Rule-Based Query Control for Database Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current database management systems lack fine-grained control over query execution, often requiring costly and time-consuming access control techniques that offer limited flexibility and are typically implemented on a case-by-case basis, failing to provide administrators with sufficient tools to manage user queries effectively.
Innovation Solution
A system that receives and stores access control rules, allowing for user-defined rules beyond validation rules, applies these rules to queries to determine actions such as execution, limiting conditions, or rejection, and presents warnings, enabling administrators to manage query execution through a rules engine, query processor, and validator.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If access control techniques give administrators full control over queries made to databases, then security and performance control are improved, but flexibility for users to construct queries tailored to their individual purposes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system is segmented into multiple independent rules, each addressing specific query aspects (data sources, operations, result limits, timing). This segmentation allows administrators to control specific query dimensions while leaving other dimensions flexible for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The access control rules are designed to be dynamic and context-aware, evaluating queries against multiple criteria (user role, query type, time of day, data sensitivity) to provide adaptive control that balances security requirements with user flexibility on a case-by-case basis.
2Measurement precision
If access control techniques implement restrictions on a case-by-case basis, then control precision is improved, but development and maintenance cost deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system implements a universal rule engine that handles multiple query types, users, and scenarios through a single standardized framework. Rules can be reused across different contexts, eliminating the need to develop separate case-by-case solutions and reducing maintenance burden.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameterized rules where control precision is achieved by adjusting rule parameters (thresholds, time windows, data categories) rather than creating entirely new rules for each case. This allows high precision control with reusable rule templates.
3Adaptability or versatility
If access control techniques place few, if any, restrictions on queries, then user flexibility is improved, but security control and performance management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system acts as an intermediary layer between users and the database, using a rules engine to mediate query execution. This intermediary automatically evaluates queries against predefined rules and applies appropriate controls, providing both security and user flexibility without requiring restrictive administrative oversight of every query.
4Ease of operation
If administrators have high level control over information accessed by queries, then ease of operation is improved, but control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
High-level administrative control is segmented into multiple granular rule dimensions (data sources, operations, result limits, timing constraints). Administrators can configure rules at different levels of granularity, combining ease of high-level policy definition with precise control over specific query aspects through the segmented rule structure.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems for fine-grained control of query execution are disclosed. The system receives and stores access control rules to be applied to queries. The system applies access control rules to a received query to determine one or more actions corresponding to the received query. Based on the access control rules, the system can allow execution of the query without conditions, allow execution of the query under a set of conditions, or prevent execution of the query.