Security Processor Debug Token Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Communication devices lack a secure internal clock, which compromises the security system by preventing the secure expiration of access tokens used for debugging privileges, allowing unauthorized access and potential hacker exploitation.
Innovation Solution
A security processor manages the lifetime of access tokens and updates the remaining lifetime during each command processing, using a periodic 'heartbeat' or status check to ensure secure expiration and enforcement of debugging privileges, even without a secure internal clock.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If debugging privileges are activated without a secure internal clock, then developers can access debugging features, but the access token cannot be securely expired leading to security compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an external time synchronization mechanism as an intermediary to provide time information to the communication device. Instead of relying on an insecure internal clock, the device queries a trusted time server to obtain the current time, which then enables secure expiration of access tokens while maintaining debugging functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/internal clock system with an external time synchronization mechanism. Rather than using a local insecure timer, the system substitutes it with network-based time acquisition from a trusted source, thereby eliminating the security vulnerability while preserving the ability to manage access token lifetimes.
2Duration of action of moving object
If access token lifetime is extended, then debugging can be performed longer, but security risk increases due to prolonged access window
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system continuously monitors the current time from the external time server and compares it against the access token's expiration time. This feedback loop enables dynamic management of the debugging session, allowing the system to enforce strict time-based expiration policies that balance operational needs with security requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, device and system for securely managing debugging processes within a communication device, such as a set top box or other multimedia processing device. For example, a security processor (SP) within the communication device manages the lifetime (LT) of any access token issued for use in activating debugging privileges within the communication device. The security processor authenticates an issued access token and securely delivers appropriate debug authorization information to the device controller. The security processor uses its secure, internal timer to count down the lifetime and update the remaining lifetime of the issued access token during the processing of each command by the security processor. In addition to securely managing the issuance of the access token and it's remaining lifetime, the updating process reduces any impact on the normal communications within the device. The method overcomes the issue of the communication device not having a secure internal clock.