TLS Certificate Context Analysis for Threat Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems fail to effectively detect and report TLS certificate anomalies, which are often exploited by attackers in man-in-the-middle attacks, leading to potential data breaches and compromised network security.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a context-based threat analysis system that intercepts network communications, validates TLS certificates, and analyzes certificate field values against static context data to identify anomalies and detect rogue certificates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If TLS certificate validation is performed using conventional methods, then certificate authenticity is verified, but threat detection capability remains insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the certificate validation process into multiple independent analysis modules: conventional validation (checking signature and chain of trust) and context-based analysis (comparing certificate fields against network context data). This segmentation allows the system to maintain reliable threat detection by performing both validation types without requiring a single complex monolithic system.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces context data as an intermediary element that bridges conventional validation and threat detection. Context data serves as a mediator that contains network information (IP addresses, domain names, port numbers) and compares certificate fields against this context to identify anomalies, enabling threat detection without replacing conventional validation methods.
2Loss of information
If TLS certificate anomalies are reported to users through browser error messages, then anomaly notification is provided, but user awareness and action remain insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the system not only notifies users of certificate anomalies but also provides contextual information about the anomaly (e.g., mismatched domain names, invalid IP addresses) and recommended actions. This enhanced feedback loop increases user awareness and enables informed decision-making, transforming passive error messages into actionable intelligence.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent adds a new dimension to anomaly notification by incorporating context-based analysis results directly into user-facing messages. Instead of simply reporting that a certificate is invalid, the system provides detailed context about why it is invalid (e.g., the certificate claims to be for 'bank.com' but the IP address resolves to a different domain), making the anomaly more understandable and actionable for users.
3Measurement precision
If context-based analysis of TLS certificates is implemented, then threat detection accuracy is improved, but processing time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary actions by pre-computing and storing context data (IP addresses, domain names, port numbers) before the actual certificate validation occurs. This allows the context-based analysis to quickly compare certificate fields against pre-prepared data structures during the TLS handshake, improving detection accuracy while minimizing processing time delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies partial action by performing context-based analysis only on specific certificate fields that are most likely to contain threat indicators (such as Common Name, Subject Alternative Names, and IP address mappings) rather than analyzing every possible certificate attribute. This selective approach maintains high detection accuracy for relevant threats while reducing overall processing time.
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems, methods and products for using context-based analyses of information obtained from certificates contained in the TLS handshakes of network communications in order to identify anomalies in the information and detect threats based on the identified anomalies. In one embodiment, a method for detecting threats in network communications includes obtaining static context data associated with the network. A first network communication transmitted via a network is obtained. A certificate is obtained from a TLS handshake of the first network communication and the certificate is parsed to obtain corresponding certificate field values. One or more analyses of the certificate field values are performed against the static context data and, in response to the analyses resulting in detection of a threat, one or more actions are taken based on the analyses.