehensive security control while requiring minimal user input.
3Reliability
If security headers are enforced at the application level, then security effectiveness is improved, but adaptability to different applications deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic security header enforcement that adapts to different applications and contexts. Instead of applying a fixed security configuration to all applications, the system can dynamically adjust which security headers are applied based on the specific application, website characteristics, or user preferences. This allows security effectiveness to be maintained while adapting to the diverse requirements of different applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments security policies into different levels or categories (e.g., strict, balanced, permissive profiles) that can be selectively applied to different applications or contexts. Users can assign different security profiles to different websites or application types, allowing fine-grained control over security enforcement. This segmentation enables both strong security effectiveness where needed and greater compatibility where less strict security is acceptable.
Data Source
Figure 1A
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Figure 2
AI summary
In one embodiment, a client device accesses an online application via a browser executed by the client device. The client device makes an assessment as to whether the online application uses Hypertext Transfer Protocol (HTTP) security headers that satisfy a security header policy. The client device generates scoring for the webpage based on the assessment. The client device presents the generated scoring to a user of the client device.