Firewall Rule Automation via Discovery Graph for VPC Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional firewall management in virtual private cloud (VPC) environments is inefficient and insecure due to manual maintenance, leading to outdated rules and unauthorized access when API dependencies change or new dependencies are introduced, especially when services across different VPCs communicate, often requiring relay through the open internet.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilize a discovery graph to determine API dependencies between services and automatically establish and update firewall rules and virtual private connections, ensuring only authorized communication between services, thereby eliminating the need for manual maintenance and reducing reliance on the open internet for inter-VPC communications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If firewall rules are manually maintained, then configuration flexibility is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to outdated rules when API dependencies change
Solution Approach 1:
The firewall rule management system performs self-service by automatically detecting API dependencies through the discovery graph and generating appropriate firewall rules without human intervention. The system monitors service communications, identifies required dependencies, and updates firewall configurations autonomously, eliminating the manual maintenance process while ensuring rules remain current with actual service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops by monitoring actual service-to-service communications and comparing them against existing firewall rules. When discrepancies are detected (e.g., new API dependencies not reflected in current rules), the system automatically adjusts firewall configurations to match actual service requirements, ensuring security rules remain synchronized with evolving service architectures.
2Adaptability or versatility
If services communicate via open internet, then connectivity between different VPCs is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to unauthorized access risks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a discovery graph as an intermediary layer between services in different VPCs. This graph systematically maps and validates API dependencies, serving as a mediator that determines which communications are legitimate. By routing communications through this validated dependency framework rather than directly over the open internet, the system maintains necessary connectivity while filtering out unauthorized access attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically changes network communication parameters by transitioning from open internet connectivity to restricted, dependency-based communication channels. Firewall rules are automatically adjusted to permit only those communications that correspond to validated API dependencies in the discovery graph, effectively changing the network parameters from permissive to selectively restrictive based on actual service requirements.
3Ease of operation
If firewall rules are updated manually, then configuration control is improved, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The firewall rule management system performs self-service by automatically detecting API dependencies through the discovery graph and generating appropriate firewall rules without human intervention. The system monitors service communications, identifies required dependencies, and updates firewall configurations autonomously, eliminating the manual maintenance process while ensuring rules remain current with actual service requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by proactively discovering and mapping all API dependencies between services before firewall rules are needed. The discovery graph is continuously updated to reflect current service architectures, so when firewall rule updates are required, the system already has the necessary information ready, eliminating the need for manual analysis and configuration during maintenance activities.
4Reliability
If comprehensive firewall monitoring is implemented, then security coverage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discovery graph serves as a universal data structure that simultaneously performs multiple functions: it maps service dependencies, validates communication requests, generates firewall rules, and monitors security compliance. By consolidating these diverse security management functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent achieves comprehensive security coverage without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing firewall rules between different services. In certain instances, the method includes receiving a discovery graph comprising a plurality of services and at least one application programming interface (API) dependency, wherein the plurality of services comprises a first service and a second service. In some instances, the method further includes determining whether the second service is permitted to receive an initial communication from the first service based upon the at least one API dependency included in the discovery graph. And, in response to determining the second service is permitted to receive the initial communication from the first service, the method can include establishing a first rule for a firewall between the first service and the second service, the first rule allowing the second service to receive the initial communication from the first service.