Inert Parameter Engine for Web Service Malicious Activity Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing web services and web pages are vulnerable to malicious activity as users can modify parameters in URLs to gain unauthorized privileges, and existing security measures are inadequate in detecting such modifications effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating inert parameters that appear attractive for modification but have no functional effect, which are monitored by an inert parameter engine to detect and respond to malicious changes, including logging, increased scrutiny, and honeypot environments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If security measures are strengthened to detect parameter modifications, then security detection capability is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by embedding inert parameters into resources before they are accessed by clients. These inert parameters are pre-configured with expected values and are designed to be attractive to malicious users for modification. The inert parameter engine is pre-configured with the expected values, enabling automatic detection without adding complex real-time analysis mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an inert parameter engine as an intermediary component between the resource and the client. This engine acts as a mediator that automatically compares received parameters against expected values and triggers appropriate actions. By isolating the detection logic in this dedicated intermediary component, the overall system complexity is managed while maintaining strong security detection capability.
2Reliability
If inert parameters are added to monitor for malicious activity, then security detection is improved, but the resource complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inert parameter engine serves multiple functions simultaneously: it embeds inert parameters into resources, receives and compares parameters from client requests, determines whether modifications occurred, and triggers appropriate actions. By consolidating these multiple security functions into a single multi-functional engine, the patent avoids the need for separate complex mechanisms for each function, thereby managing resource complexity while improving malicious activity detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes parameter changes as the core detection mechanism. Inert parameters are embedded with specific expected values, and the detection relies on comparing the received parameter values against these expected values. This parameter-based approach is simple and efficient, avoiding the need for complex behavioral analysis or multiple monitoring mechanisms, thus improving detection capability without significantly increasing resource complexity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If parameter modification detection is implemented, then security against malicious users is improved, but legitimate user operations may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by making the security detection mechanism selective and context-specific. Inert parameters are embedded only in specific resources where security is needed, and the detection is triggered only when those specific parameters are received. Legitimate user operations that do not involve modifying these specific inert parameters proceed without any additional scrutiny or impact, thus maintaining ease of operation while improving protection against malicious activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system converts the potential harm of parameter modification attempts into a beneficial detection opportunity. By designing inert parameters that are attractive to malicious users (appearing to offer unauthorized access or privileges), the system entices attackers to modify them, thereby triggering detection. This approach transforms what could be a security vulnerability into an active detection mechanism, improving protection without affecting legitimate users who have no reason to modify these parameters.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are various embodiments for detecting malicious activity through the use of inert input parameters to a web service or web page. A service request is received from a client computing device via a service endpoint. A modification is detected to an expected parameter in the service request. The expected parameter is configured to be inert in effect with respect to the service when the expected parameter has not been modified. One or more actions are initiated in response to the modification.