Virtual File System for Incompatible Data Source Scanning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Anti-virus scanners are incompatible with all data sources, creating security gaps that need to be addressed.
Innovation Solution
The method involves generating a file system for incompatible data sources by parsing their contents using a software development kit (SDK), creating a virtual volume with sparse files, and instructing the AV scanner to scan this virtual volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If AV scanners are used to scan all data sources, then security coverage is improved, but compatibility issues arise with incompatible file types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a virtual file system as an intermediary layer between the AV scanner and incompatible data sources. This virtual file system translates requests from the AV scanner into operations on the underlying incompatible data source, enabling the scanner to access and analyze files it would otherwise be unable to read directly
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a virtual copy of the incompatible data source that presents a compatible file system interface to the AV scanner. This virtual copy mirrors the structure and contents of the original data source but uses file formats and structures that the AV scanner can understand and process
2Reliability
If AV scanners directly access incompatible data sources, then scanning speed is maintained, but security gaps are created
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual file system acts as a mediator that maintains scanning efficiency by translating AV scanner operations into appropriate operations on the incompatible data source. This translation layer operates transparently, allowing the scanner to work at full speed without directly understanding the underlying incompatible format
3Adaptability or versatility
If virtual file systems are created for incompatible data sources, then AV scanner compatibility is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The virtual file system is designed as a universal interface that can handle multiple incompatible data source formats through a single unified architecture. This multi-functional approach allows the same virtual file system infrastructure to work with various different underlying data sources, reducing overall system complexity compared to creating separate solutions for each format
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are systems and method for generating file systems of data sources incompatible with anti-virus scanners. In one exemplary aspect, the method includes: receiving, from an AV scanner, a request to scan a data source for malicious activity, wherein the data source includes a plurality of files, and wherein the AV scanner has a plurality of compatible file types that the AV scanner is capable of scanning; determining that the plurality of files are inaccessible to the AV scanner; generating a file system corresponding to the data source by parsing contents of the data source; generating a virtual volume including a plurality of sparse files corresponding to the plurality of files in the data source; populating at least one sparse file in the virtual volume with respective parsed content of a corresponding file in the data source; and instructing the AV scanner to scan the virtual volume.