Centralized SSH Key Rotation with Rollback
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Managing SSH keys in large network environments is challenging due to varied systems, untracked trusted relationships, lack of key usage information, insecure key policies, unrestricted key generation, and difficulties in key rotation with inadequate remedial mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A centralized key management system that discovers, stores, and manages SSH keys, implements policies, and performs key rotation with rollback functions, ensuring secure and compliant key usage across the network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If SSH keys are generated and managed across varied systems in large network environments, then authentication and security coverage is improved, but system complexity and management difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments key management into distinct functional modules: key generation, key distribution, key rotation, and key revocation. Each module operates independently and can be managed separately, reducing the complexity of handling keys across varied systems while maintaining comprehensive authentication coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a centralized key management system as an intermediary between SSH clients and servers. This mediator handles the complexity of key generation, distribution, and rotation automatically, allowing keys to be managed across varied systems without increasing operational complexity at the endpoint devices.
2Reliability
If key rotation is performed without rollback mechanisms, then security is improved through regular key updates, but system reliability deteriorates due to inability to recover from rotation failures
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements rollback mechanisms that prepare backup key pairs before rotation occurs. If rotation fails or causes issues, the system can quickly revert to the previous key pair, cushioning against the harmful effects of rotation failures and maintaining continuous system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The key rotation system incorporates feedback loops that monitor rotation success and system responsiveness. If rotation fails or authentication issues arise, the system receives feedback and automatically initiates rollback procedures, ensuring reliability while maintaining security updates.
3Reliability
If centralized key management is implemented, then key management compliance and security are improved, but device complexity increases due to additional management infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized key management system provides self-service capabilities where clients automatically retrieve keys, perform rotations, and manage their own authentication without manual intervention. This reduces the operational complexity at each device while maintaining centralized compliance and security control.
Solution Approach 2:
The key management infrastructure is designed as a universal platform that handles multiple functions: key generation, distribution, rotation, revocation, and compliance monitoring. By consolidating these functions into a single multi-functional system, the patent reduces overall infrastructure complexity compared to separate specialized systems.
4Reliability
If comprehensive key discovery and tracking is implemented, then security posture is improved through better visibility, but system complexity increases due to monitoring and auditing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically discovering and cataloging all SSH keys during the key generation and distribution process. This preliminary cataloging establishes a complete inventory before issues arise, providing visibility into the security posture without requiring continuous complex monitoring operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The key management system incorporates feedback mechanisms that automatically track key usage, distribution, and rotation events. This feedback provides comprehensive visibility into security posture while the automated nature of the tracking reduces operational complexity compared to manual monitoring approaches.
Data Source
AI summary
Example embodiments include centralized systems for managing cryptographic keys and trust relationships among systems. Embodiments may include a centralized key store and a centralized policy store. Key sets comprising public/private keys may be stored in or identified by key objects. Key objects within the key store may be organized into trust sets and policies may apply at any level within the key store. Policies may identify when to rotate key sets. When rotating key sets, a new public key and a new private key may be generated. The new public/private keys may be installed at locations where the old public/private keys reside. As the new public/private keys are installed, they may be tested. If problems with the new public/private keys occur, the new public/private keys may be rolled back to the old public/private keys for locations experiencing problems. Remedial action may then be taken to resolve the problems.