Memory Device Protection Against Malware Exhaustion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Computing devices with non-volatile memory devices face limited operational lifespan due to write and erase cycles, making them unusable after a certain number of operations, which can be exploited by malicious software to render the device inoperable.
Innovation Solution
Implementing techniques to manage and report requests for writing or erasing data in memory devices, such as saving requests for execution during user-visible events like device resets, and enforcing policies to limit such operations to trusted code, thereby preventing malicious software from rendering memory devices unusable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-volatile memory devices are used to store data and code, then data persistence is improved, but the device becomes vulnerable to malicious software that can exhaust write/erase cycles and render the device unusable
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by saving write/erase requests for execution during user-visible events (like device resets) before the memory device becomes unusable. The request is captured and queued in advance, allowing legitimate operations to be executed after the device is restored, preventing malware from permanently exhausting the memory's operational lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism that intercepts and manages write/erase requests. By acting as a mediator between the memory device and the software system, this intermediary saves critical requests and executes them safely during appropriate events, preventing direct malware access while maintaining data persistence capabilities.
2Loss of information
If write and erase operations are performed frequently to update data, then data freshness is improved, but the memory device lifespan is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms to monitor and manage write/erase operation counts. By tracking the number of operations performed on the memory device, the system can identify when the device approaches its operational limit and trigger appropriate responses, such as saving critical requests for execution during safe events like device resets.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs periodic action by executing saved write/erase requests during periodic user-visible events such as device resets. This allows the system to perform necessary data updates at scheduled intervals rather than continuously, reducing the cumulative wear on the memory device while maintaining data freshness.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the system allows free writing and erasing of memory devices, then operational flexibility is improved, but the risk of rendering the device unusable increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system introduces dynamic control over write/erase operations based on the operational state of the memory device and the context of the request. By making the system responsive to the number of operations performed and the timing of requests, the system adapts its behavior to balance operational flexibility with device reliability, allowing operations when safe and restricting them when risk is high.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by preparing countermeasures before malware or excessive operations can harm the memory device. By saving critical write/erase requests and executing them during safe events like device resets, the system preemptively counteracts the harmful effect of operation exhaustion, maintaining device usability even under aggressive operational conditions.
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment, a computing device may include a memory device that may be rendered unusable after a certain number of operations are performed on the memory device. The computing device may incorporate one or more techniques for protecting the memory device. Processing logic contained in the computing device may be configured to implement the techniques. The techniques may include, for example, acquiring a request to write or erase information stored in a memory device contained in a first computing device, saving the request for execution after a user visible event has been generated on the first computing device, generating the user visible event on the first computing device, and executing the saved request after the user visible event has been generated. In addition, the techniques may include reporting the request. The request may be reported to, for example, an anti-malware agent.