Privilege Delegation Agent for Secure Remote Server Management
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current computer systems face security vulnerabilities when performing remote management of server devices due to the need for high privilege levels, which can expose networks to malicious attacks and compromise security.
Innovation Solution
A server device with an agent plug-in and agent service that intercepts and manages privilege delegation for command execution, allowing commands from a client device to be executed on a server device with elevated privileges without elevating the client user's privileges, using a policy file to determine execution permissions and delegate necessary privileges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If high privilege levels are required on managed computer devices to perform remote management, then remote management capability is improved, but security of the managed computer devices deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a privilege delegation service as an intermediary component that sits between the remote management client and the target computer device. This service intercepts management requests, delegates only the specific privileges needed for each command execution, and then revokes those privileges. This mediator approach enables remote management functionality while preventing continuous exposure to security risks associated with high privilege levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic privilege management where the privilege level is not static but changes over time. The privilege delegation service temporarily elevates privileges to the minimum necessary level for each specific command execution, then immediately revokes them. This dynamic approach allows the system to have high privileges when needed for management tasks while maintaining low privilege levels for security during idle periods.
2Adaptability or versatility
If high privilege levels are assigned to user accounts for remote management, then command execution capability is improved, but the risk of malicious attacks deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the principle of partial action by delegating only the specific privileges needed for each command execution rather than assigning full high privilege levels continuously. The privilege delegation service analyzes each management request and grants only the minimum necessary privileges for that specific task, then revokes them afterward. This partial privilege approach maintains command execution capability while reducing the attack surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the privilege parameter dynamically based on the specific management task being performed. Instead of maintaining a constant high privilege level, the system adjusts the privilege parameter to match the minimum required for each command execution. This parameter change approach enables versatile command execution while minimizing the window of vulnerability to malicious attacks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If privilege delegation is implemented for remote management, then security is improved, but system complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service functionality where the privilege delegation service automatically manages the entire privilege lifecycle without manual intervention. The service intercepts management requests, automatically determines the required privileges, delegates them temporarily, executes the command, and then revokes the privileges. This automation reduces the operational complexity of managing security while maintaining enhanced security posture.
Solution Approach 2:
The privilege delegation service acts as an intermediary layer that abstracts the complexity of privilege management from the rest of the system. By centralizing privilege delegation logic in this mediator component, the patent simplifies the overall system architecture while still providing fine-grained security control. The intermediary handles all privilege-related operations, preventing complexity from propagating throughout the entire system.
Data Source
AI summary
A server device for managing privilege delegation to control execution of commands thereon is described. Execution of a command, according to first privileges, by a remote management (RM) server on the server device is requested from a RM client on a client device. An agent plug-in, chained to a command execution plug-in of the RM server, intercepts the request and forwards related information to an agent service cooperating with an operating system of the server device. The agent service determines whether to execute the command according to second privileges, different from the first privileges and if permitted, delegates the second privileges to the command, and causes, via the agent plug-in chained to the command execution plug-in, the command to be executed according to the second privileges.