Remote Privilege Elevation Without Shared Admin Credentials
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer systems face security vulnerabilities due to the use of shared administrative credentials, which can lead to unintended security breaches when credentials are compromised, and managing access to administrative functionality is challenging.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that utilizes an agent on client devices to request remote elevation of user privileges without requiring credentials, with a remote management system evaluating and approving or denying these requests based on predefined rules, and logging the actions for auditing purposes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If standard authentication credentials are used for privilege elevation, then users can perform administrative actions, but security is compromised when credentials are shared or stolen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the credential verification process from the local system and relocates it to a remote management server. Instead of relying on local credential storage and verification, the system sends elevation requests to a remote server that maintains credentials securely and returns approval/denial decisions, thereby removing credentials from vulnerable local environments
Solution Approach 2:
The remote management server acts as an intermediary between the local system and credential verification. Rather than directly using credentials locally, the system communicates through the remote server which mediates the authentication process, providing an additional security layer and enabling centralized credential management
2Ease of operation
If administrative credentials are shared among multiple users, then access to administrative functionality is enabled, but traceability and security are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback mechanisms where the remote management server logs all elevation requests, decisions, and associated user information. This creates an audit trail that provides feedback about who requested elevation, when it occurred, and what the outcome was, enabling full traceability of administrative actions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the administrative access model by creating individualized elevation requests for each user rather than using shared credentials. Each user's elevation request is processed separately with unique identification, dividing the monolithic credential system into granular, traceable individual access events
3Reliability
If manual credential entry is required for each administrative action, then security is maintained, but productivity and ease of operation decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication and credential verification actions through the remote management server before the actual administrative task begins. The server pre-approves or denies elevation requests based on predefined policies, so when the administrative action is needed, the credential verification has already been completed in advance
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service elevation where users can request privilege escalation without manual credential entry. The remote management server automatically processes these requests according to configured policies, allowing users to obtain elevated privileges through automated processes rather than manual authentication procedures
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for end user elevation and anonymous administrative login are disclosed. An agent executing on a client device can provide a graphical element within a user interface presented by the client device upon detection of a request for elevated user privileges. Upon an interaction with the graphical element, the agent transmits, to a server, data corresponding to the request for elevated user privileges, and receives, from the server, a message indicating approval of the request for elevated user privileges. The agent provides, to the operating system of the client device, an indication that the request for elevated user privileges is approved.