Proxy Tunnel for Self-Replicating Apps Across Network Boundaries
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Solution Overview
Problem
Self-replicating applications face obstacles in networking environments, such as inaccessible portions and network boundaries, which limit their spread and communication with centralized management components.
Innovation Solution
The creation of a proxy tunnel by self-replicating applications across network boundaries enables communication with centralized management components by forwarding traffic through a dedicated process, allowing instances to replicate and share results even in isolated networks, and performing operations like encryption and protocol conversion as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If self-replicating applications spread to endpoints in inaccessible portions of the networking environment, then the coverage and operational capability are improved, but the ability to communicate results with the centralized management component deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a proxy component as an intermediary between isolated endpoints and the centralized management system. The proxy listens on a designated port and forwards communications bidirectionally, enabling endpoints in inaccessible network portions to communicate scan results and receive instructions without direct access to the management system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the networking environment into managed and unmanaged portions, allowing self-replicating applications to operate independently in isolated segments while maintaining communication through proxy components that bridge the segmentation boundaries.
2Productivity
If firewalls and network boundaries are crossed to spread to more endpoints, then the spread capability is improved, but the network security and boundary integrity worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy acts as a controlled intermediary that mediates cross-boundary communication. Instead of direct penetration through firewalls, the proxy establishes authorized communication channels that maintain security boundaries while enabling necessary data flow for the self-replicating application to function across network segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the restrictive nature of firewalls and network boundaries into a benefit by using the proxy pattern, which transforms security barriers into controlled access points. The proxy enables monitored and authorized communication through boundaries rather than attempting to bypass them, turning security constraints into structured communication pathways.
3Ease of operation
If a centralized management component is used to coordinate operations, then the control and management capability are improved, but the accessibility to all endpoints deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The architecture segments management functionality between centralized coordination (for policy and control) and distributed execution (for actual scanning operations). The self-replicating application instances operate autonomously in distributed segments while receiving high-level direction from the centralized component, allowing management of previously inaccessible endpoints.
Solution Approach 2:
The proxy serves as an intermediary that extends the reach of the centralized management component into inaccessible network portions. By forwarding communications through the proxy, the management system can coordinate operations with endpoints that would otherwise be unreachable, effectively extending the managed area without requiring direct connectivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides an approach for cross-network communication by self-replicating applications. Embodiments include identifying, by a first instance of a self-replicating application on a first computing device having a first network connection to a parent component, a second computing device that is connected to the first computing device via a second network connection. Embodiments include self-replicating, by the first instance of the self-replicating application, across the second network connection to produce a second instance of the self-replicating application on the second computing device. Embodiments include initiating, by the first instance of the self-replicating application, a proxy tunnel on the first computing device. Embodiments include receiving, by the proxy tunnel, a first communication from the second instance of the self-replicating application via the second network connection. Embodiments include sending, by the proxy tunnel, based on the first communication, a second communication to the parent component via the first network connection.