Hypervisor Loader Authentication for Secure UEFI Launch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hypervisor launch processes are insecure, relying heavily on Unified Extensible Firmware Interface (UEFI) code bases, which can compromise the integrity of the hypervisor and the virtual machines it creates.
Innovation Solution
A secure launch process for hypervisors that involves authenticating and configuring the hypervisor loader to execute before any non-secure code, establishing a hardware-based root of trust, and validating security credentials to ensure the hypervisor's integrity, including platform details retrieval and storage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If UEFI code base is used for hypervisor launch, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a preliminary secure launch process that validates the hypervisor binary code before execution. A secure hypervisor loader authenticates the binary code using security credentials (digital signatures) from a trusted authority before allowing the hypervisor to execute. This preliminary validation ensures that only authenticated hypervisor code runs on the system, establishing security before the main operation begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a secure hypervisor loader as an intermediary component between the UEFI code base and the hypervisor binary code. This loader acts as a mediator that performs authentication and validation functions, separating the convenience of UEFI from the security requirements of hypervisor execution. The loader verifies security credentials and ensures trusted execution before transferring control to the hypervisor.
2Reliability
If secure launch process is implemented, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the hypervisor launch process into distinct phases: (1) secure hypervisor loader execution, (2) binary code authentication, (3) security credential validation, and (4) hypervisor execution. This segmentation allows each component to have a specific security function, making the overall system more manageable and maintainable despite the increased complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure hypervisor loader performs self-validation by authenticating its own binary code using embedded security credentials. The hypervisor binary code contains digital signatures from a trusted authority, and the loader automatically verifies these credentials without requiring external intervention. This self-service approach reduces the need for additional complex verification infrastructure.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates to securely launching a hypervisor and subsequently validating that the hypervisor was securely launched. As is described herein, once a hypervisor has been initialized or has otherwise launched, a verification operation is performed. The verification operation may be used to ensure that the hypervisor was securely launched. When it is determined that the hypervisor was securely launched, one or more platform details are obtained. These platform details may then be stored in a memory device.