Reverse SSH Server Access via Integrated Console Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing server access and management methods, such as Secure Shell (SSH) and Pluggable Authentication Module (PAM), are inefficient and vulnerable to attacks, particularly in diverse and complex computing environments like cloud computing and IoT, leading to increased security threats and reduced user convenience.
Innovation Solution
A server management framework based on a reverse connection protocol, utilizing a reverse shell or SSH reverse tunneling, which allows access through an integrated console, enabling web authentication, multi-factor authentication, and real-time communication, while reducing attack vectors by avoiding port binding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSH and PAM are used for server access authentication, then user account and password verification can be handled, but the system becomes vulnerable to brute force and man-in-the-middle attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional SSH connection model by implementing reverse connection protocol where the server initiates connection to the client instead of client connecting to server. This inversion eliminates the need for binding specific ports on the server, thereby removing the attack vector while maintaining authentication functionality through the integrated console
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an integrated console as an intermediary component between the client and server. The integrated console handles authentication and connection management, replacing the direct SSH client-server authentication mechanism. This intermediary approach enables web authentication, multi-factor authentication, and other enhanced security measures without requiring traditional SSH port binding
2Reliability
If additional security measures such as blocking root login, blocking remote access, and changing ports are implemented, then security against brute force attacks is improved, but user convenience and work productivity are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By inverting the connection initiation direction to server-initiated reverse connection, the system eliminates the need for traditional SSH port binding and root login restrictions. The integrated console provides a web-based interface that maintains security while allowing convenient access without requiring users to configure complex security measures
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated console serves as a universal access point that supports multiple authentication methods including web authentication and multi-factor authentication. This multi-functional approach consolidates various security and access control functions into a single interface, improving both security and user convenience simultaneously
3Adaptability or versatility
If PAM is used for authentication, then user authentication and authorization can be controlled, but it becomes difficult to apply enhanced authentication technologies immediately due to SPI implementation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the authentication functionality from the PAM framework and relocates it to the integrated console. This extraction eliminates the dependency on PAM's SPI mechanism, allowing enhanced authentication technologies to be implemented directly in the console without requiring server-side SPI implementation or registration
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical PAM SPI registration system with a web-based authentication mechanism in the integrated console. This substitution eliminates the need for complex SPI programming and registration on the server side, while still providing robust authentication controls through web technologies
4Reliability
If SSH is used for server access, then encrypted communication channel is established, but the design is no longer efficient for current computing environment with cloud computing, IoT, and remote work
Solution Approach 1:
The reverse connection protocol inverts the traditional SSH client-server model to server-client initialization. This inversion enables the system to adapt to modern cloud computing, IoT, and remote work scenarios where servers need to initiate connections to various clients, while maintaining encrypted communication through the integrated console
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated console provides a universal platform that supports multiple authentication methods and communication protocols, making the system adaptable to diverse modern computing environments. The console handles authentication, connection management, and communication routing for various scenarios including cloud computing, IoT devices, and remote access
Data Source
AI summary
A server management framework based on a reverse connection protocol according to various embodiments of the present disclosure may include: a user device; an agent installed in a server; and an integrated console, wherein the agent may be configured to request communication connection to the integrated console by a reverse connection protocol according to a command received from the integrated console, the integrated console may be configured to receive an access request to the server from the user device, and transmit an address of a connection socket to the user device and the agent, and the agent may be configured to create a shell, and request communication connection for the address of the connection socket, in response to receiving the address of the connection socket from the integrated console, and the user device and the server may be configured to be communication-connected through the connection socket. Various other embodiments are possible.