Secure Processing Module Key Ladder Content Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing content protection systems require custom key handling implementations, which are costly and increase security risks due to potential attack vectors, complicating the release of new devices with secure content protection.
Innovation Solution
A device with a secure processing module that uses a key ladder storage module and secure key storage to derive and manage content keys uniformly across different content protection systems, reducing the need for custom programming and enhancing security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If custom key handling implementations are used for each content protection system, then content protection security is maintained, but device complexity and development cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal key handling module that can process multiple content protection systems (Adobe Access, Widevine, Marlin) through a single standardized interface. The key ladder data structure and derivation process are designed to be system-agnostic, allowing one firmware implementation to serve multiple DRM platforms without requiring separate custom implementations for each system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a standardized key ladder interface as an intermediary layer between the secure processing module and various content protection systems. This intermediary standardizes key derivation operations, allowing different content protection systems to communicate through a common protocol while maintaining their specific security requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple customized firmware modules are implemented, then specific content protection requirements are met, but attack vectors increase and security review becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
By implementing a single universal key handling module that supports multiple content protection systems, the patent reduces the number of firmware modules from many customized versions to one standardized implementation. This universal module has been thoroughly reviewed and validated, eliminating the security risks associated with multiple custom modules while maintaining compatibility with various DRM platforms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies homogeneity by using a consistent key ladder data structure and derivation process across all content protection systems. Instead of having heterogeneous custom implementations for each system, the same standardized procedures are used universally, making security review more manageable and reducing the likelihood of implementation vulnerabilities.
3Reliability
If custom key handling programming is performed for each device, then content protection is tailored to specific systems, but time and cost to release new devices increase
Solution Approach 1:
The universal key handling module eliminates the need for time-consuming custom programming for each device and content protection system combination. The standardized implementation can be deployed across multiple devices and systems without modification, dramatically accelerating the device release process while maintaining effective content protection through proven security mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-defining the key ladder data structure and derivation processes in a standardized format during the design phase. This preliminary standardization allows rapid deployment to multiple devices without requiring custom programming for each implementation, speeding up the device release timeline while ensuring consistent security effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure is directed to content protection key management. In general, devices may include secure processing resources configured to derive content keys (e.g., for use in decrypting secure content) using key ladders. In one embodiment, a device may comprise, for example, at least a secure processing module to derive content keys for use in decrypting secure content. The secure processing module may include, for example, a key ladder storage module and a secure key storage module. The key ladder storage module may be to store at least one key ladder for use in deriving at least one content key. The secure key storage module may be to store the at least one content key derived using the key ladder.