Platform Manifest for OS Component Authorization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing operating system development methods require multiple code-signed certificates and a re-signing process to differentiate components for desktop and mobile platforms, leading to certificate management overhead, increased attack surface, and prolonged build times, while also risking cross-pollination attacks that compromise security.
Innovation Solution
A platform manifest is generated automatically during the operating system build process, listing authorized binaries and packages specific to each edition, eliminating the need for re-signing and allowing only authorized components to run on a device, thereby enhancing security and reducing certificate management complexity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple code-signed certificates are used to differentiate desktop and mobile platform components, then platform security is improved, but certificate management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the authentication of desktop and mobile platform components into a single code-signed certificate. The platform manifest file consolidates component information from both platforms and uses one certificate to sign it, eliminating the need for separate certificates while maintaining security differentiation through manifest-based authorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The platform manifest file acts as an intermediary that bridges desktop and mobile platform components. Instead of using multiple certificates directly, the manifest file mediates the authentication process by listing authorized components and their intended platforms, allowing a single certificate to enforce platform-specific security policies.
2Manufacturing precision
If a re-signing process is implemented to authorize mobile components with mobile code-signed certificates, then component authorization accuracy is improved, but build time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining platform-specific component authorization in the platform manifest file during the initial build process. Components are marked with their intended platform (desktop or mobile) in advance, eliminating the need for a separate re-signing step and reducing build time while maintaining authorization accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the authorization information from the component signing process itself and places it into a separate platform manifest file. This extraction allows the build system to handle desktop and mobile components in parallel without sequential re-signing, reducing build time while preserving precise component authorization through manifest validation.
3Productivity
If desktop development tools are used without restriction for mobile phone development, then development efficiency is improved, but platform security is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by enabling desktop development tools to be used freely for creating components, but then applies platform-specific quality control through the platform manifest file. The manifest file specifies which components are authorized for mobile platforms, ensuring that only appropriate components are deployed to mobile devices while maintaining high development efficiency.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments are directed to managing software components loaded on a device by identifying a platform manifest having a valid certificate, confirming that the platform manifest is bound to the device, identifying components listed on the platform manifest, confirming that the listed components have a valid certificate, and loading listed components with valid certificates on the device. The components may be binaries and packages for an operating system. The components may be signed in an embedded manner or with detached signatures. The platform manifest may be bound to the device in a manner that allows for identification of unauthorized platform manifests.