Iterative Code Obfuscation for Software Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional code obfuscation techniques provide only marginally increased security at the expense of significantly increased code size, leading to decreased execution speed, and there is a need for more effective protection methods in software distribution.
Innovation Solution
Iterative code obfuscation involves sequentially applying one or more obfuscation algorithms to computer-executable code, where the output of each algorithm becomes the input for the next, leveraging simple transformations to achieve complex and secure code structures through emergent behavior.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional code obfuscation techniques are applied, then security is marginally increased, but code size increases significantly leading to decreased execution speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the code obfuscation process into multiple independent transformation passes, each applying a specific obfuscation technique (e.g., control flow flattening, data encryption, instruction substitution). By segmenting the overall obfuscation into discrete, manageable transformations, the system can apply only necessary iterations to achieve desired security levels without excessive code bloat, thus maintaining better execution performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic obfuscation where transformation rules and iteration counts are configurable based on security requirements. The system can adaptively apply different numbers of iterations and select specific transformation types dynamically, allowing optimization between security strength and execution speed depending on the application context, rather than applying fixed aggressive obfuscation to all code.
2Reliability
If conventional code obfuscation techniques are applied, then security is marginally increased, but code size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies partial obfuscation by allowing selective application of transformation rules to specific code regions or functions based on their security sensitivity. Not all code requires the same level of obfuscation, so the system can apply transformations partially to critical sections while leaving less sensitive code more readable, thereby reducing overall code size increase while maintaining security for important portions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter control over obfuscation intensity, including the number of iterations, transformation types, and coverage scope. By adjusting these parameters, the system can achieve adequate security with minimal code size expansion, avoiding the excessive obfuscation that causes significant bloat in conventional approaches.
3Reliability
If multiple obfuscation algorithms are iteratively applied, then security is substantially enhanced, but complexity of the obfuscation process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal obfuscation framework that can apply multiple different transformation algorithms through a single integrated system. The same infrastructure handles control flow flattening, data encryption, instruction substitution, and other transformations uniformly, managing the complexity internally while presenting a simplified interface. This multi-functional approach enhances security through iterative application without proportionally increasing operational complexity for the user.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of code obfuscation includes receiving a block of code. One or more obfuscation algorithms are then iteratively applied to the received code. The obfuscation algorithms are repeatedly applied, such that the output of the previous obfuscation algorithm provides the input to the next obfuscation algorithm. Each obfuscation algorithm may be a relatively simple code transform technique. The same obfuscation algorithm may be applied repeatedly or any combination of a plurality of obfuscation algorithms may be applied in any sequence. The cascading effects of applying rounds of obfuscation algorithms achieve obfuscated code exhibiting a significantly increased level of security that cannot be normally derived from the security of each individual algorithm.