Syntax Graphs for Language-Localized Authorization Policy Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Managing authorization policies in large and distributed computer systems, particularly in cloud environments, is challenging due to the complexity of synchronizing policies across redundant locations and the increasing overhead of user authorization requests, which consume network resources and processing time.
Innovation Solution
A policy management service generates and stores authorization policies in a syntax graph, using a localized syntax that includes reader-friendly statements with hints and user-defined conditions, allowing efficient storage and traversal of policies across multiple locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If authorization policies are stored in traditional formats across distributed locations, then policy management becomes complex and difficult to synchronize, but converting to syntax graphs improves synchronization and reduces complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments authorization policies into structured syntax graphs with hierarchical nodes representing different policy elements (subjects, objects, actions, conditions). This segmentation allows independent management and synchronization of policy components across distributed locations, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses syntax graphs as standardized copies of policy representations that can be replicated across distributed locations. These graphical representations serve as universal templates that ensure consistent policy interpretation and synchronization across the system, eliminating ambiguity in policy management.
2Reliability
If detailed authorization policies are enforced across multiple users and resources, then security is improved, but system overhead and processing time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-compiling authorization policies into optimized syntax graphs during system initialization or policy update phases. This pre-processing creates ready-to-evaluate structured representations that reduce real-time processing overhead while maintaining detailed authorization checks, thus improving both accuracy and efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamic evaluation of syntax graphs based on runtime conditions, allowing the system to adaptively traverse only relevant policy paths. This dynamic approach optimizes processing efficiency by avoiding unnecessary evaluations while maintaining comprehensive security checks when needed.
3Ease of operation
If traditional policy formats are used, then implementation is straightforward, but reader-friendliness and ease of understanding are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces syntax graphs as an intermediary representation between raw policy definitions and system enforcement. These graphical intermediaries provide visual and structured clarity that enhances reader-friendliness and understanding, while automated tools handle the conversion and enforcement aspects, maintaining implementation simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A policy management service receives a request for an authorization policy in a language-localized syntax. The policy management service identifies a syntax graph corresponding to the authorization policy and traverses the syntax graph to obtain at least a requestor variable value associated with the authorization policy, an action variable value associated with the authorization policy, a resource variable value associated with the authorization policy, and a location variable value associated with the authorization policy. The policy authorization service generates a reader-friendly policy statement in the language localized syntax using the requestor variable value, the action variable value, the resource variable value, and the location variable value. Responsive to the request, the policy authorization service provides the reader-friendly policy statement.