HTTP Requestor Validation via Source Instance Matching
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud-based applications face security risks due to unauthorized use of authentication credentials, as stolen or borrowed credentials are difficult to detect, especially in HTTP requests between cloud-based application instances.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating an ‘X-Snc-Integration-Source’ HTTP header in outgoing HTTP requests to identify the source of the request, and maintaining a table of authorized users with their credentials and approved source locations, allowing access only if credentials and source match those of an authorized user.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If basic access authentication is used with stolen or borrowed credentials, then unauthorized access can occur, but detecting such unauthorized use is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adds a new dimension to authentication by introducing source instance verification alongside traditional credential validation. Instead of only checking username/password, the system now validates both the credentials and the originating instance identifier, creating a multi-dimensional authentication approach that detects stolen credentials used from unauthorized sources
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation mechanism that checks the source instance against a whitelist of authorized instances. This intermediary layer sits between credential verification and access granting, adding an additional verification step that prevents unauthorized use of stolen credentials without disrupting legitimate authentication flows
2Reliability
If source verification is added to HTTP requests, then security is enhanced, but request complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring the whitelist of authorized source instances before runtime. This upfront preparation eliminates the need for complex real-time decisions about which instances are authorized, simplifying the runtime verification process while maintaining strong security
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the authentication parameters from just credentials to credentials plus source instance identifier. This parameter addition is implemented through straightforward string comparison against a whitelist, avoiding complex verification algorithms and keeping the system relatively simple despite enhanced security
Data Source
AI summary
HTTP requests and responses may be transmitted between cloud-based application instances. Each outgoing HTTP request may include authentication credentials and an “X-Snc-Integration-Source” header that identifies the source of the request. A table of approved users may be maintained, including each user's authentication credentials and one or more source instances from which they are expected to generate HTTP requests. When the HTTP request is received, the HTTP request will be parsed to identify the authentication credentials and the source of the request. The table of authorized users is then referenced to determine if the authentication credentials and the source of the request match those of an authorized user. If the authentication credentials and the source of the request match those of an authorized user, access will be granted. If the authentication credentials and the source of the request do not match those of an authorized user, access will be denied.