File Manifest Filter for Unidirectional Data Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional network security devices, such as firewalls, do not provide sufficient protection against unauthorized data disclosure in high-security computer networks, and existing one-way data transfer systems face challenges in securely transferring files while maintaining unidirectional data flow.
Innovation Solution
A file manifest filter system that uses a manifest transfer engine with a send side, a one-way data link, and a receive side to validate files by comparing their characteristics with a file manifest table, ensuring only authorized files are transferred across the link, utilizing hash algorithms like MD5 and SHA for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional firewalls are used for network security, then basic data protection is provided, but sufficient protection against unauthorized data disclosure is not achieved in high-security networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces software-based firewall security mechanisms with a physically enforced unidirectional data link. The optical link allows data to flow only from the unsecured network to the secured network, physically preventing any reverse data flow or unauthorized disclosure, thereby achieving higher reliability in protecting high-security networks.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a manifest transfer engine as an intermediary device between the unsecured network and the secured network. This engine validates files against a manifest table before allowing transfer, adding an additional layer of security control that ensures only authorized files can cross the unidirectional link.
2Reliability
If one-way data transfer systems are used to enable unidirectional data flow, then network security is improved, but file validation and authorization control become insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary validation by maintaining a manifest table that pre-contains authorized file characteristics (hash values, filenames, etc.). Before any file transfer occurs, the system compares the file's characteristics against this pre-established manifest, ensuring only pre-approved files can be transferred across the unidirectional link.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional software-based access control lists with a manifest table approach. Instead of checking multiple permission levels, the system uses a simplified manifest table containing authorized file identifiers, making the authorization process more efficient and reliable while maintaining unidirectional flow security.
3Reliability
If file validation mechanisms are added to one-way data transfer systems, then unauthorized file transfer is prevented, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the validation logic from the main data transfer path by using a separate manifest table that is independently maintained and updated. This allows the manifest table to be updated without interrupting active file transfers, as the validation engine simply reads from the table rather than modifying it during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses hash values as copies of file characteristics for validation purposes. Instead of storing entire files or complex metadata, the system creates and stores simplified hash representations (fingerprints) of authorized files in the manifest table, enabling fast comparison and validation while minimizing storage requirements and system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A manifest transfer engine for a one-way file transfer system is disclosed. The manifest transfer engine comprises a send side, a receive side, and a one-way data link enforcing unidirectional data flow from the send side to the receive side. The send side receives and stores a file manifest table from an administrator server. The send side also receives a file from a user and compares it with the file manifest table. Transfer of the file to the receive side via the one-way data link is allowed only when there is a match between the file and the file manifest table. In an alternative embodiment, the receive side instead receives and stores the file manifest table from the administrator server and compares it with the file received from the send side via the one-way data link to determine whether to allow transfer of the file.