Secure Virtual Machine for Confidential Key Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional content processing in computing environments faces challenges such as security vulnerabilities, inefficiencies, and power consumption issues due to reliance on central processing units for handling licensee keys and algorithms, which compromise confidentiality and reduce battery life during premium audio/video content playback.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a secure virtual machine on a processor to generate and manage keys for decrypting content, allowing confidential key handling and processing outside the central processing unit, thereby preventing exposure of sensitive information and optimizing processing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If content processing is carried out by discrete processors (CPU), then content decryption and processing can be performed, but security vulnerabilities arise due to exposure of confidential keys and algorithms inside the processor
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the processing architecture by introducing a secure virtual machine environment that is separate from the main CPU. The secure VM isolates confidential key and algorithm processing from the general-purpose CPU, creating distinct security zones. This segmentation allows the CPU to handle general tasks while the secure VM handles sensitive cryptographic operations, resolving the security vulnerability without requiring complete redesign of the processor architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The secure virtual machine acts as an intermediary between the CPU and the confidential key/algorithm processing. Instead of the CPU directly handling sensitive cryptographic materials, the secure VM mediates these operations, preventing exposure of confidential information to the main processor. This intermediary layer maintains security while allowing the CPU to continue its general-purpose functions.
2Reliability
If tamper resistance technologies are used in CPU execution, then some security protection is provided, but robust tamper-proof execution environment cannot be guaranteed from hypervisors or higher priority execution contexts
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the confidential key and algorithm processing entirely out of the virtualized CPU environment into a dedicated secure virtual machine. By removing the sensitive cryptographic operations from the hypervisor and higher-priority execution contexts, the system eliminates the security risks associated with virtualization layers. The secure VM provides a isolated execution environment that cannot be compromised by external virtualization mechanisms.
3Reliability
If CPU is used for content processing with tamper resistance and re-encryption processes, then content security is maintained, but excessive CPU utilization occurs leading to power waste and reduced battery life
Solution Approach 1:
The secure virtual machine provides self-service for cryptographic operations by maintaining its own isolated execution environment and security mechanisms. Instead of relying on the CPU's general-purpose security features, the secure VM independently manages its own security context, key storage, and cryptographic processing. This self-contained approach eliminates the need for continuous CPU intervention and associated power consumption while maintaining security.
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus, system, method, and computer program product are provided for executing a program provided a second party utilizing a processor to generate keys for decrypting content of a third party. In operation, content and a program to confidentially generate keys for decrypting the content of the third party are received at a processor. Additionally, the second party's program is executed utilizing the processor-derived keys to decrypts the third party's content.