Information Processing Apparatus File Integrity Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing information processing technologies fail to ensure the integrity and authenticity of files during system updates, as they cannot effectively verify the integrity of files when the system is updated, unlike when it is launched.

Innovation Solution

An information processing apparatus that performs signature verification on update files using a unique value calculated based on the update file and ensures the integrity and authenticity of invocation files at system startup, utilizing Trusted Boot and Linux-IMA functions for verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If signature verification is performed on update files during system updates, then the integrity and authenticity of update files are ensured, but the system update process becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrity and authenticity of update filesVSAvoidsystem update process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary action by pre-calculating a unique value (hash) of the update file and pre-generating its signature before the actual system update process. This allows the verification mechanism to be prepared in advance, reducing the complexity and time of verification during the update execution phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism that uses a unique value (hash) as a mediator between the update file and the signature verification process. This intermediary layer simplifies the verification by breaking down the complex verification task into manageable steps: calculating hash, comparing with stored hash, and only then proceeding to signature verification if needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If signature verification is performed on update files, then unauthorized updates are prevented, but the update process takes longer to complete

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of unauthorized updatesVSAvoidsystem update process time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies partial action by performing a quick hash verification first, and only performing the more time-consuming signature verification when the hash matches or when suspicion of tampering exists. This staged verification approach reduces the average time required while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

By pre-calculating and storing the unique value (hash) of the update file before distribution, the system avoids the need to perform complex verification calculations during the update process, significantly reducing the time required while maintaining the prevention of unauthorized updates.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If integrity verification is performed on both update files and invocation files, then comprehensive security is achieved, but the verification process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomprehensive security of filesVSAvoidverification process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the verification process into two distinct parts: verification of update files (using unique values and signatures) and verification of invocation files (using traditional signature verification). This segmentation allows each verification process to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall complexity by clearly defining the scope and method for each verification type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3819800A1Information processing apparatus, method for ensuring files and storage medium
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 RICOH CO LTD
  • EP3819800A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3819800A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3819800A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An information processing apparatus includes: first means for performing signature verification based on a value and a signature file to ensure integrity and authenticity of an update file to be used when a system is updated, the value being uniquely calculated based on the update file, and the signature file corresponding to the update file; and second means for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of an invocation file to be executed at startup of the system. After the first means causes the system to be updated using the update file for which the integrity and authenticity are ensured, the second means causes the system to be launched using the invocation file for which the integrity and authenticity are ensured, to ensure the integrity and authenticity of files that are used when the system is updated and at startup of the system.