Automated Threat Modeling via Application Relationship Graphs
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual threat modeling techniques for software products are prone to human error, incomplete, and not performed frequently enough, leading to inaccuracies and increased latency in addressing security threats and policy compliance issues in distributed systems.
Innovation Solution
Automated threat modeling using a graph-based approach that captures intra-application and inter-application relationships, employing static and dynamic analysis, and rules engines to identify security threats and vulnerabilities, with the ability to trigger repeated security reviews throughout the software lifecycle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual threat modeling techniques are used, then human expertise can be applied to identify security threats, but human error and incomplete analysis increase, reducing reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual threat modeling processes with automated computer-based analysis. The system uses software to perform static and dynamic analysis of application relationships, substituting human mechanical analysis with automated computational methods that eliminate human error and provide consistent, repeatable results across multiple analysis cycles.
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service threat modeling by automatically analyzing application relationships without requiring continuous human intervention. The automated analysis engine can independently execute threat modeling tasks, generate reports, and update analyses when changes are detected in the application environment.
2Reliability
If manual threat modeling is performed, then detailed security analysis can be conducted, but the frequency of threat modeling decreases, increasing latency in addressing security threats
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous threat modeling through automated analysis that can operate continuously without interruption. The system maintains ongoing monitoring of application relationships and performs repeated security analyses, ensuring continuous security assessment rather than periodic manual reviews.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs periodic threat modeling automatically at scheduled intervals or when triggered by specific events such as code changes or configuration updates. This periodic automated action ensures regular security reassessment without requiring manual initiation, reducing the time between security threats and their detection.
3Reliability
If comprehensive threat modeling of entire distributed systems is performed, then complete security coverage is achieved, but the complexity and time required for analysis increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the distributed system into individual application components and analyzes their relationships through a graph model. Each application and its dependencies are represented as separate nodes and edges, allowing the system to break down complex threat modeling into manageable segments that can be analyzed independently and then integrated.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from traditional flat threat modeling to a multi-dimensional graph-based representation. The graph model adds dimensions for application relationships, data flows, and dependency structures, enabling comprehensive security coverage while organizing complexity in a structured, visualizable format that simplifies analysis.
4Reliability
If repeated security reviews are conducted throughout the software lifecycle, then security compliance improves, but the time and resources required increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary threat modeling during the software development lifecycle at multiple stages before deployment. By conducting automated security analysis early in development and before code changes are deployed, the system prevents security issues from reaching production environments, reducing the need for extensive post-deployment security reviews.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback loops where threat modeling results automatically trigger notifications and remediation workflows. When security issues are detected, the system provides feedback to developers and security teams, enabling rapid response and correction. This automated feedback mechanism reduces the time required for security compliance by eliminating manual review cycles.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer-readable media for automated threat modeling using application relationships are disclosed. A graph is determined that includes of nodes and edges. At least a portion of the nodes represent software components, and at least a portion of the edges represent relationships between software components. An event is received, and a sub-graph associated with the event is determined. The event is indicative of a change to one or more of the nodes or edges in the graph. Threat modeling is performed on the sub-graph using one or more analyzers. The one or more analyzers determine whether the sub-graph is in compliance with one or more policies.