Proxy Server Cookie Authentication for NTLMv2 Load Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
NTLMv2 authentication protocol is non-cacheable due to the use of a random number in the hash, leading to excessive load on the domain controller for each client request, rendering credential caching ineffective and potentially unworkable in cache server systems.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a cookie-based authentication system where a proxy server sets an authentication cookie for clients after successful NTLMv2 authentication, allowing subsequent requests within the same domain to be authenticated without involving the domain controller, thereby reducing the load on the domain controller.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If NTLMv2 authentication protocol is used with random number in hash, then authentication security is improved, but credential caching becomes ineffective and domain controller load increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy server as an intermediary between the client and domain controller. The proxy server performs credential caching and cookie-based authentication for NTLMv2 protocol, acting as a mediator that reduces direct traffic to the domain controller while maintaining security. This resolves the contradiction by enabling efficient authentication without compromising the security provided by random numbers in the hash.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary authentication where the proxy server pre-authenticates clients and stores credentials before actual resource access is needed. By performing authentication in advance and caching the results, the system avoids repeated authentication transactions with the domain controller, thereby improving productivity while maintaining the security benefits of NTLMv2.
2Productivity
If credential caching is implemented for NTLMv2, then domain controller load is reduced, but authentication reliability deteriorates due to random number variability
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server serves as an intermediary that handles credential caching for NTLMv2 protocol. It receives authentication requests from clients, performs the authentication process with the domain controller once, caches the valid credentials, and then serves subsequent requests using the cached credentials. This mediator approach allows the system to reduce domain controller load while maintaining authentication reliability through proper validation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the proxy server validates cached credentials against current authentication requirements before allowing access. This feedback loop ensures that cached credentials remain valid and appropriate for current authentication needs, maintaining reliability while enabling load reduction through caching.
3Reliability
If authentication occurs for each client request, then authentication thoroughness is maintained, but network bandwidth consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy server performs preliminary authentication and credential caching before actual resource access requests. By authenticating clients in advance and storing their credentials, the system avoids repeated authentication transactions for subsequent requests, thereby reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining authentication thoroughness through the pre-validated credential storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy server acts as an intermediary that handles authentication traffic between clients and the domain controller. It consolidates multiple authentication requests into a single authentication transaction, then serves subsequent requests using cached credentials, significantly reducing network bandwidth consumption while maintaining complete authentication through the proxy's validation mechanisms.
Data Source
AI summary
A system uses a proxy server to authenticate a client with an authentication protocol that does not support caching. Rather than cache the client's authentication credentials, or access a client account manager for each network request generated by the client, the proxy server issues a cookie to an authenticated client and authenticate the client for subsequent request on the basis of the cookie.