Pod Log Filtering for Sensitive Data Redaction in Cloud Apps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cloud native application logs often contain sensitive data that can be accessed by unauthorized parties due to storage outside the pod and container, posing a security risk.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a log filter within a pod to remove sensitive data from log files before they are stored on a node, using configurable filters and providers to identify and remove specific types of sensitive information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If log files are stored outside the pod and container on node storage, then log files are easily accessible for monitoring and troubleshooting, but sensitive data in log files can be accessed by unauthorized parties including other containers on the same node
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts sensitive data from log files before storage by implementing a filtering mechanism that removes personally identifiable information (PII) and other sensitive content. The filter is configured to identify and redact sensitive patterns (emails, phone numbers, social security numbers, etc.) before the log file is written to node storage, thus maintaining storage accessibility while eliminating the security vulnerability of exposed sensitive data.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a filter as an intermediary component between log generation and log storage. This filter acts as a mediator that processes log files in transit, applying redaction rules to remove sensitive information before the data reaches persistent storage. The intermediary filter thus protects sensitive data while allowing normal log storage operations to continue.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a filter is implemented to remove sensitive data from log files, then unauthorized access to sensitive information is prevented, but the complexity of the logging system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the logging system into distinct functional components: log generation, filtering/redaction, and storage. The filter is implemented as a separate, configurable module that can be independently configured with redaction rules. This segmentation allows the filtering functionality to be added without fundamentally redesigning the entire logging system, thus managing complexity through modular architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a configurable filter where sensitive data patterns and redaction rules can be modified through parameters and configuration files. The filter responds to change notifications and dynamically adjusts its redaction behavior based on configuration parameters, allowing flexible adaptation to different compliance requirements without changing the underlying system architecture.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer-implemented method to limit access to sensitive information by filtering log files. The method includes deploying a first pod on a node of a cloud computing system, where the first pod includes a first container configured to run an application. The method also includes generating a first log file for the first container, where the first log file includes a set of actions performed by the application for a period of time. The method further includes filtering, by a filter, the first log file wherein the filter is configured to remove a type of sensitive data from the first log file. The method includes exporting, in response to the filtering, the first log file to the node. Advantageously, this can prevent various parties from accessing sensitive data that is contained in log files.