Obfuscated Handle Buffer Security for Media Playback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing media playback technologies, such as the DirectShow framework, are vulnerable to hacking as hackers can easily obtain buffer addresses of encrypted media, allowing unauthorized access and copying of content.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a first and second software component, where the first component writes data to a buffer and the second component reads from it, using an obfuscated handle generated by a resolving mechanism involving random numbers and decryption keys to dynamically and non-contiguously store and retrieve processed media, making it difficult for hackers to determine the actual buffer location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If media is stored in a buffer with direct buffer address access, then media playback performance is improved, but security is worsened as hackers can easily obtain buffer addresses and access encrypted media
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (the resolving mechanism with random numbers and decryption keys) between the buffer address and the handle. Instead of directly exposing the buffer address, the system uses this intermediary to translate and obfuscate the address, preventing hackers from directly accessing the buffer while maintaining legitimate access for authorized software components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of buffer address accessibility by dynamically generating random numbers and using encryption keys to obfuscate the actual buffer location. The handle becomes an encrypted representation of the buffer address, transforming the address from a directly accessible parameter into a secured parameter that requires authentication to access.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If buffer location is made dynamic and non-contiguous, then security is improved by obscuring buffer locations, but device complexity increases due to dynamic resolution mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the buffer location non-static and non-contiguous. Instead of using a fixed or sequentially allocated buffer address, the system dynamically determines buffer locations and uses random numbers to obfuscate them. This dynamic approach prevents predictable buffer location patterns while maintaining the necessary functionality through the resolving mechanism.
3Ease of operation
If encryption keys are stored alongside buffer addresses, then ease of operation is improved for authorized access, but security is worsened as keys become exposed to hackers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses the resolving mechanism as an intermediary that separates the encryption key from the buffer address. The key is not stored alongside the buffer address but is instead managed through the resolving mechanism which authenticates authorized access. This intermediary layer protects the key from direct exposure while maintaining ease of operation for legitimate software components.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of processing media using a first software component and a second software component is described. In the method the first software component is operable to write data to a first buffer and the second software component is operable to read the data from the first buffer, the method comprising: processing the media using the first software component; determining a second buffer location, different to the first buffer location; storing the processed media in the second buffer location; generating an obfuscated handle, wherein the handle identifies the second buffer location; storing the obfuscated handle at the first buffer location; and resolving in the second software component the obfuscated handle using a resolving mechanism and in response to said resolution of the obfuscated handle, retrieving the processed media from the second buffer location identified by the handle.