Secure Module Build Center Whitelist Validation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computing systems are vulnerable to malicious attacks when building modules, as malicious commands can be embedded in makefile data, leading to damage or theft of proprietary data, and current security measures like firewalls can be overcome, posing a risk to module build centers.
Innovation Solution
A secure module building apparatus and method that includes a coordination server and build server with a module build compiler and wrapper linker, which scans makefile data against a whitelist to generate and distribute modules, ensuring only valid commands are executed, and proprietary data is protected within a secure root.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If makefile data is accepted from consumer computing systems to build modules, then module customization and functionality are improved, but the system becomes vulnerable to malicious commands embedded in the makefile data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by scanning and validating makefile data against a whitelist of authorized commands before the module build process begins. The coordination server intercepts makefile data, performs security validation, and only permits builds with authorized commands, preventing malicious commands from executing while maintaining module customization capabilities
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary security validation layer between the consumer computing system and the module build process. The coordination server acts as a mediator that receives makefile data, validates commands against a whitelist, and controls the build process, thereby filtering out malicious commands while allowing legitimate customization
2Productivity
If proprietary source files are made accessible for module compilation, then module build capability is improved, but the risk of data theft and unauthorized access increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the system into distinct security zones: a secure root containing proprietary source files with restricted access, and a public root for untrusted operations. The build server can only access proprietary files through controlled interfaces, allowing module compilation while preventing unauthorized data access
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by implementing different access permissions for different locations in the system. Proprietary source files in the secure root have restricted access permissions, while the public root allows broader access for build operations. This location-based permissioning enables productive access where needed while protecting sensitive areas
3Reliability
If a whitelist validation system is implemented to filter commands, then security against malicious commands is improved, but the complexity of the build system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses copying by maintaining a whitelist copy of authorized commands that can be efficiently referenced during validation. Instead of complex analysis of each command, the system copies and compares against the predefined whitelist, simplifying the validation logic while maintaining high security reliability
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a secure module build center, configured generate modules corresponding to consumer computing systems that each run one of a plurality of operating system types and versions. The center has a coordination server that receives configuration and makefile data associated with one of the consumer computing systems, places the data in a queue, and provides a built module to the one of the consumer computing systems; and a build server that receives the data from the queue, and generates the built module based on commands within the makefile data.