Privilege Model for Transparent Super-User Coexistence
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Solution Overview
Problem
The traditional Unix-based operating system security model uses an all-or-nothing approach, where processes require super-user privileges to perform any privileged operations, lacking a seamless way for super-user and traditional privilege-based processes to coexist and manage privileges effectively.
Innovation Solution
A kernel-based security policy framework that allows super-user and traditional privilege-based processes to coexist transparently, using multiple privilege sets and a privilege awareness property state to manage privileges on a per-process basis, enabling processes to transition between privilege-aware and non-privilege-aware states dynamically.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the traditional super-user model is used, then processes can perform privileged operations, but all processes need to run as super-user to access any privileged function
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monolithic super-user privilege model into fine-grained individual privileges. Each privilege represents a specific capability (e.g., file access, network binding), and processes can be granted only the specific privileges they need rather than all super-user powers. This segmentation enables flexible privilege assignment while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by allowing different processes to have different privilege sets tailored to their specific needs. Instead of a uniform super-user model, each process can be configured with exactly the privileges required for its function, creating localized privilege assignments that improve both security and operational ease.
2Reliability
If the traditional super-user model is used, then privileged operations can be performed, but security control is coarse-grained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the coarse-grained super-user privilege into fine-grained individual privileges. Each privilege represents a specific system resource or operation, allowing precise control over what each process can do. This segmentation improves security control precision while enabling flexible privilege management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of privilege granularity from coarse (all-or-nothing super-user) to fine (individual privileges). This parameter change enables both improved security control precision through specific privilege assignment and enhanced adaptability through flexible privilege configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If super-user and privilege-based processes coexist, then granular privilege control is achieved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal privilege framework that can accommodate both traditional super-user processes and fine-grained privilege-based processes within the same system. The privilege model is designed to be multi-functional, supporting different process types and privilege assignment strategies, thereby reducing the need for separate system configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a privilege management intermediary layer that mediates between processes and system resources. This intermediary handles privilege verification and enforcement, allowing complex privilege logic to be managed centrally rather than embedded in each process, thus reducing overall system complexity.
4Reliability
If processes are modified to use privilege-based security, then fine-grained control is achieved, but modification effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables processes to automatically manage their own privileges through self-service mechanisms. Processes can declare their required privileges, and the system automatically grants appropriate access rights. This eliminates the need for manual modification of process code to implement fine-grained security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a privilege management intermediary that automatically handles the assignment and verification of fine-grained privileges. This intermediary simplifies the integration process by providing standardized interfaces that work with existing processes without requiring extensive modifications to achieve security policy precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for implementing a super-user-compatible privilege security policy on a computer operating system is disclosed. The system includes a kernel for enforcing a security policy on processes, based on privileges. The system also includes a privilege model that interfaces with the kernel and implements a framework in which super-user based processes and privilege based processes transparently interface with the kernel. The privilege model includes several privilege sets associated with each process, a privilege awareness property state associated with each process, the property state indicating whether or not a process is privilege aware, and a software module for automatically modifying the privilege sets and the property state, on a per process basis, based on individual process behavior.