HTTP Proxy Redirect for Policy Enforcement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing HTTP proxy and firewall systems require continuous modification of HTTP request messages to enforce policies, which is inefficient and resource-intensive, especially when dealing with secure connections and multiple protocol versions like HTTP2.0.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a method where an intermediate network device intercepts HTTP requests, determines if policy modifications are needed, and instead of modifying the requests, sends a redirect message to the client to re-establish the connection with the modified parameters, allowing the client to send compliant requests without continuous proxying by the intermediate device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If HTTP proxy and firewall systems continuously modify HTTP request messages to enforce policies, then security policy compliance is ensured, but system performance deteriorates and resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs policy compliance checks and modifications during the initial connection establishment phase (handshake procedure monitoring), rather than continuously during the entire connection lifecycle. By preparing and modifying parameters upfront, the system ensures security requirements are met before data transmission begins, eliminating the need for continuous inspection and modification of subsequent requests.
Solution Approach 2:
The client device is empowered to automatically re-establish connections with modified parameters based on redirect messages from the intermediate network device. This self-service mechanism allows the client to autonomously comply with security policies without requiring continuous proxy intervention, reducing the intermediate device's processing burden while maintaining policy enforcement.
2Reliability
If HTTP proxy systems continuously inspect and modify requests, then security policies are enforced, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from continuous inspection to periodic action by only performing policy checks and modifications at specific intervals - namely during connection establishment and when redirect messages are sent. Once the connection is established with modified parameters, subsequent communications proceed without continuous inspection, significantly reducing resource consumption while maintaining security enforcement at critical checkpoints.
3Adaptability or versatility
If proxy systems handle multiple protocol versions like HTTP2.0, then compatibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the protocol-specific handling requirements from the core proxy functionality by implementing protocol detection and adaptation at the initial connection phase. The system identifies the protocol version (HTTP/1.1, HTTP/2.0, etc.) during handshake monitoring and applies protocol-appropriate modifications only at that stage, allowing subsequent communications to proceed without complex protocol-specific processing, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining multi-protocol compatibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A handshake procedure to establish a first connection between a client and a server is monitored at an intermediate network device. A request message sent to the server from the client is received at the intermediate network device. The request message includes parameters defining a manner of receiving information from the server. The parameters defining the manner of receiving information from the server are modified to produce modified parameters. A redirect message is sent from the intermediate network device to the client to induce or cause the client to establish a second connection with the server based upon the modified parameters, wherein the redirect message contains the modified parameters.