TPM-Signed Management Controller Registration for Trusted Out-of-Band Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing data processing systems face challenges in securely registering a management controller with a server due to the vulnerability of in-band components, which can compromise the registration process, leading to potential security risks and reduced availability of computer-implemented services.
Innovation Solution
The registration process for the management controller is performed using a trusted platform module (TPM) to cryptographically sign an identifier, ensuring the security posture of the hardware resources is acceptable before signing, and utilizing separate communication channels to reduce the likelihood of compromise, thereby establishing the management controller as a trusted entity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the management controller is registered using in-band components, then the registration process can be performed using existing communication channels, but the security of the registration process is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an out-of-band communication channel as an intermediary for the registration process. This separate communication path acts as a mediator between the management controller and the server, isolating the registration process from the potentially compromised in-band components while still enabling the registration function to be performed.
2Reliability
If the management controller operates independently of in-band components, then availability is improved when in-band components are powered off or compromised, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the communication infrastructure into two distinct channels: in-band components for normal operations and out-of-band communication channels for management and registration functions. This segmentation allows the management controller to operate independently using the separate out-of-band path, ensuring availability even when in-band components fail, while organizing the complexity into manageable, functionally-separated components.
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems for registering a management controller of a data processing system with a server are disclosed. To register a management controller, an identifier for the management controller may be cryptographically signed using a private key of a public private key pair kept secret by a trusted platform module (TPM). The signed identifier may be provided to the server and the sever may utilize a public key of the public private key pair to verify the signed identifier was signed by a trusted entity. If the signed identifier is verified by the server, the server may register the management controller as associated with the data processing system and as a trusted entity to manage operation of hardware resources of the data processing system. The management controller may subsequently utilize an out of band communication channel to interact with the server to manage the operation of the data processing system.