Secure Memory Access System for Hyper Management Mode
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing memory access systems are vulnerable to intentional and accidental corruption of memory access type assignments, particularly in Hyper Management Mode memory ranges, leading to potential disruptions in critical operations and data availability.
Innovation Solution
A secure memory access system that utilizes Memory Type Range Registers (MTRRs) and Programmable Attribute Table (PAT) to securely designate and protect memory access types for Hyper Management Mode memory ranges, preventing malicious or accidental alterations by hardwiring specific access types and storing settings securely before and after Hyper Management Mode operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If memory access types are designated using MTRRs and PAT, then memory access efficiency is improved, but vulnerability to intentional and accidental corruption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by detecting attempts to modify memory access types before the corruption can take effect. The system monitors writes to MTRR and PAT structures and prevents unauthorized modifications by identifying them as potential security threats before they can corrupt the memory access type assignments, thus maintaining both efficiency and security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms by continuously monitoring memory access type designations and comparing them against expected values. When deviations are detected, the system generates alerts and can trigger corrective actions, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains the integrity of memory access type assignments while preserving efficient access patterns.
2Adaptability or versatility
If memory access types are made flexible and programmable, then adaptability is improved, but susceptibility to malicious manipulation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by establishing security protocols and validation mechanisms before memory access type designations can be modified. The system pre-configures secure regions, sets up monitoring rules, and validates all modification attempts against established criteria, ensuring that flexibility is maintained only within secure boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security layer between the programmable memory access type system and potential malicious inputs. This intermediary validates and filters modification requests, allowing legitimate adaptability while blocking malicious manipulation attempts, thus mediating between flexibility and security requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If Hyper Management Mode operations are permitted, then system functionality is improved, but risk of unauthorized memory access type changes increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the memory management system into distinct secure and non-secure regions. Hyper Management Mode operations are confined to specific authorized memory ranges, and MTRR/PAT modifications are restricted to segmented secure areas. This segmentation allows full functionality within authorized boundaries while preventing unauthorized access type changes in protected regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements beforehand cushioning by creating protective barriers and validation layers prior to allowing Hyper Management Mode operations. Secure regions are pre-configured with protected status, and monitoring mechanisms are established in advance to detect and prevent unauthorized memory access type changes during HMM operations, cushioning the system against potential integrity violations.
Data Source
AI summary
A secure memory access system and method for providing secure access to Hyper Management Mode memory ranges is presented.