Host-Based IPS Agent Signature Matching Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current network intrusion prevention systems face challenges such as generating false positives, being ineffective in high-speed networks, and inability to prevent attacks without integration with firewall protection systems, particularly with network-based IPS appliances.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid host-based and node-based intrusion prevention system is implemented, where each node in the network includes a memory module and a network stack with a protocol driver, enabling real-time signature rule matching and optimization through text-file input defining network-exploit rules with ENABLED and SEVERITY fields, reducing the number of signatures processed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If network-based IPS appliances perform signature analysis on all network traffic, then intrusion detection capability is improved, but processing speed and performance deteriorate in high-speed networks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the network traffic analysis by implementing host-based IPS agents at individual nodes that perform local signature matching, dividing the centralized processing burden into distributed node-level processing. This allows high-speed networks to maintain intrusion detection capability while avoiding the bottleneck of centralized signature analysis.
2Measurement precision
If intrusion prevention system processes all signature rules, then detection accuracy is improved, but false positives increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by allowing each host-based IPS agent to customize its signature rule processing according to local security policies and risk assessments. Different nodes can enable or disable specific signature rules based on their particular security needs, reducing false positives while maintaining detection accuracy for relevant threats.
3Device complexity
If intrusion prevention system is implemented without firewall integration, then system complexity is reduced, but prevention effectiveness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements multi-functionality by designing the host-based IPS agent to perform both intrusion detection and prevention functions locally at each node. The agent can block malicious traffic, terminate suspicious connections, and enforce security policies directly without requiring constant firewall integration, making the system universally applicable across different network architectures while maintaining prevention effectiveness.
4Productivity
If host-based IPS agent performs real-time signature matching, then detection speed is improved, but resource consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial action by implementing signature matching optimization where the host-based IPS agent processes only the portion of traffic relevant to its host, using techniques such as signature rule prioritization, caching of recent matches, and selective application of signature rules based on traffic patterns. This reduces resource consumption while maintaining real-time detection speed for critical threats.
Data Source
AI summary
A node of a network for managing an intrusion protection system, the node comprising a memory module for storing data in machine-readable format for retrieval and execution by a central processing unit and an operating system comprising a network stack comprising a protocol driver and a media access control driver and operable to execute an intrusion protection system management application, the management application operable to receive text-file input from an input device, the text-file defining a network-exploit rule and comprising at least one field is provided. A method of distributing command and security updates in a network having an intrusion protection system comprising generating a text-file defining a network-exploit rule and specifying at least one field selected from the group consisting of an ENABLED field value and a SEVERITY level field value during generation of the text-file is provided. A computer-readable medium having stored thereon a set of instructions to be executed, the set of instructions, when executed by a processor, cause the processor to perform a computer method of reading input from an input device of the computer, compiling the input into a machine-readable signature file comprising machine-readable logic representative of the network-exploit rule and a value of at least one field selected from the group consisting of an ENABLED field and a SEVERITY field, evaluating the machine-readable signature file, and determining the value of the at least one field of the machine-readable signature file is provided.