Transparent Secure Interception Handling for Cloud VMs
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Solution Overview
Problem
In public cloud environments, there is an unsecure access to data and algorithms by cloud providers, which needs to be prevented while still allowing them to virtualize hardware resources efficiently, as existing software-only solutions are inadequate due to cloud operators' privileged access to hypervisor environments.
Innovation Solution
A method for transparent secure interception handling is implemented, where a virtual machine is deployed with a hypervisor and firmware managing the hardware, intercepting VM instructions that require access to data or state, copying this data into shadow buffers, and executing the instructions using these buffers to prevent unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If cloud providers are given privileged access to hypervisor environments to manage virtualization, then resource virtualization efficiency is improved, but security of customer data is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the hypervisor into two distinct components: a trusted firmware component that maintains secure access to VM state and data, and a conventional hypervisor component that handles resource virtualization. This segmentation allows the cloud provider's hypervisor to manage resources efficiently while the trusted firmware component preserves security by maintaining direct access to encryption keys and sensitive VM state without going through the untrusted hypervisor layer.
2Ease of operation
If software-only solutions are used to prevent cloud provider access to data, then data access control is improved, but effectiveness is worsened due to hypervisor privileged access
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a trusted firmware component as an intermediary layer between the untrusted hypervisor and the VM state/data. This firmware component acts as a gatekeeper that the hypervisor must interact with to access VM state, allowing the system to maintain data security through hardware-enforced access controls rather than relying solely on software mechanisms that can be bypassed by privileged hypervisor access.
3Adaptability or versatility
If cloud providers can access VM state for management purposes, then virtualization management is improved, but confidentiality of customer data is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system applies local quality by making different parts of the system have different access properties: the trusted firmware component maintains high security with direct access to encryption keys and VM state, while the hypervisor component has limited access only to non-sensitive information needed for resource management. This allows the hypervisor to perform management functions without compromising data confidentiality.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and system for transparent secure interception handling is provided. The method and system include deploying a virtual machine (VM) in an environment comprising a hypervisor and a firmware. The method and system include providing buffers in response to deploying the VM, and include executing VM instructions. The method and system include intercepting VM instructions which require access to instruction data and copying the VM state into a shadow VM state. Furthermore, the instruction data is copied to buffers, and the intercepted VM instruction is executed using the buffer. The method and system also include updating the shadow VM state buffer and the VM data in the VM memory using result data in the buffer in response to the executing of the intercepted VM instruction results. Furthermore execution of the VM instructions is resumed based on a state stored in the shadow VM state buffer.