SSL Interception via Modular Control Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security systems face difficulties in inspecting SSL traffic for malware and hidden threats due to encryption, and existing SSL interception methods are computationally intensive and vulnerable to Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a client-facing and server-facing module that intercepts SSL traffic, establishes a data traffic channel, and provides a control message to obtain a security certificate, allowing unencrypted data to be inspected before re-encryption, thereby distributing the cryptographic load and avoiding additional connection establishment for control messages.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If SSL interception is implemented using multiple devices, then the cryptographic load is distributed and performance is improved, but the system complexity increases and additional communication overhead is introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The SSL interception system is divided into multiple functional modules: a first module for intercepting client requests and establishing secure connections, and a second module for obtaining security certificates from servers. This segmentation allows distribution of cryptographic operations across multiple devices while maintaining manageable system complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism where the first module communicates with the second module through control messages to coordinate SSL interception operations. This intermediary communication enables load distribution between multiple devices while simplifying the overall system architecture through standardized interaction protocols.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate control message connection is established before secure communication, then coordination between multiple devices is enabled, but the system becomes vulnerable to DDoS attacks and connection termination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control message transmission with the existing secure communication connection by embedding control messages within the SSL/TLS handshake process. This eliminates the need for separate control connections, maintaining coordination capability between multiple devices while avoiding DDoS vulnerability since no additional connection establishment is required.
Solution Approach 2:
The first module performs preliminary actions by intercepting client requests and initiating secure connections before the actual data transmission begins. Security certificates are obtained in advance through the integrated control mechanism, ensuring that all necessary coordination is completed before the main communication starts, thereby eliminating subsequent connection establishment steps that could be targeted by DDoS attacks.
3Reliability
If SSL traffic is encrypted, then communication security is improved, but inspection capability for malware and hidden threats is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces intermediary modules that act as trusted intermediaries between clients and servers. These modules intercept SSL traffic, decrypt it for inspection, and then re-encrypt it before forwarding to the destination. This intermediary approach maintains communication security through proper certificate validation while enabling inspection capability for malware and hidden threats through controlled decryption at the intermediary point.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical encryption barrier with a cryptographic substitution mechanism where the intermediary uses public key infrastructure to substitute the encrypted data with decrypted data for inspection purposes, then substitutes it back with re-encrypted data. This substitution mechanism maintains security while enabling inspection, as the encryption is not simply blocked but systematically replaced and restored through controlled cryptographic operations.
Data Source
AI summary
Provided are methods and systems for inspecting secure data. A system for inspecting secure data comprises a server facing module, and a client facing module in communication with the server facing module. The client facing module is operable to intercept a client request associated with the secure data to establish a secure connection with a server, establish a data traffic channel via the server facing module, and provide a control message to the server facing module via the data traffic channel. The control message includes an instruction to the server facing module to obtain a security certificate from the server. The security certificate is received from the server facing module via the data traffic channel. The security certificate is forged to establish the secure connection between the client and the client facing module. The client facing module sends unencrypted data to the server facing module via the data traffic channel.