Configurable Hardware Execution Environment Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods fail to effectively verify the execution environment of a configurable hardware module executing hardware-application components, particularly in ensuring the integrity and security of security-critical functionalities.
Innovation Solution
A method that involves receiving and instantiating a hardware-application component in a configurable hardware module, analyzing the execution environment using characterizing parameters provided by a characterizing unit, and verifying if the environment matches the expected configuration to ensure secure execution, utilizing techniques such as physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and ring oscillators for robustness and flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If hardware-application components are executed on reconfigurable hardware to provide flexibility and adaptability, then the device can cope with dynamically changing environments and perform security-critical functionalities, but the execution environment becomes vulnerable to hardware attacks, software attacks, and manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by verifying the execution environment before allowing hardware-application components to execute. The characterizing unit analyzes parameters such as voltage, temperature, and frequency before execution, and the verification unit checks whether these parameters match expected values. This pre-verification ensures that only in intact and authorized execution environments can hardware applications run, preventing attacks and manipulation while maintaining flexibility.
2Reliability
If traditional key blob methods are used for integrity protection, then cryptographic keys can be bound to hardware instances, but the method lacks the capability to verify the actual execution environment and detect hardware or software attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary verification mechanism between the hardware-application component and the execution environment. The characterizing unit acts as an intermediary that measures physical parameters (voltage, temperature, frequency) and provides characterizing data. The verification unit then uses this data to determine whether the execution environment is authorized. This intermediary layer enables environment verification without compromising the existing key binding mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the hardware-application component is allowed to execute in any environment for flexibility, then the device can adapt to changing demands, but security-critical functionalities may be compromised by attacks or manipulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring execution environment parameters and using this information to control whether hardware-application components can execute. The characterizing unit repeatedly measures parameters such as voltage, temperature, and frequency, and the verification unit compares these measurements against expected values. Based on this feedback loop, the system dynamically determines whether the execution environment is authorized, preventing attacks while maintaining flexibility for legitimate reconfigurations.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This approach enhances the security and robustness of hardware-application components by ensuring they execute in a trusted environment, preventing unauthorized use and protecting security-critical functionalities, while allowing for flexible reconfiguration and adaptation to changing demands.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing techniques such as physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and ring oscillators for robustness and flexibility
Implementation Method 2
utilizing techniques such as physical unclonable functions (PUFs) and ring oscillators for robustness and flexibility
Implementation Method 3
analyzing the execution environment using characterizing parameters provided by a characterizing unit, and verifying if the environment matches the expected configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A method for verifying an execution environment provided by a configurable hardware module, where the execution environment is used for execution of at least one hardware-application, includes receiving a hardware-application 16. The hardware-application includes configuration data describing an instantiation as a hardware-application component on the configurable hardware module. A received hardware-application is instantiated as the hardware-application component in the execution environment. The execution environment of the configurable hardware module that executes the hardware-application component in the respective execution environment is analyzed by an instantiated hardware-application component. The hardware application component communicates with a characterizing unit providing characterizing parameters for the execution environment of the configurable hardware module. The analyzed execution environment of the configurable hardware module is verified as admissible for execution of the hardware-application component if the analyzed execution environment matches the characterizing parameters provided by the characterizing unit.