Multi-mode Protected Memory for RPMB Development
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing RPMB storage devices pose inefficiencies for third-party developers due to permanent authentication keys and write counters, leading to device discard and the need for complex software emulations, which hinder product development and testing.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of multi-mode protected memory, which allows for a transient mode enabling re-programmable authentication keys and resettable write counters, alongside a permanent mode maintaining security features, facilitating development and testing without device replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If permanent authentication keys and write counters are used in RPMB storage devices, then security is improved, but device reusability for development and testing deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the authentication key and write counter re-programmable and resettable during transient mode operation. This allows the storage device to dynamically change its security parameters for development and testing purposes, while maintaining the ability to lock into permanent mode for production use, thus resolving the contradiction between security and device reusability.
2Loss of time
If software emulations are used for development, then device replacement is avoided, but development complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the complexity of software emulation by implementing the emulation functionality directly within the storage device hardware itself through transient mode operation. This allows developers to re-program authentication keys and reset counters directly in the physical device, eliminating the need for complex external software emulations and reducing overall system complexity while saving development time.
3Adaptability or versatility
If authentication keys are re-programmed frequently, then development flexibility is improved, but security vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies Dynamics by enabling frequent re-programming of authentication keys during transient mode for development flexibility, while providing a mechanism to transition to permanent mode where keys become fixed and immutable. This dynamic capability allows the system to adapt to development needs when flexible and maintain strong security when in permanent mode, resolving the contradiction between flexibility and security vulnerability.
4Productivity
If write counters are resettable, then testing efficiency is improved, but replay attack resistance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the Dynamics principle by making the write counter resettable during transient mode to improve testing efficiency, while maintaining the counter's increment-only functionality in permanent mode to ensure replay attack resistance. This dynamic behavior allows the same hardware to support both efficient development testing and secure production operations, resolving the contradiction between testing efficiency and security reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
Multi-mode protected memory in accordance with the present description includes a permanent mode and a transient mode of operation. In one embodiment of the permanent mode, an authentication key is programmable once and a write counter is not decrementable or resettable. In one embodiment of the transient mode, an authentication key may be programmed many times and a write counter may be reset many times. Other features and advantages may be realized, depending upon the particular application.