Host Machine Token Generation for Virtual Machine Service Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
In cloud computing, virtual machines lack secure access to services without direct access to long-term credentials, posing security risks and management challenges.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where host machines receive long-term security tokens to generate short-term tokens for virtual machines, limiting access and enabling time-bound service access, with the virtual machine authorization process restricting direct access to long-term tokens and using these short-term tokens for service access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If virtual machines are given direct access to long-term credentials, then service access is simplified, but security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments credentials into two types: long-term credentials stored securely on the host machine and short-term access tokens generated on-demand for virtual machines. This segmentation allows VMs to access services without obtaining permanent credentials, resolving the contradiction between ease of access and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The host machine acts as an intermediary between service providers and virtual machines. It generates short-term access tokens based on long-term credentials and grants temporary access to services. This intermediary mechanism enables VM service access while preventing direct exposure of long-term credentials.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If long-term credentials are stored on host machines, then security is improved, but credential management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service credential management where the host machine automatically generates short-term access tokens for virtual machines without requiring manual credential distribution. The host machine autonomously manages the token generation lifecycle, reducing operational complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic credential management where short-term access tokens have predetermined expiration times and can be revoked at runtime. This dynamic approach allows flexible credential management without requiring permanent credential storage, balancing security with operational simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If access tokens are made time-limited, then security is enhanced, but access availability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the temporal parameter of credentials by introducing time-limited short-term access tokens with predetermined expiration times. This parameter change enhances security while maintaining adequate access availability for the token's valid lifespan, resolving the contradiction between security and access duration.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and apparatus, including computer programs encoded on computer storage media, for accessing services from a virtual machine. One of the methods includes receiving requests for long-term security tokens from a host machine, each request comprising authentication information for a respective service account. The method include providing long-term security tokens to the host machine, wherein the long-term security tokens can be used to generate short-term security tokens for a virtual machine executing on the host machine. The method also includes generating by a process executing in a host operating system of the host machines a short-term security token based on a long-term security token of the long-term security tokens for use by a virtual machine executing on the host machine to access one of the respective service accounts, wherein the short-term security token is useable for a pre-determined amount of time.