Signed Container Image Signature Embedding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing container-based computation frameworks face challenges in efficiently verifying the authenticity and integrity of container images, particularly due to the need for maintaining separate registries for signatures and frequent signature updates when images are moved between repositories, leading to high computational and storage burdens.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where a signed container image is generated by adding a manifest layer and a digital signature layer to the base container image, allowing verification of authenticity and integrity directly from the image without requiring a separate signature registry, and enabling signature verification to be independent of the hosting registry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate registry is maintained for storing container image signatures, then the authenticity and integrity verification of container images is enabled, but the storage footprint and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the signature data with the container image by embedding the signature as an additional layer within the image itself. This eliminates the need for a separate signature registry, reducing storage footprint and system complexity while maintaining verification capability. The signature layer is integrated into the image structure, allowing worker nodes to verify authenticity directly from the image data.
2Adaptability or versatility
If container images are moved between repositories, then image sharing and deployment flexibility is improved, but signature updates are required which increase computational burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by embedding the signature within the image structure before the image is moved between repositories. Since the signature is embedded as part of the image itself rather than stored externally, no signature update or re-verification is needed when the image is relocated. The signature travels with the image, eliminating computational overhead during image porting operations.
3Productivity
If multiple images are deployed to a new registry, then cloud-based container hosting is enabled, but the computational cost of updating all signatures increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the signature from the external registry storage and embeds it directly within each image's layer structure. This extraction of the signature from the separate registry system eliminates the need for bulk signature updates during massive deployments. Each image carries its own signature, allowing parallel deployment of multiple images without sequential signature update operations, thereby reducing overall computational cost.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a method for generating a signed container image from a base container image comprising a plurality of container image layers, and for pushing said signed container image to an image registry of a container hosting environment. The environment comprises a pipeline server of an image provider, a master node configured for acting as orchestrator and a plurality of worker nodes configured for running a container instantiating said signed container image after pulling said signed container image from said image registry. The pipeline server generates a signed container image by adding a first layer and a second layer to said base container image, said first layer comprising a manifest of said base container image and said second layer comprising a digital signature of a digest of said manifest generated using a private key of said image provider, and pushing said signed container image to said image registry.