Unique SSH Key Fingerprint Generation for Network Security
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Solution Overview
Problem
Complex computing networks face security vulnerabilities due to the unmanaged proliferation of SSH keys, which can lead to network insecurities if not properly tracked, necessitating a system for managing their creation, distribution, and rotation.
Innovation Solution
A system generates unique SSH key fingerprints for each installation on a host machine, using SSH Key Management Agents to record and report metadata, including machine IDs, user IDs, and SSH key hashes, and an SSH management system to manage and audit these keys, ensuring compliance with security policies.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If SSH keys are used to authenticate users for access to network components, then security is improved, but tracking and management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an SSH Key Management Agent as an intermediary component that automatically handles SSH key operations. This agent acts as a mediator between users and the SSH key management system, automatically generating keys, distributing them to authorized systems, and tracking their usage. The agent consolidates the complexity of key management into a single coordinated component, reducing the overall system complexity while maintaining strong security through centralized control and automated tracking.
2Adaptability or versatility
If SSH keys are distributed to multiple users and systems, then accessibility is improved, but security risk increases due to untracked proliferation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the SSH Key Management Agent continuously monitors and tracks SSH key usage across the network. When keys are used, the agent receives feedback about the usage events and updates the tracking database accordingly. This feedback loop enables the system to maintain accurate records of key distribution and usage, allowing administrators to identify when keys should be rotated or revoked, thereby managing security risks associated with widespread key distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically generating SSH key pairs and pre-distributing them to authorized systems before actual access events occur. The management agent proactively creates keys, stores them in a tracking database, and configures their distribution to specific users and systems in advance. This preliminary setup ensures that keys are only distributed to authorized entities and establishes tracking records before any security incidents can occur.
3Reliability
If manual tracking of SSH keys is performed, then control is improved, but productivity decreases due to time-consuming management
Solution Approach 1:
The SSH Key Management Agent implements self-service functionality by automatically performing key generation, distribution, and tracking without requiring manual intervention. The agent autonomously creates new SSH key pairs, distributes them to authorized systems, and maintains tracking records in the database. This self-service capability eliminates the need for administrators to manually track each key, significantly improving productivity while maintaining reliable control through automated monitoring and management.
Data Source
AI summary
A method, system and computer program product for generating and managing a unique secure shell (SSH) key fingerprint for each installation of an SSH key. An SSH key manager may receive metadata for a host machine comprising a machine ID and a plurality of secure shell (SSH) key objects, wherein an SSH key object represents an SSH key for accessing an account on the host machine associated with a user. The SSH key manager may then identify a hash for the SSH key and user ID associated with each SSH key object of the plurality of objects. The SSH key manager may then generate a unique fingerprint for each SSH key object by concatenating the machine ID, user ID and SSH key hash corresponding to the SSH key object. The unique fingerprints may then be stored in a database along with corresponding information from the metadata.