Web Services Vulnerability Detection via Mutant Request Simulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Poorly authored XML Schema Definitions (XSD) with loosely defined criteria can lead to web services vulnerabilities and exploits, as they fail to provide adequate restrictions and validation, leaving applications open to attacks.
Innovation Solution
A novel approach is introduced to test applications for vulnerabilities by identifying their interfaces, generating mutant requests based on these interfaces, and analyzing responses to detect vulnerabilities, including crashes or unresponsiveness, using tools that import WSDL files and apply mutation rules driven by standards like WS-I Basic Profiles and XSD specifications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If XML Schema Definitions (XSD) with loosely defined criteria are used, then ease of operation and flexibility are improved, but web services vulnerabilities and security risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing vulnerability detection and validation checks before web services are deployed or during their operation. The system proactively identifies security issues, compliance violations, and potential exploits in XML Schema Definitions before they can be exploited by attackers, rather than waiting for actual attacks to occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary validation layer that sits between the XML Schema Definitions and the web services implementation. This intermediary component automatically checks schemas against security criteria and compliance standards, acting as a mediator that prevents vulnerable schemas from being deployed while allowing valid ones to proceed.
2Reliability
If comprehensive validation and security checks are implemented, then web services security is improved, but device complexity and processing overhead increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the validation and security checking system to automatically perform its own operations without requiring manual intervention. The system autonomously validates XML Schema Definitions, detects vulnerabilities, and generates compliance reports, reducing the need for manual security audits and complex configuration management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by allowing the validation system to dynamically adjust its checking depth and scope based on the specific web service being validated. Rather than applying a fixed complex validation process to all services, the system can modify validation parameters to match the risk profile and complexity of each individual service.
3Productivity
If automated vulnerability detection tools are used, then productivity and detection speed are improved, but measurement precision and false positive rates may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies feedback by implementing a multi-stage validation process where initial automated scans are followed by deeper analysis of flagged items. The system uses feedback from preliminary checks to guide subsequent more precise validation steps, allowing it to maintain high productivity while improving measurement precision through iterative refinement.
Data Source
AI summary
A technique for testing applications for vulnerabilities that may be as a result of loosely defined criteria and restrictions associated with interfacing to the applications. Interfaces associated with an application to be tested are identified. The interfaces may include the names of services provided by the application as well as parameters that are passed to the services. One or more mutant requests containing one or more mutations are then generated based on the identified interfaces. The application is then attacked by forwarding the mutant requests to the application. Vulnerabilities of the application that were exposed as a result of the attack are then detected.