File Format Conversion Neutralizes Zero-Day Exploits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional security software finds it difficult to detect and neutralize spear phishing attacks that exploit vulnerabilities in commonly used file types, such as MICROSOFT OFFICE and ADOBE ACROBAT files, as these attacks often involve undetected zero-day exploits.
Innovation Solution
The method involves identifying electronic communications, extracting files, and applying file-format-conversion operations to neutralize exploits by converting files into different formats, while also constructing a 'sterile' version of the file by omitting exploitable content, thereby creating a safe version without altering the original file format.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional security software blocks access to executable files to prevent malware, then security reliability is improved, but file format versatility deteriorates because users cannot access commonly used file types that may contain exploits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful exploit content from files by converting them to alternative formats that preserve legitimate content while removing malicious elements. Instead of blocking entire file types, the system extracts and eliminates only the harmful components, allowing users to access commonly used file formats safely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the file format parameter as a security intervention. By converting files to different formats (e.g., from DOC to PDF, or from executable to text), the system alters the file's structural parameters in a way that neutralizes exploits while preserving the underlying content and functionality.
2Measurement precision
If security software uses malware signatures to detect known threats, then detection precision is improved for known malware, but reliability deteriorates against zero-day exploits since these have not been publicly discovered
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary security intervention by converting files to alternative formats before they can execute exploits. This proactive approach addresses potential zero-day threats before they can cause harm, without waiting for signature-based detection of specific malware patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful file format into a beneficial alternative format. By transforming the file structure, the system turns a potentially dangerous file into a safe version that preserves legitimate content while eliminating exploit vectors, effectively converting harm into benefit.
3Reliability
If file-format-conversion operations are applied to neutralize exploits, then protection reliability is improved against file-format-specific exploits, but device complexity increases due to multiple conversion operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal file conversion system that handles multiple file formats through a single integrated mechanism. The conversion module can process various file types (documents, images, archives) using the same underlying technology, reducing system complexity despite the multi-format capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method for neutralizing file-format-specific exploits contained within electronic communications may include (1) identifying an electronic communication, (2) identifying at least one file contained within the electronic communication, and then (3) neutralizing any file-format-specific exploits contained within the file. In one example, neutralizing any file-format-specific exploits contained within the file may include applying at least one file-format-conversion operation to the file. Additionally or alternatively, neutralizing any file-format-specific exploits contained within the file may include constructing a sterile version of the file that selectively omits at least a portion of any exploitable content contained within the file. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.