Secrets Swapping in Source Code via External Manager
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Solution Overview
Problem
Applications and services often inadvertently include private and confidential information in their source code or configuration files, making them vulnerable when pushed to publicly accessible environments, which can lead to security breaches if accessed by malicious actors.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced to identify and export secrets from source code to a secrets manager, replacing them with reference IDs, allowing applications to retrieve secrets at runtime while keeping sensitive information secure by preventing exposure in the code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If secrets are included in source code for application runtime access, then applications can access required confidential information, but security is compromised as malicious actors can access the secrets by examining the code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts secrets from the source code and stores them in an external secrets manager service. The source code only contains placeholder comments indicating where secrets should be retrieved, while the actual secret values are stored securely in the secrets manager. This separation eliminates security vulnerabilities in the codebase while maintaining application access to required secrets through the secrets manager API.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secrets manager service as an intermediary between the application and the secrets. The application retrieves secrets through this intermediary service rather than having them embedded in the code. The intermediary manages secret storage, retrieval, and lifecycle, providing secure access control and audit logging while the application simply requests secrets by name during runtime.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If secrets are removed from source code to enhance security, then unauthorized access is prevented, but applications lose the ability to access required confidential information
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal secrets manager service that handles multiple functions: secure secret storage, retrieval by name, automatic secret rotation, access logging, and integration with various application types. This multi-functional service replaces the need for hardcoding secrets while providing comprehensive security and operational capabilities in a single system.
Solution Approach 2:
The application performs self-service by automatically retrieving secrets from the secrets manager during runtime using placeholder comments as guides. The application code includes comments indicating which secrets are needed, and the secrets manager automatically provides the appropriate secret values without manual intervention, maintaining ease of operation while eliminating security risks.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system, and computer program product are provided for swapping secrets in source code. One or more secrets in source code are identified by scanning the source code. The set of the one or more secrets are exported to a secrets manager. A reference ID for each secret in the set of the one or more secrets is received from the secrets manager. The source code is injected to replace each secret from the set of the one or more secrets with the corresponding reference ID.