Security-Aware Access Tokens for Granular Database Authentication
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing database systems lack robust security measures beyond initial authentication, allowing malicious entities to access unauthorized data and compromising data integrity due to the complexity of their architecture.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a proxy layer with a gateway that uses secure context tokens to control access to database compartments, enabling granular permission management and extending token validity through trusted services.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a login protocol is implemented for user authentication, then access control to the platform is improved, but the system remains vulnerable to credential theft and unauthorized access
Solution Approach 1:
The authentication system is segmented into multiple independent layers: application layer authentication, proxy layer validation, and database layer access control. Each layer operates independently to provide defense in depth, so that compromise of one layer does not result in complete system vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
A proxy layer is introduced as an intermediary component between the application layer and database layer. This proxy validates authentication credentials and manages access tokens, preventing direct access to the database and blocking malicious entities even when application layer credentials are compromised.
2Ease of operation
If access permissions are granted to users, then data accessibility is improved, but users may circumvent measures to access restricted data
Solution Approach 1:
The access control system adds a new dimensional layer of validation at the proxy level, independent of application layer permissions. The proxy maintains its own authorization rules and validates each request against these rules, creating a multi-dimensional access control matrix that prevents circumvention through single-point failures.
3Reliability
If multiple security layers are implemented, then data security is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The proxy layer is designed as a universal security component that handles multiple functions: authentication validation, authorization checking, token management, and access control enforcement. By consolidating these security functions into a single multi-functional proxy, the system reduces overall complexity compared to distributing security logic across multiple specialized components.
Data Source
AI summary
Presented herein are systems and methods of generating security-aware tokens. A token may include (i) a first signature encrypted by the second service and (ii) an identification of the plurality of databases accessible using the first token. When a processor determines that the token is valid, the processor may generate a second signature using an encryption key of the first service and a third signature using the shared key of the second service. Thereby a second token derivative of the first token can be created to include (i) the second signature of the first service, (ii) the third signature generated from the shared key of the second service, and (iii) the identification of the plurality of databases accessible using the second token.