Runtime Execution Data Extraction in Cloud Containers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in extracting and analyzing runtime software execution information in cloud environments, particularly in large-scale systems, due to the transient nature of containers and the complexity of modern software development, making it difficult to monitor performance and security, and acquire forensic data post-incident.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method for collecting and analyzing runtime software execution information by tracing operating system functions, instrumenting system calls, and using software artifacts to identify and extract relevant data, including file, memory, and system call information, enabling real-time monitoring and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If log file analysis is used to extract runtime information, then information can be collected, but it is impossible to extract relevant information when software is executed because logs are only generated for specific functionalities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by installing instrumentation code and agents into the software and container image repositories before the software is executed. This instrumentation is prepared in advance so that when the software runs, the collection unit can automatically trace system calls and collect execution information without requiring post-hoc log configuration or manual intervention.
2Measurement precision
If debugging tools are used to extract execution information, then detailed software behavior can be analyzed, but it is difficult to use debugging tools in actual software execution environments because they are designed for development phase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the essential functionality of debugging tools by separating the information collection capability from the development-phase debugging context. The collection unit and analysis unit are extracted as independent components that can operate in production environments, collecting and analyzing execution information without requiring the full debugging tool suite or development environment setup.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using agents embedded within the container images and the collection unit as a mediator between the executing software and the analysis system. This intermediary layer allows execution information to be captured transparently during normal operation without requiring direct intervention from external debugging tools.
3Productivity
If system-monitoring tools are used to monitor software execution, then system performance can be analyzed, but it is difficult to extract required information from software-execution-related resources
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the collection unit to perform multiple functions: it traces system calls, monitors file operations, tracks memory access, and collects software component information all through a unified instrumentation approach. This multi-functional collection unit can extract diverse execution information from various software resources without requiring separate specialized tools for each type of data.
4Measurement precision
If memory analysis tools are used to extract execution information, then detailed memory-related data can be obtained, but they have limitations in real-time analysis of large-scale systems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the information collection and analysis functions into distinct modular units: the collection unit that traces and gathers data, and the analysis unit that processes the collected information. This segmentation allows the system to handle large-scale real-time analysis by processing information in manageable segments rather than requiring monolithic analysis of entire memory spaces.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein is an apparatus and method for extracting and analyzing runtime software execution information. The apparatus may include a collection unit for collecting execution-related data by tracing functions of an operating system on which software is executed or access to data and an analysis unit for generating required information by analyzing the collected execution-related data.