Aggregating Web Server Vulnerabilities via Response Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Identifying vulnerabilities in network accessible servers, such as web servers, is challenging due to complex interrelations among software applications and components from different third parties, making it difficult for owners to detect and mitigate potential security issues without analyzing source code, which is time-consuming and may require repeated testing.
Innovation Solution
A method that records and analyzes responses from network accessible servers to identify software components, retrieves vulnerability information from a database, and aggregates it to determine the server's vulnerability without requiring access to source code, using a processor to query, analyze attributes, and determine weaknesses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If source code analysis is performed to identify vulnerabilities, then vulnerability detection precision is improved, but time consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using server response analysis as a mediator between the vulnerability assessment system and the software components. Instead of directly analyzing source code, the system sends requests to the server and analyzes responses, which indirectly reveal vulnerability information about underlying software components without requiring source code access or extensive time investment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical process of source code analysis with an automated network-based assessment mechanism. By substituting manual or automated code review processes with a system that sends network requests and analyzes server responses, the patent achieves vulnerability detection without the time-consuming nature of traditional code analysis methods.
2Measurement precision
If source code access is required for vulnerability assessment, then vulnerability detection capability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses server responses as an intermediary that provides vulnerability information without requiring direct access to source code. This intermediary mechanism allows the vulnerability assessment to proceed through normal server communication channels, eliminating the need for special access rights or complex setup procedures while maintaining effective vulnerability detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The server itself provides the vulnerability information through its responses to standard requests. The server's behavior, error messages, and response characteristics reveal information about the underlying software components and their potential vulnerabilities, allowing the assessment system to obtain necessary information without requiring source code access or special cooperation from the server administrator.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive software component analysis is performed, then vulnerability aggregation accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the vulnerability assessment process into distinct phases: sending requests to the server, analyzing responses to identify software components, and aggregating vulnerability information. This segmentation allows each phase to be handled independently and simplifies the overall system architecture, making it more manageable while maintaining comprehensive vulnerability assessment capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs partial analysis by focusing on extracting vulnerability-relevant information from server responses rather than attempting to fully analyze all aspects of the server's operation. This partial action approach achieves sufficient vulnerability aggregation accuracy without requiring a complete and complex analysis of every server function and component.
Data Source
AI summary
In a system for determining vulnerabilities associated with a web property, requests are communicated to network accessible servers associated with a set of one or more domains. Software components indicated in responses from the network accessible servers are identified. Vulnerability information is obtained for the software components. An aggregate vulnerability is determined for each network accessible server based on at least one of a ratio of software components of the network accessible server indicated as vulnerable by the vulnerability information to total software components used by the network accessible server and a frequency of use of those of the plurality of software components of the network accessible server indicated as vulnerable by the vulnerability information. Vulnerability of the network accessible servers is indicated based on the aggregate vulnerabilities.