UEFI Boot Ticket Authentication for Tamper-Resistant System Blocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing computer system protection methods rely heavily on the operating system and real-time clock, are vulnerable to manipulation, and lack robust hardware-based security, especially for systems like laptops and mobile devices, with software-based solutions being easily bypassable.
Innovation Solution
A hardware-based boot control system using UEFI firmware, which autonomously manages boot authorization through tickets issued by a remote server, independent of the operating system, and includes a chipset with a module that makes decisions based on predefined parameters, ensuring secure and tamper-resistant operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If software-based blocking solutions are used, then the system can be remotely located and blocked, but the software can be completely removed by replacing or formatting the hard drive
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking system is segmented into multiple layers: firmware-level boot control module, hardware-embedded security chip, and software agent. The critical security functions are separated from the operating system and embedded in the firmware layer, which cannot be easily removed or modified without specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The security measures are implemented before the operating system loads. The boot control module in the firmware validates security conditions during the boot process, before any user-mode software can interfere. This preliminary action ensures that even if the OS is replaced, the firmware-level security controls remain active.
2Reliability
If external services are used as a source of reliable time, then protection against real-time clock manipulations is provided, but more memory resources are consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the device's own real-time clock in combination with cryptographic verification mechanisms embedded in the firmware. The boot control module self-validates time-based conditions using locally stored cryptographic keys and algorithms, eliminating the need for continuous external time service connections while maintaining security.
3Reliability
If the cipher key is stored in a secure hardware place, then data protection is provided, but the key becomes inaccessible when the laptop is in blocked mode
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically manages key accessibility based on the blocking state. When blocked, the cipher key remains inaccessible for data encryption/decryption operations. When unblocked through valid authentication, the key becomes accessible through controlled key release mechanisms in the firmware, allowing legitimate users to access their data while maintaining security during blocked states.
4Reliability
If a boot control module operating in UEFI is implemented, then autonomous blocking decisions can be made independent of the operating system, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The boot control module leverages the existing UEFI firmware interface, which is a universal standard already present in modern computers. By implementing the blocking logic within the existing UEFI framework rather than creating a completely new firmware layer, the system achieves autonomous blocking capability while reusing established infrastructure, thereby limiting the increase in overall system complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present document discloses a method and system for blocking a computer system based on tickets issued by a remote server, with an operating system configured for booting from a UEFI, wherein the blocking system comprises: a transfer engine, i.e. an agent, of tickets comprised in an application or module of the operating system; an authentication engine comprised in said UEFI; a data or file transfer area accessible by both engines; wherein the transfer engine is configured for receiving tickets and storing tickets; wherein the authentication engine is configured for: reading a stored ticket; checking authentication and obtaining read ticket type; and if the authenticity is verified, processing the verified ticket, depending on the type: a normal ticket, setting the system to a leased state wherein the operating system can start; or a block ticket, setting the system to a blocked state wherein the operating system cannot boot.