Gateway-Mediated Remote Management Access With Closed Host Ports
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing remote management technologies for computing devices face challenges in managing access and security, particularly when network ports are closed or restricted, leading to vulnerabilities that can compromise the device.
Innovation Solution
A gateway device that securely manages access to remote management functionality by redirecting network traffic through a managed network switch, authenticating users and devices, and exposing remote management functionality on different ports or protocols, minimizing potential compromise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If remote management functionality is exposed on standard network ports, then ease of operation is improved, but security vulnerabilities increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a gateway device as an intermediary between the remote management system and the host device. This gateway translates management requests and routes them through non-standard ports, maintaining security while enabling remote access. The gateway acts as a mediator that preserves ease of operation without directly exposing the host device to vulnerable ports.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the network port parameter from standard to non-standard ports for remote management functionality. This parameter change allows the system to maintain remote management capabilities while avoiding known security vulnerabilities associated with standard ports, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If network ports are closed to prevent compromise, then security is improved, but remote management capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device serves as an intermediary that enables remote management without requiring the host device's network ports to be open. The gateway maintains secure communication channels and translates requests, allowing administrators to manage devices even when ports are closed, thus preserving both security and remote management capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the remote management functionality from the main host device by using a separate gateway device. This segmentation allows the host device to keep its ports closed for security while the gateway handles remote management traffic through alternative means, resolving the contradiction between port closure and management capability.
3Reliability
If remote management functionality is updated to resolve vulnerabilities, then security is improved, but undiscovered vulnerabilities may still exist
Solution Approach 1:
The gateway device acts as a security intermediary that protects the host device from both known and unknown vulnerabilities. By routing all remote management traffic through the gateway, the system can update and patch the gateway without affecting the host device's security posture, addressing both resolved and undiscovered vulnerabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a protective layer (the gateway) beforehand that cushions the host device from potential vulnerabilities. This prior cushioning ensures that even if undiscovered vulnerabilities exist in the remote management functionality, they cannot directly compromise the host device since all traffic must pass through the secured gateway first.
Data Source
AI summary
A gateway device includes a host-facing network interface to connect to a network interface of a host device at which remote management functionality of the host device is exposed. The gateway device includes a network-facing network interface to connect to a network. The gateway device includes a processor, and a memory storing program code executable by the processor to securely manage access over the network to the remote management functionality of the host device.