Password Manager Session Code Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing password managers face security concerns due to the risk of exposing all user passwords if the master password is compromised or if the system is breached by malware like keyloggers.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a browser extension and a password manager application, where the browser extension generates a unique session identifier and displays a scannable code on the first user device, which is scanned by the second user device running the password manager application, enabling secure login with additional authentication methods like PIN or biometrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If password managers store all user passwords in one secure location, then password management becomes easier and more centralized, but security risk increases because a single breach would expose all credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments credentials into individual credential entries rather than storing all passwords in a single centralized location. Each credential is associated with specific account information and can be independently accessed or compromised. This segmentation reduces the impact of a single breach point while maintaining centralized management capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a credential manager as an intermediary layer between users and multiple accounts. This mediator handles authentication by presenting credentials to services without requiring users to directly manage or remember passwords, thereby simplifying password management while maintaining security through controlled access mechanisms.
2Reliability
If users type passwords manually into login fields, then authentication can be performed, but vulnerability to keylogger attacks increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical act of manual password typing with an automated credential injection mechanism. The credential manager automatically fills login fields with stored credentials through programmatic interfaces, eliminating the need for users to physically type passwords and thereby preventing keylogger interception of keystrokes.
Solution Approach 2:
The credential manager performs self-service by automatically retrieving and injecting credentials into login forms without requiring user interaction for password entry. The system autonomously handles the authentication process by detecting login fields and populating them with appropriate credentials from its stored database.
3Ease of operation
If a master password protects the password manager, then access control is simplified, but security is weakened because the master password itself can be compromised or lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the master password from the authentication process by implementing a credential manager that operates without requiring users to remember or enter a master password. The system stores credentials in an encrypted format and manages access through automated mechanisms, removing the single point of failure represented by the master password while maintaining access control through secure credential storage and retrieval.
Data Source
AI summary
An authentication system comprises a browser extension and a password manager application. The browser extension can be configured for execution on a first user device. The browser extension can be configured to display a response code and receive a login credential from a server. The response code can comprise a unique session identifier identifying the browser extension and a user browsing session. The password manager application can be configured for execution on a second user device. The second user device can have a scanner configured to scan the response code. The password manager application can be configured to extract the unique session identifier, parse the unique session identifier into session identifier content, send a portion of the session identifier content to the server, receive an approval from a user of the second user device, and send a notification to the server.