IP-Bound Access Tokens to Block Theft and Replay
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Solution Overview
Problem
Access tokens can be stolen and reused by unauthorized entities, compromising the security of data access systems.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating the IP address from which an access token request is sent into the access token itself, allowing secure servers to verify that the IP address matches upon token presentation, thereby preventing unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If access tokens are transmitted over a network, then authentication can be performed remotely, but the tokens become vulnerable to theft and replay attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by establishing a secure channel before token transmission and by implementing token binding to specific contexts (user, device, time, location) before the token is used. This prevents replay attacks because the token is already bound to specific contextual parameters that must be matched during verification.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary secure channel layer between the client and server communications. This secure channel acts as a mediator that encrypts token transmissions and establishes contextual bindings, preventing direct exposure of tokens to malicious actors while enabling remote authentication.
2Reliability
If access tokens are made unique and bound to specific contexts, then security against replay attacks improves, but the complexity of token management increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access token serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as an authentication credential, a binding mechanism to specific contexts (user, device, time, location), and a security token that can be revoked. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes parameters of the access token dynamically - binding them to specific contexts (user ID, device ID, timestamp, location) and modifying their validity periods. This allows the same token structure to provide different security levels and contextual bindings without increasing fundamental complexity.
3Ease of operation
If access tokens have long validity periods, then user convenience improves, but the window for potential security breaches increases
Solution Approach 1:
The access token's validity is made dynamic rather than static. The system can adjust validity periods based on risk assessment, user behavior, and contextual factors. High-risk situations trigger shorter validity periods or token revocation, while low-risk situations allow longer validity, optimizing both convenience and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback mechanisms that continuously monitor token usage patterns and security events. When anomalies are detected (such as unusual access locations or timing patterns), the system responds by reducing token validity or revoking access, creating a dynamic security-convenience balance based on real-time conditions.
Data Source
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AI summary
An embodiment disclosed herein is related to computing systems and method for a computing system to generate an access token that includes an IP address from a request. In the embodiment, a request is received for access to one secured data items. The request may include user credentials that specify that a user making the request is permitted to access the secured data items. The user credentials are validated and an Internet Protocol (IP) address that the request was sent from is determined. An access token is generated that includes the IP address that the request was sent from.