Remote Password Reset Using Encrypted Payload Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing password reset methods for information handling systems are impractical or insecure, especially in scenarios where physical access is not feasible, such as in datacenter environments, and there is a need for secure password resets over untrusted communication channels.
Innovation Solution
A method involving an encrypted payload with a wrapped key and cryptographic signature is used to securely reset passwords on information handling systems, utilizing a public-private key infrastructure to ensure only the target system can decrypt and execute the reset command.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If physical visit to the system is required for password reset, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (encrypted payload with wrapped key and cryptographic signature) that mediates between the remote user and the target system. This intermediary allows secure password reset without physical presence by using cryptographic primitives to establish trust over untrusted networks, thus resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical system (physical visit to the device) with a cryptographic/digital system (encrypted payload transmission). By substituting physical presence with cryptographic verification, the system achieves both security (through cryptographic signatures) and ease of operation (through remote execution), resolving the technical contradiction
2Ease of operation
If default password is printed on label, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the password reset functionality from the physical device (where it would be visible on labels) and moves it to a remote execution model. The actual password reset command is contained within an encrypted payload that is transmitted and executed remotely, removing the security vulnerability of printed passwords while maintaining ease of operation through simplified remote access
3Ease of operation
If password reset is performed over untrusted network, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by pre-encrypting the reset command and wrapping the encryption key before transmission. The cryptographic signature is attached in advance to prevent tampering. This preliminary protective action ensures that even if the network is untrusted, the payload remains secure, thus enabling easy remote operation without compromising security
Data Source
AI summary
An information handling system may include at least one processor and a memory. The information handling system may be configured to: receive a password reset request associated with a machine identifier of a target information handling system; and in response to the password reset request, provide a payload, wherein the payload includes: an encrypted reset command encrypted with a first key; a wrapped version of the first key, wherein the wrapped version of the first key is encrypted with a public key associated with the target information handling system; and a cryptographic signature; wherein in response to receiving the payload, the target information handling system is configured to verify the cryptographic signature, unwrap the wrapped version of the first key with a private key associated with the public key, decrypt the encrypted reset command, and allow a password reset.