Intermediary Server Relays Messages for Remote Session Termination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cybersecurity systems face challenges in managing user permissions across heterogeneous applications and terminating authenticated sessions without exposing access credentials, particularly in web-based and native applications, leading to potential security vulnerabilities and data leaks.
Innovation Solution
A centralized login server and intermediary server architecture that relays application-layer messages to manage access tokens, terminate sessions, and circumvent same-origin policies, allowing for secure credential management and de-authentication without exposing credentials to users or client devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a centralized login server relays application-layer messages to manage access tokens and terminate sessions, then security is enhanced by preventing credential exposure, but device complexity increases due to the intermediary server architecture
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediary server is introduced between the client web browser and destination servers to relay application-layer messages. This intermediary manages access tokens and session termination without exposing credentials to users or client devices, thereby enhancing security while maintaining a manageable system architecture through a dedicated security-focused component
2Reliability
If the intermediary server circumvents same-origin policies to manage access tokens, then credential management security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to browser policy restrictions
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server acts as a mediator that circumvents browser same-origin policies by relaying messages between the client and destination servers. It manages access tokens and session termination on behalf of the client, ensuring secure credential management while handling the complexity of browser policy restrictions server-side
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements automatic session termination and access token management through the intermediary server, which can remotely de-authenticate users without requiring user intervention. The intermediary monitors and manages credential security automatically, reducing the operational burden on users
3Reliability
If access tokens are stored in browser memory and remotely invalidated, then security is improved by enabling remote de-authentication, but loss of information increases due to token deletion
Solution Approach 1:
The intermediary server maintains control over access token validity by acting as the authoritative source for token management. When security concerns arise, the intermediary can remotely invalidate tokens stored in browser memory, ensuring immediate de-authentication while maintaining an audit trail of token lifecycle events
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the intermediary server monitors access token usage and can detect suspicious activities. Upon detecting security issues, the intermediary sends invalidation commands back to the client, creating a closed-loop security system that responds dynamically to threats while tracking token status changes
4Reliability
If complex passwords with frequent changes are enforced, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation decreases due to user convenience requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized login server automates password management including generation, storage, and periodic rotation of complex credentials. Users authenticate through the intermediary without manually managing complex passwords, as the system handles password lifecycle management automatically, enforcing security policies without burdening users
Solution Approach 2:
The intermediary server shields users from the complexity of password management by handling authentication credentials securely. It manages complex password enforcement, frequent changes, and secure storage without requiring user involvement in the cryptographic details, thereby maintaining security while preserving user convenience
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a process including: relaying, with a server at a first domain, at least part of a plurality application-layer messages between a client web browser and one or more destination servers; determining to terminate subsequent authenticated access by the client web browser; and sending, from the server at the first domain, instructions that cause the client web browser to delete or modify an access token stored in memory of the client web browser.