US 2006/0218320 A1 · Using a USB host controller security extension for controlling changes in and auditing USB topology

Abstract

Protecting computer systems from attacks that attempt to change USB topology and for ensuring that the system's information regarding USB topology is accurate is disclosed. A software model is defined that, together with secure USB hardware, provides an ability to define policies using which USB traffic can be properly monitored and controlled. The implemented policy provides control over USB commands through a combination of software evaluation and hardware programming. Legitimate commands are evaluated and “allowed” to be sent to a USB device by a host controller. Illegitimate commands are evaluated and blocked. Additionally, the USB topology is audited to verify that the system's topology map matches the actual USB topology.

Claims20

Dependent claims

A computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions for performing steps, comprising:

receiving data associated with a USB device;
determining whether the data is allowed to be sent to the USB device;
and
sending an instruction based on the determining to an entity, wherein the data is a result of program code associated with the USB device being executed outside of a trusted execution environment,
wherein the data is received in the trusted execution environment, and
wherein the entity is outside the trusted execution environment.

3 more elements

Dependencies are inferred from the claim text.

Using a USB host controller security extension for controlling changes in and auditing USB topology

Life of this patent

Using a USB host controller security extension for controlling changes in and auditing USB topology

Life of this patent

Abstract

Claims20