Transient Object References for Database Access Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current data platforms face inefficiencies in managing access privileges for database objects, leading to resource waste and security concerns due to manual and time-consuming processes for sharing and revoking permissions.
Innovation Solution
A system that generates a unique textual reference associated with a database object, allowing temporary access sharing between entities without revealing storage locations, and automatically revokes access after the session ends, thereby maintaining security and efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual access privilege management is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity deteriorates due to time-consuming processes
Solution Approach 1:
The system generates access tokens in advance that encode authorization information. These tokens are prepared beforehand and can be quickly distributed to users without requiring real-time privilege management operations, thus improving efficiency while minimizing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of manually managing actual access privileges, the system creates token copies that represent authorization. These token copies can be rapidly generated, distributed, and revoked without affecting the core privilege management structure, significantly improving productivity while reducing the time required for permission operations.
2Ease of operation
If access privileges are shared extensively, then ease of operation improves, but reliability deteriorates due to security concerns
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments access authorization into individual tokens, each representing a specific privilege scope. This allows fine-grained control where access can be easily shared through token distribution while maintaining security by limiting each token to specific, predefined authorization boundaries. Tokens can be independently managed and revoked without affecting other access relationships.
Solution Approach 2:
The token acts as an intermediary between the privilege management system and users. It mediates access control by encoding authorization information in a secure, self-contained manner. This intermediary layer enables easy access sharing through token distribution while maintaining reliability through cryptographic security and centralized token validation, preventing unauthorized access even when tokens are widely distributed.
3Ease of operation
If permanent access privileges are granted, then ease of operation improves, but loss of substance worsens due to resource waste
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements dynamic access control through tokens with embedded validity periods and conditions. Access privileges are not permanently fixed but can automatically expire or become invalid based on time, usage conditions, or revocation. This dynamic approach maintains operational simplicity through automated management while preventing resource waste by ensuring access rights are actively validated and can be revoked without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The token system allows parameter changes in access authorization without creating permanent privilege changes. Tokens can be configured with specific validity periods, usage limits, and conditional access parameters. When resources need to be freed, the system simply changes the token parameters (expires or revokes) rather than permanently altering access rights, maintaining simplicity while preventing resource waste through automated parameter management.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for generating transient object references are provided. The systems and methods perform operations including establishing a session between a first entity and a second entity. The operations include identifying an object that the first entity is authorized to access according to a first set of access privileges. The operations include generating a reference associated with the object. The operations include temporarily authorizing the second entity to access the object using the reference according to a second set of access privileges, the second set of access privileges being derived from the first set of access privileges.