Tokenized Content Identifier for Secure Cache Busting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cache-busting methods for web pages, which involve altering content identifiers in program code, can introduce security risks and errors, as they allow malicious code injection and may break debugged code, and do not facilitate dynamic updating without altering the code.
Innovation Solution
The implementation generates a tokenized content identifier by appending a token to the original content identifier, which is used to ensure that updated content is requested without altering the original code, thereby preventing direct references to expired content and maintaining code integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cache-busting is implemented by altering content identifiers in program code, then updated content can be requested, but security risks increase and code integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the content identifier into two parts: the original stable identifier and a dynamic token. The stable identifier remains in the program code maintaining integrity, while the dynamic token (e.g., timestamp, hash) is appended to create the full cache-busting identifier. This allows content updates without modifying the original code.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a token as an intermediary element between the stable content identifier and the cache-busting mechanism. This token acts as a mediator that carries update information without requiring changes to the original program code, thus preserving code integrity while enabling content updates.
2Productivity
If post-processing procedures are used to alter content identifiers, then cache-busting can be achieved, but errors may be introduced into debugged code
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by generating the tokenized content identifier at the point of code execution rather than through post-processing. The token is generated using stable information (content identifier and modification information) that is already available, avoiding the need for post-processing procedures that could introduce errors into debugged code.
3Productivity
If content identifiers are directly altered for cache-busting, then updated content is requested, but malicious code injection becomes possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a token as a secure intermediary that mediates between the stable content identifier and the cache-busting function. This token, generated from stable information, prevents direct manipulation of content identifiers and blocks malicious code injection while maintaining the ability to request updated content.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses stable information (content identifier and modification information) that is already part of the system to generate the token. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external post-processing procedures that could introduce security vulnerabilities, as the token generation is performed using existing trusted data.
Data Source
AI summary
A device may receive a request for a page. The page may include a content identifier that is associated with referencing first content for the page. The content identifier may be associated with cache-busting being performed. The device may determine modification information associated with the first content based on receiving the request for the page. The device may generate a token based on the content identifier and the modification information. The device may generate a tokenized content identifier based on the token and the content identifier. The device may provide the tokenized content identifier. The tokenized content identifier may be associated with referencing the first content for the page.