Runtime Agent Blocking Vulnerable Classes Before Patching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern software applications relying on open-source dependencies face challenges in efficiently and reliably mitigating vulnerabilities due to complex patching processes, difficulty in determining actual usage of dependencies, and inefficiencies in governance and compliance processes, leading to potential security risks and resource overhead.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a runtime agent that intercepts and blocks vulnerable code execution within a runtime environment, using a configuration file to manage and update lists of vulnerable classes, methods, and functions, allowing for flexible and efficient vulnerability management without impairing system operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If patching is performed to resolve vulnerabilities, then security reliability is improved, but time consumption and resource overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by blocking vulnerable code at runtime before it can be executed, rather than waiting for patches to be applied. The runtime agent intercepts attempts to load vulnerable classes, methods, or functions and prevents their execution, effectively mitigating vulnerabilities in advance of actual patching operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The runtime agent acts as an intermediary between the vulnerable code and the execution environment. It sits in the execution path and intercepts calls to vulnerable components, blocking them before they can cause harm. This mediator approach allows security control without modifying the original vulnerable code or requiring immediate patching.
2Reliability
If patching is performed to resolve vulnerabilities, then security reliability is improved, but complexity of the patching process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the security control function from the patching process itself. Instead of modifying the vulnerable code through patches, the runtime agent separates the blocking function as a distinct mechanism that operates independently. This extraction simplifies the overall process by decoupling security mitigation from code modification.
Solution Approach 2:
The runtime agent provides self-service security control by automatically intercepting and blocking vulnerable code based on configuration rules. It autonomously manages the security function without requiring manual patching operations, reducing the complexity burden on developers and operations teams.
3Reliability
If dependency patching is attempted, then vulnerability mitigation is improved, but difficulty in determining actual usage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The runtime agent provides feedback by actually observing and measuring whether vulnerable code is attempted to be loaded and executed. It monitors the runtime behavior and can detect when vulnerable classes, methods, or functions are referenced, providing concrete evidence of actual usage rather than relying on static analysis or assumptions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system takes preliminary action by blocking vulnerable code at the point of execution attempt, before any harmful effect can occur. This allows direct observation and measurement of usage patterns as code is intercepted, providing clear data on whether and how vulnerable dependencies are actually used in the application.
Data Source
AI summary
A runtime agent that is executable on a virtual machine may obtain one or more identifiers that correspond to one or more software classes from a first configuration file that is configured for the runtime agent. The runtime agent may monitor for loading of the one or more software classes by a first computer program that is being executed on the virtual machine. Further, the runtime agent may execute one or more actions based on detecting the loading of the one or more software classes by the first computer program where the one or more actions may impact the execution of the first computer program on the virtual machine.