Middlebox Certificate Verification via Side Protocol
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional systems for securing network connections lack the ability to authenticate middleboxes effectively, which can intercept or alter data, compromising the integrity and security of transactions.
Innovation Solution
A computer-implemented method and system that verifies connection integrity by requesting and examining certificates from each middlebox in a connection chain until a globally trusted certificate is received, allowing clients to trust the security of data transmission and identify any modifications made by middleboxes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional encryption systems are used to secure network connections, then data confidentiality is improved, but the ability to authenticate middleboxes is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate verification process into multiple components: the client requests certificates from each middlebox individually through a side protocol, each middlebox provides its own certificate, and the client verifies each certificate separately. This segmentation allows authentication of individual middleboxes while maintaining the overall encrypted connection, resolving the contradiction between confidentiality and authentication capability.
2Reliability
If middleboxes intercept and inspect traffic, then network security monitoring is improved, but connection integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where middleboxes provide certificates that confirm their identity and authorization to intercept traffic. The client uses these certificates to verify that the middlebox is legitimate and authorized, creating a feedback loop that maintains connection integrity while allowing security monitoring. This resolves the contradiction by providing verifiable proof of authorized interception.
3Adaptability or versatility
If certificates are requested from each middlebox in the connection chain, then authentication transparency is improved, but protocol complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a side protocol as an intermediary communication channel that runs parallel to the main encrypted protocol. This side protocol handles certificate requests and responses separately, allowing authentication transparency without complicating the main data transmission protocol. The intermediary side protocol absorbs the complexity of certificate management while keeping the primary protocol simple and efficient.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed computer-implemented method for verifying connection integrity may include (i) receiving a request from a client to initiate a connection to a server via a middlebox, (ii) receiving, from the client, via a side protocol executing in parallel with a transport layer security protocol, a request for a certificate for the middlebox, (iii) sending, to the client, via the side protocol, the certificate, (iv) receiving, from the client, via the side protocol, a request for an additional certificate from a device upstream of the middlebox, (v) requesting, from the device upstream of the middlebox, via the side protocol, the additional certificate, (vi) receiving, from the device upstream of the middlebox, via the side protocol, the additional certificate, (vii) sending, to the client, via the side protocol, the additional certificate, and (viii) relaying data via the connection. Various other methods, systems, and computer-readable media are also disclosed.