Automated Security Benchmark Compliance via Parameterized Directives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Configuring computing systems to comply with security benchmarks like STIGs is complex and prone to human error due to the need for manual input of granular command line directives, which can lead to errors in setting configuration parameters.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that utilize a command line shell with a task automation framework to store and populate parameterized operating system directives, automatically invoking them to establish configuration settings, thus ensuring security benchmark compliance without manual editing of scripts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual command line directives are used for security benchmark compliance, then granular control over configuration parameters is achieved, but human error increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary system that sits between the user and the command line shell. This intermediary automatically generates and executes parameterized operating system directives, eliminating the need for users to manually input commands while preserving granular control over configuration parameters. The intermediary translates high-level compliance requirements into specific command line directives without exposing users to the complexity and error-proneness of manual command entry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service automation where the compliance tool automatically performs configuration tasks without requiring manual intervention. The tool retrieves parameterized directives, populates them with appropriate values, and executes them through the command line shell autonomously. This self-service approach maintains precision while eliminating human error in command input and parameter configuration.
2Ease of manufacture
If pre-constructed scripts are provided for manual editing, then benchmark compliance is facilitated, but opportunities for error introduction increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the error-prone manual editing step from the compliance process. Instead of providing scripts for users to edit, the system automatically retrieves pre-defined parameterized directives and populates them with appropriate values programmatically. This extraction eliminates the intermediary editing step where errors typically occur, while still facilitating compliance through automated script generation and execution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-defining parameterized operating system directives with placeholders for specific values. These templates are prepared in advance and automatically populated with correct values based on the target system's requirements. This preliminary preparation ensures that the actual execution phase requires no manual intervention, thereby preventing error introduction while maintaining compliance facilitation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If command line shells are used for configuration, then flexibility in setting parameters is achieved, but the complexity of the process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal compliance framework that can handle multiple security benchmarks and configuration scenarios through a single automated interface. The system retrieves and executes parameterized directives that cover various configuration needs, providing adaptability across different compliance requirements without requiring users to learn or manage multiple complex command line processes. The multi-functional approach simplifies the user experience while maintaining configuration flexibility.
Data Source
AI summary
Guard-railed security benchmark compliance assurance includes storing in memory of a computer a multiplicity of specific parameter values, retrieving from memory, different parameterized operating system directives arranged together in a programmatic module, populating different parameters of the directives with respective ones of the stored specific parameter values and invoking each of the directives with the populated different parameters through a command line shell of an operating system executing in the computer, each invocation establishing a different configuration setting in a computing environment hosted by the computer.