Registry Filter Driver for Least-Privilege Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face challenges in managing registry access with a least-privilege security model, requiring high privilege levels for registry operations, which can lead to security risks from malware and accidental tampering.
Innovation Solution
Implement a computer-implemented method using a registry filter driver in kernel mode to monitor user processes, establish access rules, and evaluate registry operations, enabling or blocking access as needed, while maintaining user interface familiarity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high privilege level (administrator level) is required to access the registry, then registry security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates as standard users cannot perform registry operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a registry filter driver as an intermediary component between standard users and the registry. This driver intercepts registry access requests from standard users, evaluates them against defined rules, and selectively permits access to specific registry keys while blocking access to protected keys. This mediator enables standard users to access the registry for legitimate purposes without requiring administrator privileges, thereby maintaining security while improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements differentiated access control by treating different registry keys differently. Instead of a uniform high-privilege requirement for all registry access, the system applies local quality control where specific keys can be marked as protected (requiring elevated privileges) while other keys remain accessible to standard users. This selective approach allows standard users to operate with ease for permitted operations while maintaining security for critical registry areas.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If registry access is blocked for standard users to prevent malware, then security is improved, but productivity deteriorates as legitimate operations cannot be performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the registry access control into multiple categories by defining different rules for different registry keys. Protected keys (such as those containing critical system information) are segmented from accessible keys (such as those for application configuration). The registry filter driver then applies different security levels to each segment, blocking access to protected keys while permitting access to accessible keys, thereby preventing malware while maintaining productivity for legitimate operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the registry filter driver monitors and evaluates each registry access request against predefined rules. When a standard user attempts to access a protected key, the driver receives feedback about the access attempt, evaluates it against security rules, and responds by blocking the access. For legitimate access attempts to permitted keys, the feedback mechanism allows the operation to proceed. This feedback loop enables the system to distinguish between malicious and legitimate operations.
3Reliability
If a registry filter driver is implemented to control access, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The registry filter driver is designed to operate autonomously by implementing self-service functionality. The driver includes an evaluation component that automatically assesses registry access requests against predefined rules without requiring continuous external intervention. The system maintains its own state information about protected keys and access rules, enabling it to independently make security decisions. This self-service capability reduces the operational complexity of managing the system while maintaining high security standards.
Data Source
AI summary
A computer device performs operations for managing registry access. The computing device can identify a registry operation requested by a user process. The computing device can perform an evaluation of a registry operation requested by the user process using at least one registry access rule. The computing device can generate a custom message to the user process. The computing device can determine an action based on the evaluation. The action can include one of blocking the registry operation in relation to a particular key in a registry of the operating system, and enabling access to a particular key in the registry of the operating system to perform the requested registry operation.