Sidecar UDF Security Framework for Data Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security models struggle to effectively protect data sources from unauthorized access and complex administration, especially in cloud computing and microservices architectures, where multiple users with varying authorization levels access secure databases.
Innovation Solution
A sidecar system is implemented to provide a protective layer for data sources by processing and rewriting queries to include user-defined functions (UDFs) stored locally at the data source, ensuring dynamic enforcement of security policies and business logic without modifying core application code.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security models with secure perimeters are used to protect data sources, then data security is provided, but administration becomes complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts security enforcement logic from the core database system by implementing User-Defined Functions (UDFs) that can be independently stored, managed, and executed. These UDFs are separated from the main database engine, allowing security policies to be administered independently from the core database administration, thereby reducing overall administrative complexity while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer (the UDF mechanism) between the database engine and security policies. This intermediary allows security logic to be enforced without requiring direct modification of the database core, simplifying administration by providing a dedicated interface for security management that mediates between security requirements and database operations.
2Ease of operation
If multiple users with different authorization levels are granted access to secure databases, then data accessibility is improved, but tracking user activities becomes challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through UDFs that automatically log and track user activities. When UDFs are executed during database operations, they provide feedback about who accessed what data and when, creating an automatic audit trail that simplifies user activity tracking while maintaining multiple user access levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The UDF mechanism enables self-service security tracking where the system automatically monitors and records user activities without requiring external oversight. The UDFs embedded in the database automatically capture access information, making user activity tracking a self-executing function rather than a manual administrative task.
3Reliability
If security policies are enforced through application code modification, then policy enforcement consistency is improved, but maintainability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments security policy enforcement into separate, reusable UDF components that can be independently developed, tested, and maintained. Instead of embedding security logic throughout application code, the segmentation approach allows security policies to be isolated in standalone functions that can be updated without modifying core application code, thereby improving maintainability while maintaining enforcement consistency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes in security policies by allowing UDFs to be configured and modified through database metadata rather than code changes. This allows security parameters to be adjusted dynamically without requiring application code recompilation or redeployment, improving maintainability while ensuring consistent enforcement through the same UDF execution mechanism.
4Reliability
If data tokenization and federated identity management are implemented, then security capabilities are enhanced, but compatibility with conventional databases deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing UDFs as a multi-functional mechanism that can accommodate various security capabilities including tokenization and federated identity management within a single database framework. The UDF interface is designed to be agnostic to specific security implementations, allowing different security mechanisms to be integrated without requiring separate database systems, thereby maintaining compatibility while enhancing security capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method, system, and computer system for obtaining responses to a query. The method includes: (a) receiving, at a sidecar, a communication for a data source, (b) determining, by the sidecar, a policy corresponding to the communication, the policy identifying a user-defined function (UDF) corresponding to the policy, the UDF being stored by the data source, and (c) invoking the UDF based on the policy using the sidecar.