Core initialization code validation
US7853780B2 · kind B2 · utility
Assignee
Inventors
Key dates
| Filing date | Jul 31, 2008 |
| Grant date | Dec 14, 2010 |
| Priority date | — |
| Expiry date | Jan 20, 2029 |
Classification
- Technology area (CPC G)Physics
- CPC primaryG06F21/575
- WIPO fieldComputer technology
- WIPO sectorElectrical engineering
Abstract
Files essential to the boot sequence are validated as they are executed. As core boot files are loaded and executed by a computers a hash of the files is created and extended into configuration registers. Core operating system files are verified by the boot loader using a digital signature, and the public key used to verify the digital signature is recorded in a configuration register. Core operating system files verified by the boot loader include a list of hash values, which is used by the operating system to validate the other files as they are executed. User assurance that the system has booted correctly is achieved by comparing the state of configuration registers to previously stored values reflecting the expected state of the registers. Upon the state of the configuration registers matching what is expected, data previously selected by the user is retrieved and recognized by the user.
Source: USPTO / EPO open patent data. Objective bibliographic and citation counts.