Script Interpreter for Storage Device Security
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing storage devices with embedded microprocessors face security risks due to external agents potentially misusing programming capabilities, leading to unintended and potentially malicious impairment of device operations.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a storage device with a script interpreter that enforces strict ordering of script execution and rolls back changes if commands violate predefined safe commands, ensuring only authorized and deterministic execution of scripts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If external agents are allowed to program the storage device processor through scripting capabilities, then computational flexibility and functionality are improved, but security risks and device reliability deteriorate due to potential malicious or accidental impairment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the command set into two distinct categories: safe commands that can be executed within scripts and unsafe commands that are blocked. This segmentation allows the system to provide scripting flexibility while maintaining security by preventing execution of potentially harmful operations. The controller interprets each command and determines whether it belongs to the safe category before allowing execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the controller's command interpretation logic) between the script execution engine and the processor's command execution. This intermediary validates commands against the safe command set before allowing execution, thereby mediating between the need for flexible scripting and the requirement for secure operation. The intermediary prevents direct execution of unsafe commands while still allowing beneficial scripting functionality.
2Reliability
If a strict sequence of commands is enforced for security protocols, then device security is improved, but operational complexity and difficulty of implementation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through the controller's automatic command validation mechanism. Rather than requiring complex external validation logic or manual verification of command sequences, the controller autonomously interprets each command, checks it against the predefined safe command set, and either executes or blocks it automatically. This self-service approach enforces security protocols while keeping the implementation relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-defining the set of safe commands before script execution begins. This preliminary classification of commands into safe and unsafe categories allows the system to enforce security protocols efficiently during runtime without requiring complex real-time analysis. The security rules are established in advance, simplifying the runtime enforcement mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A storage device with hardened security features for safe execution of scripts has a storage medium, an interface, a set of safe commands, and a script interpreter. The interface is adapted to communicatively couple the storage device to a host system and to transport interface commands and information between the host system and the storage device. The set of safe commands is stored on the storage medium. The script interpreter is disposed within the storage device for processing scripts based on one or more received interface commands. The script interpreter is adapted to enforce a strict ordering of script execution and to terminate script execution and roll back any changes associated with the script execution if an interface command invokes a script in violation of the strict ordering.