Layered Execution Stack Hardening for Cloud Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cloud security systems are inefficient in scaling and lack a secure environment due to the storage of multiple image backups, which can be compromised by hacking methods like key logging and rootkits, posing privacy and security concerns.
Innovation Solution
A secure execution stack is created by breaking down a computing device image into layers such as hardware, host operating system, hypervisor, and applications, and hardening each layer through attestation, whitelisting, sandboxing, and digital signing to form a trusted, distributed execution stack.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple image backups are stored on the server to ensure device recovery, then device recovery capability is improved, but storage requirements increase and scalability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments a monolithic device image into multiple layered components (boot layer, kernel layer, file system layer, etc.). These layers can be stored independently and reused across multiple virtual machines, reducing total storage requirements while maintaining the ability to recover and reconstruct device images as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal base image with common layers that can be shared across multiple virtual machines. Instead of storing separate complete images for each VM, the layered structure allows multiple VMs to share common layers, reducing storage requirements while maintaining individual VM recovery capabilities.
2Device complexity
If standard cloud storage is used for image backups, then storage simplicity is maintained, but security against hacking methods (key logging, rootkits) deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the device image into isolated layers with defined trust boundaries. Each layer can be individually verified and secured, making it harder for attackers to compromise the entire system through a single point of failure. The layered structure enables granular security controls that are simpler to implement than securing a monolithic image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements security hardening measures during the layer creation and configuration phase, before the layers are deployed or potentially compromised. Trust relationships and security policies are established in advance, preventing rather than reacting to security threats.
3Device complexity
If a monolithic device image is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but security hardening and control over individual components deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the device image into functional layers (boot, kernel, file system, applications) that can be independently hardened, updated, and secured. This segmentation maintains relative system simplicity while enabling granular security controls that would be impossible with a monolithic image.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different security hardening measures to different layers based on their specific security requirements. For example, the boot layer may have stricter verification requirements than the application layer, allowing optimized security controls for each component rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Data Source
AI summary
An approach to securing an execution stack (or cloud architecture) is provided. For example, an image is separated into a plurality of layers to form a trusted execution stack. Each of the plurality of layers is hardened to secure key cloud components of the trusted execution stack.