Remote Recovery Key Management via Local Storage and Cryptographic Wrapping
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Solution Overview
Problem
In enterprise computing environments, managing recovery keys for multiple TPM-enabled computer systems located remotely is challenging due to the need for immediate possession of keys by administrators for authentication during boot or reconfiguration processes.
Innovation Solution
The recovery key is stored locally on the computer system, accessible through a remote administrator, and can be cryptographically wrapped for additional security, allowing it to be managed efficiently and securely without the remote administrator needing to possess every key.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the recovery key is stored locally on the computer system, then the security and efficiency of key management is improved, but the complexity of managing access control to the key increases
Solution Approach 1:
A remote administrator system acts as an intermediary between the TPM processor and the recovery key stored in local memory. The administrator can remotely access and manage the recovery key through the network, eliminating the need for physical possession while maintaining security through controlled access protocols.
Solution Approach 2:
The system separates the recovery key storage from the TPM processor, placing the key in local memory while the TPM retains authentication authority. This segmentation allows the key to be stored locally for efficiency while access control is managed separately through the remote administrator interface.
2Reliability
If the recovery key is stored in a hidden partition, then the security of the key is improved, but the difficulty of accessing the key when needed increases
Solution Approach 1:
The partition containing the recovery key is dynamically hidden or unhidden through memory mapping based on operational needs. During normal operation, the partition remains hidden for security. When key management is required, the partition is unhidden to allow access, then re-hidden afterward, providing both security and accessibility.
3Reliability
If the recovery key is cryptographically wrapped, then the security layer is improved, but the complexity of key retrieval and authentication increases
Solution Approach 1:
The recovery key is pre-wrapped with cryptographic protection during system initialization or key generation. This preliminary cryptographic processing ensures that the key is secured before any potential security threats arise, and the wrapping mechanism is established once rather than repeatedly during each authentication event.
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for managing the recovery key of a computer system is disclosed. The computer system includes a security layer, and the recovery key is stored locally to a memory location on the computer system, including, as examples, flash memory on the motherboard of the computer system or a USB port on the computer system. In operation, when it becomes necessary for the computer system to authenticate the recovery key, the recovery key may be retrieved from the local memory. The retrieval and storage of the recovery key may be managed by a remote administrator. The recovery key may be stored in a hidden partition in the storage location, and the recovery key may be cryptographically wrapped to add an additional layer of security.