Extended File System Mounting for Kubernetes Storage Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Container orchestration systems like Kubernetes lack support for filesystem layering and filesystem protections such as encryption and access control policies, restricting the ability to add extensions to deployed applications.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism is provided to extend filesystem functionality in container orchestration systems without modifying the runtime environment by associating an extended storage class with an extended filesystem, creating a staging pod to mount an extended volume, and using an extended CSI driver to provide filesystem layering and access control policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If container orchestration systems operate as state machines to maintain stability, then system reliability is improved, but the ability to add filesystem extensions and modifications post-publication deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The filesystem functionality is segmented into base filesystem (provided by container orchestration system) and extended filesystem (provided by extended CSI driver). The extended filesystem operates as a separate layer that can be added without modifying the base system's state machine operation, resolving the contradiction between stability and extensibility.
Solution Approach 2:
An extended CSI driver acts as an intermediary between the container orchestration system and the filesystem. This intermediary layer provides filesystem extensions (encryption, access control, layering) without requiring modifications to the container orchestration system's runtime environment or state machine operation.
2Adaptability or versatility
If filesystem layering and extensions are added to container orchestration systems, then filesystem functionality and security are improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The extended CSI driver serves as an intermediary that handles all filesystem extension complexities externally. The container orchestration system interacts with the extended filesystem through standard CSI interfaces, avoiding direct complexity injection into the core system while still enabling advanced filesystem capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The extended filesystem is implemented as a nested layer over the base filesystem. The extended filesystem mounts the base filesystem as its data source and adds functionality layers (encryption, access control, layering) on top, allowing enhanced functionality without restructuring the underlying system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Extension of functional capabilities of a file system in a container orchestration system by associating an extended storage class with a functional extension wherein access to data storage volumes belonging to the extended storage class are handled by an extended file system. In response to deployment of an application pod config including definition of an extended volume belonging to the extended storage class, request mounting the extended volume and creating a staging pod for mounting the original data storage volume and causing the container orchestration system to deploy the staging pod. Access by the containers in the application pod to data stored in the extended volume is handled by the extended file system.