IoT Processor Network Stack Segmentation for Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
IoT devices running on real-time operating systems (RTOS) with microcontrollers (MCU) are vulnerable to remote attacks due to the lack of separation between application and RTOS code, making it difficult to update security patches without coordinating with application vendors, and increasing the risk of remote attackers gaining control through vulnerabilities in the network processing stack.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a separate networking binary that performs OSI layers 3 through 7 functions, which is hardened, tested, and self-updates automatically, isolating the networking stack from the system binary and running it in a separate execution domain to minimize vulnerabilities and allow for unilateral updates by the networking stack provider.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If networking functions are integrated into the system binary with application and kernel code, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but security vulnerability increases and ease of repair deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system binary into separate components: application code, kernel code, and networking stack code. This segmentation isolates security-critical networking functions into a distinct module that can be independently updated and hardened, reducing the attack surface while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The networking stack is extracted from the monolithic system binary into a separate, dedicated component. This extraction allows the networking stack to be independently developed, tested, and updated by networking stack providers without requiring coordination with application vendors, enabling rapid security patch deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If networking stack is updated by coordinating with application vendors, then system compatibility is maintained, but productivity decreases and loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The networking stack is designed as a self-contained, independently updatable module that can be serviced and updated by networking stack providers without requiring coordination with application vendors. This self-service capability enables rapid security patch deployment and maintains system compatibility through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The networking stack is designed as a universal, platform-independent component that can serve multiple applications and kernels through standardized interfaces. This universality allows the networking stack to be independently updated and reused across different device configurations without requiring application vendor coordination.
3Ease of manufacture
If networking code is shared across multiple applications, then manufacturing cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but security vulnerability increases due to harder isolation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments networking code into a separate, isolated module that is shared across multiple applications through controlled interfaces. This segmentation maintains cost efficiency through code reuse while enhancing security by isolating the networking stack from application code, making it harder for attackers to exploit vulnerabilities across multiple applications.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosed technology is generally directed to network security for processors. In one example of the technology, a device includes: a memory that is adapted to store run-time data for the device, and a processor. The processor is adapted to execute processor-executable code including a first binary that includes at least one application and a kernel, and a second binary. The second binary is configured to perform networking functions exclusively, including networking functions of one more of layers three through seven of the Open Systems Interconnection (OSI) model.