Selective Encryption for Workload Definition Files
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing workload configuration systems in virtual computing environments face security risks due to the ability of control planes to modify workload definition files, which can lead to malicious access and compromise of worker nodes, while encrypting the entire file for security purposes results in performance degradation.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a selectively encrypted workload definition file with immutable, partially immutable, and variable definitions, where immutable parts are encrypted and unalterable, partially immutable parts are adjustable within predefined ranges for scheduling efficiency, and variable parts are fully configurable by the master node.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the entire workload definition file is encrypted to prevent malicious access, then security is improved, but performance degradation occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The workload definition file is segmented into three distinct parts: immutable definitions (encrypted), partially immutable definitions (with predefined ranges), and variable definitions (fully configurable). This segmentation allows selective encryption of only the critical immutable portions while leaving other parts in plaintext, thereby maintaining security for essential components while avoiding performance degradation from encrypting the entire file.
Solution Approach 2:
Different security levels are applied to different parts of the workload definition file based on their specific requirements. The immutable definitions receive strong encryption protection, while partially immutable and variable definitions have progressively lower security restrictions. This local quality approach ensures that security measures are applied precisely where needed without unnecessarily impacting overall system performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the control plane can modify workload definition files for scheduling efficiency, then adaptability is improved, but security risks increase due to potential malicious alterations
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic modification permissions where the control plane can modify workload definition files according to predefined rules. Immutable definitions cannot be modified, partially immutable definitions can be modified only within predefined ranges, and variable definitions can be freely modified. This dynamic approach enables the control plane to adapt workload configurations for scheduling efficiency while maintaining security boundaries.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates verification mechanisms where worker nodes decrypt immutable definitions and verify that modified partially immutable definitions satisfy predefined ranges before execution. This feedback loop ensures that modifications made by the control plane adhere to security constraints, preventing malicious alterations while allowing legitimate scheduling adjustments.
Data Source
AI summary
Described are techniques for secure workload configuration including a method comprising receiving a workload definition file at a worker node and from a master node, where the workload definition file comprises an encrypted immutable definition, a partially immutable definition with a predefined range of values and a first value modified by the master node, and a variable definition with a second value modified by the master node. The method further comprises decrypting, by the worker node, the encrypted immutable definition to generate a decrypted immutable definition. The method further comprises verifying, by the worker node, that the first value satisfies the predefined range of values. The method further comprises, in response to decrypting the encrypted immutable definition and verifying that the first value satisfies the predefined range of values, executing a workload based on the workload definition file in a virtual computing environment.