Wireless architecture with malware scanning component manager and associated API

Abstract

A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware. A scan command is initially received from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device. Further, a component manager of the mobile wireless device is instantiated in response to the scan command. An anti-malware scanner is then executed utilizing the component manager. Further, the mobile wireless device is scanned utilizing the anti-malware scanner.

Description

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

[0002] The present invention relates to wireless device security, and more particularly to scanning wireless devices for malware.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The last decade has seen a rapid growth in the number and use of mobile cellular telephones. More recently, wireless devices have been introduced which combine the functionality of mobile telephones and Personal Digital Assistants (PDAs). It is expected that this area will undergo massive growth in the near future as new cellular telecommunication standards (e.g. GPRS, UMTS, and WAP) make possible the high speed transfer of data across the wireless interface.

[0004] It can be expected that such platforms will be susceptible to attack from so-called “malware” such as viruses, Trojan horses, and worms (referred to collectively hereinafter as “viruses”) in much the same way as present day personal computers and workstations are susceptible to malware attack. A number of mobile telephone viruses have already been identified.

[0005] In order to resist virus attacks, anti-virus software must be deployed into mobile platforms in much the same way as it has been deployed in the desktop environment. A number of different desktop anti-virus applications are currently available. The majority of these applications rely upon a basic scanning engine which searches suspect files for the presence of predetermined virus signatures. These signatures are held in a database which must be constantly updated to reflect the most recently identified viruses.

[0006] Typically, users download replacement databases every so often, either over the Internet, from a received e-mail, or from a CDROM or floppy disk. Users are also expected to update there software engines every so often in order to take advantage of new virus detection techniques (e.g. which may be required when a new strain of virus is detected).

[0007] Mobile wireless platforms present a series of problems for software developers (including developers of anti-virus software). Chief among these are the limited memory and processing power of mobile platforms, and the limited input/output capabilities which they possess (i.e. no CDROM or floppy drive, and no high bandwidth fixed line network or Internet connectivity).

[0008] Moreover, mobile wireless platforms are traditionally not standardized like conventional desktops. For example, instead of running Microsoft™ Windows™, such mobile wireless platforms may have installed thereon a variety of types of operating systems. This complicates the act of designing an anti-virus scanner that is capable of operating on any one of a plurality of mobile wireless platforms.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

[0009] A system, method and computer program product are provided for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware. A scan command is initially received from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device. Further, a component manager of the mobile wireless device is instantiated in response to the scan command. An anti-malware scanner is then executed utilizing the component manager. Further, the mobile wireless device is scanned utilizing the anti-malware scanner.

[0010] In one embodiment, the instantiation of the component manager may include allocating memory of the mobile wireless device to the component manager. Further, the instantiation of the component manager may further include loading anti-malware scanner configuration settings in the allocated memory.

[0011] As an option, the anti-malware scanner may be executed based on the configuration settings. Similarly, the anti-malware scanner may scan the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings. Still yet, the anti-malware scanner may clean the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings.

[0012] In another embodiment, the component manager may log the scanning of the mobile wireless device. Further, the scanning may include on-access scanning and on-demand scanning. Optionally, such on-access scanning may be disabled during on-demand scanning to preserve resources on the mobile wireless device.

[0013] In still another embodiment, the component manager may generate a call back function to control the anti-malware scanner.

[0014] Further, the component manager may control a plurality of functional modules. The component manager may further be platform independent. In other words, the component manager may be capable of interfacing with any one of a plurality of mobile wireless device platforms. Optionally, the mobile wireless device may be updated based on an external trigger.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0015] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0016] FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the component architecture associated with the anti-malware scanner running on the mobile wireless devices.

[0017] FIG. 3 illustrates a method for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware utilizing a user interface, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0018] FIG. 4 illustrates a sample user interface screen that shows the features exposed by the anti-malware scanner.

[0019] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram showing the interaction between a component manager and other subsystems such as the user interface.

[0020] FIG. 6 illustrates a method for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware utilizing a component manager, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0021] FIG. 7 illustrates a system including an on-access scanner, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0022] FIG. 8 illustrates a framework with an on-access scanner interfacing with a file system, and filtering all file I/O related events.

[0023] FIG. 9 illustrates the manner in which the on-access scanner is enabled and disabled during use based on on-demand scanning.

[0024] FIG. 10 illustrates a Java scanning module interfacing with Java, and filtering all Java applet and Java script executions.

[0025] FIG. 11 illustrates an on-demand scanner system including an on-demand scanner interacting with a component manager and a scan engine.

[0026] FIG. 12 illustrates a method for performing on-demand scanning, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0027] FIG. 13 illustrates a scan engine system including a scan engine module, a file parser, and an interpreter.

[0028] FIG. 14 illustrates a service agent (SA) architecture, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0029] FIG. 15 illustrates a method for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, involving service agents.

[0030] FIG. 16 illustrates a sample service agent activation method, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0031] FIG. 17 provides a method for client and server package handling.

[0032] FIG. 18 illustrates the various steps of a package installation process, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0033] FIG. 19 illustrates the components of the platform abstraction layer and the manner in which they interface with a mobile wireless device and operating system thereof.

[0034] FIG. 20 illustrates a transaction server command process flow, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0035] FIG. 21 illustrates a plurality of personal device database table relationships, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0036] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary client information flow, in accordance with one embodiment.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0037] FIG. 1 illustrates an exemplary architecture 100 for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the architecture 100 includes a mobile wireless device 102. Such mobile wireless device 102 may include, but is not limited to a cellular phone, personal digital assistant (PDA), a palm computer, or any combination thereof. Further, such mobile wireless device 102 may rely on any desired operating system. It should be noted that the vast variety of mobile wireless devices 102 operate different operating systems, unlike traditional desktop and laptop environments which typically run Microsoft™ Windows™ operating systems.

[0038] As may soon become apparent, the mobile wireless device 102 is associated with an application service provider and is equipped with an anti-malware scanner for providing active content security service. In the context of the present description, such anti-malware scanner may include any program adapted to scan or detect malware (i.e. virus, Trojan horse, worm and other forms of data or program that may result in an unexpected and/or unwanted outcome).

[0039] In use, the application service provider is initiated utilizing the mobile wireless device 102. Next, the anti-malware scanner installed on the mobile wireless device 102 is updated over a wireless network utilizing the application service provider. The mobile wireless device 102 is then scanned utilizing the updated anti-malware scanner.

[0040] In communication with the mobile wireless device 102 are server-side systems, or a back-end architecture 104. Such back-end architecture 104 is located at a service-provider site and provides centrally managed provisioning, component updates and usage reporting for serviced mobile wireless devices 102.

[0041] As shown in FIG. 1, the back-end architecture 104 may, in one embodiment, include a carrier gateway 106 for communicating with the mobile wireless device 102. A load distributor 108 may be coupled between the carrier gateway 106 and a plurality of hypertext transfer protocol (HTTP) servers 110 which, in turn, are coupled to a plurality of transaction servers 112. Further included is a database 114 coupled between the transaction servers 112 and a configuration/reporting server 116.

[0042] In use, the back-end architecture 104 receives device requests, and sends and receives client-specific data to and from the mobile wireless devices 102. The transaction servers 112 make database queries to store and retrieve information to/from the database 114. Client configuration information, usage information and component update packages are stored in the database 114. Configuration and reporting may be accomplished via Web interfaces 118. More information regarding such back-end architecture 104 will be set forth hereinafter in greater detail.

[0043] More information will now be set forth regarding an exemplary design of the mobile wireless devices 102. As wireless devices have limited resources, the anti-malware scanner on the mobile wireless devices 102 may be specifically designed with the following objects set forth in Table 1A in mind.

TABLE 1A
Maintain a low memory footprint.
Consume as little CPU resources as possible, yet maintain
active monitoring for malicious software on the device.
Minimize bandwidth requirements to the back-end server.
Use the back-end server to minimize the work the device is
required to perform.
Maximize the flexibility of the scanner to address new
threats.

[0044] The anti-malware scanner may evolve over time as new computer viruses and other malicious code are discovered.

[0045] The anti-malware scanner is designed to protect wireless devices 102 from malicious code. The scope of this protection includes, but is not limited to the following set forth in Table 1B.

TABLE 1B
Identify malicious code in persistent data stored on the
device. This includes native executables as well as
scripting languages embedded in documents.
Prevent malicious code from being executed by actively
intervening when the data is accessed.
Potentially monitor network activity to detect and intervene
against external threats on the device.
Provide a means for cleaning programs and documents that have
been infected by malicious software.
Report the necessary information to track active threats on
the network of wireless devices.

[0046] A glossary of terms that will be used in the present description is set forth in Table 1C.

TABLE 1C
Term         Description
Virus        A piece of executable binary or script that replicates
             by modifying and attaching to programs or executable/
             automation scripts. Viruses may damage data, cause
             the computer to crash, display messages, or lie dormant.
Trojan       A program that either pretends to have, or is described
Horse        as having, a set of useful or desirable features, but
             actually contains a damaging payload. Most frequently
             the usage is shortened to “Trojan”. Trojan Horses are not
             technically viruses, since they do not replicate.
Worm         A malware that replicates itself using computer networks,
             such as via email or IRC (Internet Relay Chat).
Malware      Virus, Trojan horse, worm and other forms of data or
             program that result in unexpected and/or unwanted
             outcome.
Storage      Disk, flash-memory or other forms of non-volatile memory
             device.
File         Single storage object entity such as a program or a data
             file.
Directory    A storage index that contains a list of files or sub-
             directories.
Archive      Single file containing multiple files organized by a
File         directory structure. Example: ZIP, CAB, JRE, SIS
File         The process used for detecting, identifying and removing
Scanning     malware on a storage.
Process      The process used for detecting, identifying and removing
Scanning     malware in execution.
Application- Malware scanning process for a particular application.
specific     Example: hostile SMS/MMS scanning, Email attachment
Scanning     scanning, hostile Java Applet scanning
On-demand    Malware scanning process initiated by the user or another
Scanning     application. Usually involves a complete system-wide
             scanning, and the process is terminated when scanning
             is completed.
On-access    Scanning process triggered by an OS or an application
Scanning     event. The on-access scanner stays resident in the
             system.

[0047] Anti-Malware Scanner Architecture

[0048] The anti-malware scanner architecture is based on a collection of components. These components are further analysed to expose properties and interfaces. This design helps isolate defects to specific components as well as providing a framework for porting the design to other devices with different hardware requirements.

[0049] FIG. 2 illustrates an overview of the component architecture 200 associated with the anti-malware scanner running on the mobile wireless devices. As shown, a user interface 202 is provided which communicates with a component manager 204. Such component manager 204 is responsible for controlling and managing an on-access scanner module 206, on-demand scanner module 208, Java-scanner module 210, service manager module 212, and activity logging module 214. As shown, the on-access scanner module 206, on-demand scanner module 208, and the Java-scanner module 210 utilize a common scan engine 216.

[0050] For reasons that will soon become apparent, the anti-malware scanner component architecture 200 further includes a platform abstraction layer 218 that provides an interface between an operating system 220 of the mobile wireless device and the component manager 204 and the components associated therewith. Each of the foregoing components will be discussed subsequently in greater detail.

[0051] User Interface Design (202 of FIG. 2)

[0052] FIG. 3 illustrates a method 300 for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware utilizing a user interface, in accordance with one embodiment. Initially, in decision 302, it is determined whether an update command is received from a user utilizing a graphical user interface of a mobile wireless device. As an option, the update command may be received upon the selection of an update icon displayed on the graphical user interface of the mobile wireless device. In operation 304, an anti-malware scanner installed on the mobile wireless device is then updated over a wireless network in response to the update command.

[0053] Next, it is determined in decision 306 as to whether a scan command has been received via the selection of a scan icon displayed on the graphical user interface of the mobile wireless device. More information regarding an exemplary interface with such icons will be set forth hereinafter during reference to FIG. 4. The mobile wireless device is then scanned utilizing the updated anti-malware scanner, as indicated in operation 308. Such anti-malware scanner may be conditionally updated based on the update command so as to regulate usage of the wireless network with the mobile wireless device.

[0054] As an option, a version number of a last update may be displayed utilizing the graphical user interface of the mobile wireless device. Further, a time of a last update may be displayed utilizing the graphical user interface of the mobile wireless device.

[0055] The anti-malware scanner user interface is very effective in design. Configuration settings and updates are handled by the back-end system, relieving the user from any responsibilities. Some basic feedback such as the product name, logo, and version information is provided. The user may check for product updates, and initiate a scan for malicious programs on removable media. The details for these capabilities are provided below.

[0056] Manual Virus Scanning

[0057] Manually virus scanning of the entire device is performed according to the configuration settings set by the IT administrator. That is, either all files may be scanned or only certain types of files. Also, the IT Administrator specifies how the anti-malware scanner responds to any infected file that is found. Upon scan completion, a report is created that reflects what was scanned and whether any computer viruses were found.

[0058] Check for Product Updates

[0059] Checking for product updates is made available from the main user interface. When update checking is requested, the anti-malware scanner attempts to update itself using a service agent in a manner that will soon be set forth.

[0060] About the Anti-Malware Scanner

[0061] An ‘About the anti-malware scanner’ dialog box is displayed upon user request. The contents of this dialog box contain the information of Table 1C-1.

TABLE 1C-1
All the necessary anti-malware scanner copyright messages.
Scan engine and virus definition file version numbers.
Last time the product was updated.

[0062] FIG. 4 illustrates a sample user interface screen 400 that shows the features exposed by the anti-malware scanner. The user interface screen 400 may be displayed upon the selection of an anti-malware scanner tab 401 always shown on the user interface screen 400. Of course, other tabs such as a contacts tab 401-A, a mail tab 401-B, a browser tab 401-C, an address book tab 401-D, and a notes tab 401-E may also be provided. As shown in FIG. 4, a scan icon 402, an update icon 404, and an about icon 406 are illustrated upon the selection of the anti-malware scanner tab 401 for allowing a user to carry out the functionality of the anti-malware scanner.

[0063] Component Manager Design Specification (204 of FIG. 2)

[0064] The component manager inside the anti-malware scanner is the logic layer that instantiates the following subsystems of Table 1D.

TABLE 1D
On-access scanning subsystem.
On-demand scanning subsystem.
Activity logging subsystem.
Service agent subsystem.

[0065] The component manager contains logic on how to instantiate the different subsystems, how to configure them, and manages when to activate and deactivate subsystems. It drives the entire application and can provide the user interface with feedback on subsystem progress.

[0066] The user interface relies on the component manager to initiate actions such as manually scanning for computer viruses and to check for product updates.

[0067] FIG. 5 illustrates a block diagram 500 showing the interaction between the component manager 502 and the other subsystems 504 such as the user interface 506. As shown, any number of subsystems 508 may be employed per the desires of the user.

[0068] How the Component Manager Works

[0069] FIG. 6 illustrates a method 600 for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware utilizing a component manager, in accordance with one embodiment. The component manager is initially instantiated, in operation 602, just like any other core technology component of the present embodiment. As an option, the operation 602 may be executed in response to a scan command received from a user utilizing the user interface of the mobile wireless device.

[0070] Next, in operation 604, memory is allocated to store private data information for the component manager. The configuration manager is then used to load in anti-malware scanner scan settings in the private memory just allocated. See operation 606.

[0071] Based on the scan settings, the specialized subsystems are initiated. See operation 608. These subsystems may include the on-access scanning, activity logging and/or a service agent function. The on-demand scanning subsystem is only instantiated on a per need basis in order to save system resources. On-demand scanning is only needed when manual device scanning is requested. Based on these initialisation steps, a completion return code is returned to the owner of this subsystem.

[0072] The on-access scanning subsystem is initiated so real-time monitoring for viruses begins. When a computer virus is detected, a component manager callback function is called by the on-access scanning subsystem. Within this callback function the component manager determines based on the scan settings how it wishes the on-access scanning subsystem to deal with infected items. The completion status of this event is then passed to the activity logging subsystem for recording purposes.

[0073] When manual scanning is requested, it is performed according to the established configuration provided by an IT administrator. Manual scanning involves accessing several files or databases on the device and this same action is what the on-access scanner also monitors. In order to not cause system resources to be spent unnecessarily, the on-access scanning subsystem is disabled for the brief time period that the on-demand scanning is active.

[0074] Component Manager API

[0075] The component manager exposes all its functionality through an API layer. No platform dependencies are necessarily assumed. All interfaces follow a sandwiched approach where there is an initialisation to obtain an instance handle. Based on this instance handle, the component manager worker functions are available and when the object is not needed anymore the object is destroyed. The number of features that a user interface can request to be performed by the component manager may be limited. All knowledge on how scanning is performed may be contained within the component manager. A user interface can request from the component manager to do the following steps of Table 1E.

TABLE 1E
Start an on-demand scan.
Start the service agent to check for updates.
Find out the version of the scan engine and DAT files.
Find out when was updating done the last time.

[0076] As the component manager handles different specialized subsystems, all events that are generated may be communicated back to the owner of the component manager handle using a callback function. To some of these events the callback function may return a TRUE Boolean value to indicate an affirmative answer that the core technology in question should proceed with the action that is about to happen, or return a FALSE to indicate that the action should not be performed.

[0077] As an example, when the service agent indicates that it is about to check for updates, if the callback function returns FALSE, this action may not happen.

[0078] See Table 2A for an exemplary component manager API.

[0079] On-Access Scanner Module (206 of FIG. 2)

[0080] FIG. 7 illustrates a system 700 including an on-access scanner 702, in accordance with one embodiment. In general, the on-access scanner 702 is governed by operating system hooks 704 which provide document access notification. Further, the on-access scanner 702 interfaces with a scan engine 706 to scan documents. Still yet, the on-access scanner 702 reports scan activity to a component manager 708. More information relating to such operation will now be set forth.

[0081] The on-access scanner 702 identifies malware as documents are being access on the device. The on-access scanner 702 may be entirely transparent to the user until malicious code is discovered. Scanning can be performed on all executables and documents. This includes word processor documents or files being downloaded by a web browser. The on-access scanner can be configured to only scan certain types of documents.

[0082] The on-access scanner 702 is notified of various events related to accessing documents. It then determines whether the document needs to be scanned. The scan engine 706 is used to detect malicious code. When malicious code is discovered, the on-access scanner 702 notifies the component manager 708. It is then the component manager's responsibility to determine which of the following sections in Table 2B to perform.

TABLE 2B
Notify the user that malicious code was discovered.
Clean the infected file. Once successfully cleaned, the user
may access the file.
Delete the infected file. This results in an error message
displayed to the user that the file could not be accessed.
Optionally ask the user whether the infected items should be
cleaned, deleted, or just denying access to it.

[0083] On-access file scanning is accomplished by hooking into a file access notification mechanism that resides inside the operating system. For a comprehensive protection it is crucial to be able to hook into all file access events prior to them happening and after they have occurred.

[0084] The purpose of hooking into all file access events prior to them happening is so they can be intercepted. The purpose of hooking into all file access events after they have occurred is so the file in question can be analyzed prior to control being returned to the operating system. An important part of this notification interception is that an application that is part of this notification chain must have the capability to allow or disallow an event from continuing through the file system notification. Of course nothing can be allowed or disallowed once the event has already happened, such as a close event, but in case an infected file is opened, the hooking application must indicate to the operating system that this event should not traverse further in the file system.

[0085] The file system related events that are filtered are as follows:

[0086] File Create Event

[0087] When a file create event is received it may be because the user has decided to download, beam or install some sort of application. When a create event occurs, the anti-malware scanner keeps track of a reference information that is associated with this event, and matches it up with the corresponding close event. This is done because when a new file is created it does not contain any information that can be analyzed for malicious code. It is important to know that if a “file create” event is the same as a file open event, these two are combined into one.

[0088] File Open, Execute Program Event

[0089] Prior to opening a file, the anti-malware scanner must make sure that the file is not infected. If the file is not infected, identification information is obtained from it. This way, when the file is closed this same information is compared to determine if any changes were made to the file. If changes were made, the anti-malware scanner resorts to a more resource intensive task to ensure that the file does not contain any malicious code. It is important to note that if application execution is a different event from a regular file open event, file execution should be monitored the same way.

[0090] File Close Event

[0091] The close event must be monitored for several reasons. As described above, when a file is created, it is scanned after the close operation occurred so the anti-malware scanner can analyze its content for computer viruses.

[0092] File Rename Event

[0093] This is yet another important part of the protection because a smarter computer virus could try to create a text file that contains malicious executable code and prior to launching it, rename it to an executable file type.

[0094] On-Access Scanner Subsystem Interaction

[0095] The on-access scanner subsystem is made unable with the help of other application subsystems. Each subsystem that on-access scanning interacts with are described below. A reason why this interaction is needed is also explained.

[0096] Component Manager

[0097] When the on-access scanning subsystem determined that there is something important to notify about such as an error condition or that an infected files was found, it informs the component manager.

[0098] Scan Engine

[0099] The scan engine is the component that takes a file and analyzes it to see if the file contains any malicious code. The scan engine is invoked prior to an open event happening and after a close event has happened.

[0100] Operating System

[0101] The on-access scanning subsystem must interact with the underlying operating system that informs of all file related events that take place. The operating system may always inform about the following information in Table 2C.

TABLE 2C
The full path and filename of the file that is being handled
by the operating system.
The function that the operating system is about to perform on
the indicated file.
Any time a drive is being connected and disconnected.

[0102] It is important to know that the file system should allow for re-entrancy so when a file system event is intercepted, the file system hooking function can open any file on any drive and perform I/O operations.

[0103] On some operating systems it is not possible for an application to use static or global data. Therefore, it would be required on those platforms that a mechanism is provided where the hooked function can access some previously allocated and initiated data.

[0104] An example way of accomplishing this would be to have a file system hook installation function that accepts a pointer to a callback function and a void pointer to application defined data. This application defined data would then be passed with every call to the hooking function. An example set of functions that are required to perform comprehensive file system hooking is described in Table 3.

[0105] On-Access Scanner API

[0106] To protect against malicious code such as computer viruses, the anti-malware scanner requires access to all files being accessed through system provided APIs. The on-access scanning subsystem resides parallel to the other specialized subsystems and as such the component manager manages it.

[0107] FIG. 8 illustrates a framework 800 with an on-access scanner 801 interfacing with the file system 802 and filtering all file I/O related events. Every file that is about to be accessed is passed to the scan engine 804 that determines whether it is safe to access it. If the scan engine 804 determines that it is not safe, the component manager 806 may be notified and, based on established scan settings, some action may be done on the infected file. See Table 4 for an exemplary API.

[0108] Table 5 illustrates additional optional components of the on-access scanner API.

[0109] FIG. 9 illustrates the manner 900 in which the on-access scanner is enabled and disabled during use based on on-demand scanning. Upon on-demand scanning being requested in operation 902, on-access scanning is disabled in operation 904. Thus, on-demand scanning may be performed in operation 906.

[0110] Once the on-demand scanning is complete, the on-access scanning may be enabled in operation 908. By this design, the on-access scanning is disabled when on-demand scanning to preserve resources on the mobile wireless device. In the context of the foregoing interface, the OnAccEnable() command may be used to effect the enabling and disabling of the on-access scanning. More information on the on-demand scanning will be set forth hereinafter in greater detail.

[0111] Java Scanner (210 of FIG. 2)

[0112] Java Applet and Script Scanning

[0113] To protect against malicious Java applets and Java scripts, the anti-malware scanner requires access to executable images and scripts through system provided APIs. The Java applet/script scanning subsystem resides parallel to on-access scanning and on-demand scanning subsystems and, as such, it is managed by the component manager.

[0114] FIG. 10 illustrates the Java scanning module 1000 interfacing with the Java VM 1002 and filtering all Java applet and Java script executions. Every Java object that is about to be executed is passed to the scan engine 1004 that determines whether it is safe to execute the Java object. If the scan engine determines that it is not safe, the component manager 1006 may be notified and, based on established scan settings, some action may be done on it.

[0115] See Table 6 for an exemplary Java Scanner API.

[0116] On-Demand Scanner Module (208 of FIG. 2)

[0117] FIG. 11 illustrates an on-demand scanner system 1100 including an on-demand scanner 1101 interacting with a component manager 1102 and a scan engine 1004. Further provided is plug-in support 1006 which interfaces a plurality of abstract file system plug-ins 1108.

[0118] The on-demand scanner 1101 is a component of the anti-malware scanner system responsible for scanning collections of data objects. The component manager 1102 initiates calls to the on-demand scanner 1101. The on-demand scanner 1101 makes use of the scan engine 1102 to detect and clean malware. It also makes use of plug-ins 1106, 1108 to determine if a given file can be interpreted as a directory. For example, a compress archive can be enumerated like a directory. The plug-ins 1108 may supply alternate translations to files for decompression, decryption, or other aspects of using the file.

[0119] The on-demand scanner 1101 recursively enumerates all data objects on the device from a given starting location. While scanning files, three callback functions are used: pScanFile, pScanDirectory, and pCleanFile. To use the on-demand scanner 1101, the caller must initialise an SE_SCANNER from the scan engine 1104 and the proper callback functions.

[0120] FIG. 12 illustrates a method 1200 for performing on-demand scanning, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, the scanner is started in operation 1202, after which a first entry is identified in operation 1204. It is then determined whether the entry is of a file type or a directory type in decision 1206.

[0121] If the entry is of a file type, a filter is obtained in operation 1208, after which a file callback is executed in operation 1210. Based on the callback function, the file is then conditionally scanned in operation 1212. If the file is deemed infected, a clean callback is executed. See operation 1214.

[0122] If, on the other hand, the entry is of a directory type (see decision 1206), a directory callback is executed in operation 1216. Next, a recursive scan is executed in operation 1218. The foregoing method 1200 is continued until all of the entries are identified (see operation 1220).

[0123] On-Demand Scanner API

[0124] An exemplary API for carrying out the foregoing functionality is set forth in Table 7.

[0125] Scan Engine (216 of FIG. 2)

[0126] FIG. 13 illustrates a scan engine system 1300 including a scan engine module 1302, a file parser 1304, and an interpreter 1306. The scan engine system 1300 interfaces the on-access and on-demand scanner modules 1308 to carry out virus detection and clean files. See operation 1310.

[0127] The scan engine system 1300 is responsible for scanning individual data objects for malware and to repair infected documents. Potentially infected data is presented to the scan engine system 1300 from the on-access and on-demand scanner modules 1308. It is built to be system independent, and thus has an abstraction for data objects that can be scanned and cleaned.

[0128] Scan Engine API

[0129] The purpose of the scanner API is to enable the on-demand and on-access scanner modules 1308 to initiate detection and cleaning of malware in a given data object. This involves providing the necessary detection and cleaning files as well as providing data objects to scan.

[0130] An abstract file system is used to make the scan engine system 1300 portable to new devices and enable scanning of many different data objects. More information about ADIR, ADIRENT, and AFILE data objects of the abstract file system will be set forth hereinafter in greater detail.

[0131] Table 8 illustrates an exemplary scan engine API.

[0132] PD File Format

[0133] The purpose of this file is to provide the necessary information to detect and clean malware on handheld devices.

[0134] The PD file is composed of a header and a collection of records. The header provides general information about the use and management of the PD file. The records contain details about scanning and cleaning malware.

[0135] One of the design considerations is that 2-byte entries is desired to be 2-byte aligned, and 4-byte entries to be 4-byte aligned. This resolves some portability issues to processors that can't or have difficulty accessing non-aligned memory references. Note that aligned 4-byte values are not enforced with the instruction byte-code unless the target platform requires it.

[0136] Other than keeping the scan engine small, one may also want to support incremental updates for the PD file. One goal is to keep file transfers to the PD devices small.

[0137] The following capabilities of Table 9 may be required.

TABLE 9
After the file header, the rest of the file is a list of
records
New records can be added to the end of the file
Records can be marked as free
Free records can be re-used for new records
Neighboring free records are merged to create a larger
free record
A record may be moved in memory when updating the contents
of that record
It's possible that all records may be moved when de-
fragmenting the file
Avoid re-encrypting the entire file because of a small
change
An updated checksum needs to be supplied with patches to
verify the update

[0138] File Header

[0139] Table 10 illustrates an exemplary file header.

TABLE 10
Bytes Description
48    Copyright notice, end with CTRL + Z
2     Header size
2     Target platform identifier
2     Scan class identifier
2     Reserved. (To be determined - used as 4-byte alignment padding)
4     File version number (major, minor, revision, build)
4     File format version number
4     Date of creation
4     Date of last incremental update
4     Checksum of contents
4     Encryption seed
4     First scan record offset
4     First check record offset
4     First clean record offset
4     First free record offset

[0140] Header Size

[0141] This is used for future expansion. One can add new information to the header without breaking compatibility with older scan engines. This may never actually be used. Byte order for this value is target platform dependant.

[0142] Target Platform Identifier

[0143] To simplify parsing the PD file on the target machine, the PD file is formatted for the target. The target platform identifier denotes which type of target the file is intended. From this, the following information of Table 11 can be deduced.

TABLE 11
Big-endian or little endian byte order
Text encoding format
Byte alignment

[0144] The only defined combination is the following set forth in Table 12.

TABLE 12
Little endian byte order
UTF-8 text encoding
2-byte values are 2 byte aligned, 4 byte values are
4-byte aligned

[0145] The definition of Table 12 is used for the target platforms of Table 13.

TABLE 13
Windows variants on IA-32 processors
Linux on IA-32 processors
Symbian EPOC on ARM processors

[0146] Scan Class Identifier

[0147] The scan class identifier is a value for identifying what class of data the PD file is designed to scan. The following classes of Table 14 are identified at this time.

TABLE 14
Value Description
1     File system
2     Process
3     Data stream

[0148] Record Header

[0149] The records have a common layout to make incremental update simple and aide in finding records without making the scan engine large. An update would send only those records that need to be deleted, replaced, or added. See Table 15.

TABLE 15
Offset	Bytes	Description
0	2	Record length (N)
2	2	Record type (Scan, name, check, clean, or free)
4	4	Record identifier
8	4	Address of next record of this type (0 if end of list)
12		Record data
	0-3	Pad record out to 4-byte align

[0150] Instead of referencing parts of the file by address, the PD file uses record ID's. This makes it possible to move a record without having to change every reference to the record.

[0151] The record header uses addresses to create a linked list of each type of record. This may help improve performance in finding the proper record. Eventually this could be used to sort records by record ID.

[0152] Record lengths are only 2-byte values. This is intentional to make porting between 16-bit processors simple. For example, a mobile wireless device such as a Palm® Pilot™ uses a database instead of a file system. Each record can be at most 64 KB. Nearly all scan functions may be very small. As they get larger, new instructions should be added to the language to move the functionality into the scan engine.

[0153] It may be interesting to apply a simple Huffman compression algorithm to the PD byte codes on a record-by-record basis.

[0154] Scan Records

[0155] This record contains a function for doing an initial scan of the selected file. The amount of code needed for this scan may exceed 64 KB (the maximum record size). Thus, the first scan record starts the process, but may reference other scan records. One goal is to keep the initial scan record small, yet able to eliminate 80% of the clean files. This keeps the scan engine's memory footprint small as well as making efficient use of the processor.

[0156] If malware is discovered, the scan function may return the record ID of the name record for this item. This table entry may provide the proper check function to verify the malware variant present. Though this does a double reference, it may not be important. Most of the time is spent eliminating files so that this step may be rare.

[0157] Check Records

[0158] Check records contain functions for identifying the specific malware variant once identified by the scan records.

[0159] The check record starts with the following header information in Table 16.

TABLE 16
Offset	Bytes	Description
0	4	Record ID of the clean function to call (or 0 if none)
4	2	Number of bytes in name section (N)
6	1	Number of names provided
7	1	Length of malware name, (N0)
8	N0	Text name of the malware
	1	Length of variant name (N1)
	N1	Text name of the variant
		. . . (Repeat for k variants)
	1	Length of variant name (Nk)
	Nk	Text name of the variant
	0-1	Pad record out to 2-byte align length
N + 4		Instructions for the check function

[0160] If no variants are detected, then −0 is returned. Otherwise, the index for the variant is returned. A 0 is used if the generic malware detection suffices.

[0161] It should be noted that many different check functions can be merged into a single record to reduce the file size if they are sufficiently similar. However, this can cause trouble for incremental updates.

[0162] Clean Records

[0163] A clean record contains a function for removing the malware and repairing files if possible.

[0164] It should be noted that multiple detected malware may use the same clean function.

[0165] Free Records

[0166] When a record is deleted, it is merged with other free records or added to the free record list. This allows the system to re-use space when performing incremental updates. It solves the problem of re-writing the entire file just because a portion was modified.

[0167] Replacing a record is the same as deleting the original, and then adding a new record in its place.

[0168] Free records may be set to zero to make predicting the checksum easier.

[0169] Activity Logging Module (214 of FIG. 2)

[0170] The activity logging subsystem is responsible for recording significant events to be collected at the back-end for analysis. This aids in providing information from the field to track outbreaks, detect and diagnose issues, and help determine how to improve the product.

[0171] The following are logged events in Table 17.

TABLE 17
Error conditions and warnings
Detection of malware
Infected file name and path
Malware name and variant
Response to malware
File name and path
Action taken
Starting and stopping of services
On-demand scan
On-access scanner
Virus scanner application
Service agent upgrades

[0172] The detection of and response to malware is separated. Detection is logged immediately when the malware it detected. Once the action is taken and successfully completed, the response is logged. If anything were to go wrong with the response, one would at least see the detection entry.

[0173] Adding log file entries is supported at two levels. The most common are functions that handle specific logging needs. These require all the necessary information and add them to the log file with the minimum effort from the programmer. The lower layer manages the log file rotation and a generic mechanism for adding entries.

[0174] Configuration

[0175] The activity log requires the following configuration values in Table 18.

TABLE 18
Log file rotation size
Log file maximum size
Log trace messages (yes/no)

[0176] A single log file is used until is reaches the log file rotation size. At which point, it is renamed and a new log file is started. Once the total space used by all of the log files exceeds the maximum, the oldest log file is removed. As log files are uploaded from the device, they are deleted from the device.

[0177] The log file location and naming conventions are configured per platform when the program is compiled.

[0178] Requirements

[0179] See Table 19 for possible requirements.

TABLE 19
It must be reasonable to translate the log file to multiple
languages.
Limit the log file size to a reasonable (configurable) maximum
Scroll log file entries as the log file becomes too large (?)
Track time and date of log entries
Available to the service agent for transmission to the back-end
Once transferred, the log file may be truncated.
It must be resilient to system crashes
Output in a simplified, structured XML format with header for
ASCII or UNICODE encoding
Enforce log file structure and completeness if information
presented
Ability to detect when log files have been lost due to exceeding
the maximum log file size.

[0180] Table 20 illustrates an exemplary interface associated with the activity logging module.

[0181] File Format

[0182] The file format may be based on XML. There is a common form that is supported by the low-level API. This is described as follows. Then below, specifics for each type of logged event are provided as well.

[0183] Each log file is numbered sequentially. This enables sorting and merging log files, as well as detecting when log files are missing. See Table 21.

TABLE 21
For UNICODE
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“ISO-10646”?>
For ASCII
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“ISO-8859-1”?>
Then the rest:
<log id=log_id>
<entry-name date=“ time-date-stamp”>
<field-name> value </field-name>
. . .
</entry-name>
. . .

[0184] The strings entry-name and field-name are replaced with the actual entry and field names. The time-date-stamp is the time at which the entry is added to the log file. This is encoded as YYYYMMDDhhmmss, where YYYY is the year, MM is the month, DD is the day of the month, hh is the hour, mm is the minutes, and ss is the seconds.

[0185] A sample LogMessage object is shown in Table 22.

TABLE 22
<event date=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss”>
<type>message-type</type>
<message>message-body</message>
</event>
message_type is one of trace, warning, error, or fatal.
message_body is the text string provided for the message.

[0186] A sample LogMalwareDetect object is shown in Table 23.

TABLE 23
LogMalwareDetect
<detect date=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss“>
<path>file-path</path>
<name>malware-name</name>
<variant>malware-variant</variant>
</detect>
file-path is a string identifying where the infected
item was found.
malware-name is the name of the detected infection
malware-variant is the verified variant name of the infection
LogMalwareAction
<action date=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss”>
<path>file-path</path>
<action>scanner-action</action>
</action>
scanner-action is one of “clean”, “delete”,
“quarantine”, “ingore”.

[0187] A LogServiceEvent is shown in Table 24.

TABLE 24
<service date=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss”>
<name>service-name</name>
<action>service-action</action>
</service>
service-name is the name of the service:
“on-demand”, “on-access”, “application”, “agent”,
“installer”.
service-action the word “start” or “stop”.

[0188] Service Agent

[0189] FIG. 14 illustrates a service agent (SA) architecture 1400, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, a service agent 1402 interfaces with an user interface 1403, an on-access scanner module 1404, and an on-demand scanner module 1406. Such on-access scanner module 1404 and on-demand scanner module 1406, in turn, interface a scan engine 1408.

[0190] In use, the service agent 1402 communicates with the back-end architecture 1410 which may be controlled and monitored via a web-interface 1412. The service agent 1402 is thus responsible for communicating with the back-end architecture 1410. It handles delivering device-specific information such as log data to a remote back-end architecture 1410. The second responsibility is in retrieving the anti-malware scanner component installation and package updates. The component manager initiates service agent updates. This may be due to scheduled updates or by user initiated updates.

[0191] FIG. 15 illustrates a method 1500 for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware. Initially, in operation 1502, a service agent 1402 is initiated utilizing a mobile wireless device. In one embodiment, the service agent may be initiated by a user interface of the mobile wireless device. Further, the service agent may be initiated by the anti-malware scanner of the mobile wireless device. Still yet, the service agent may be initiated by a daemon of the mobile wireless device. As an option, the service agent may be initiated by a scheduler of the mobile wireless device or a trigger.

[0192] Next, in operation 1504, information describing the mobile wireless device is transmitted to a back-end server over a wireless network utilizing the service agent of the mobile wireless device. In one embodiment, the information describing the mobile wireless may include log data. Such log data may be specific to the mobile wireless device.

[0193] In operation 1506, an update is then received from the back-end server over the wireless network utilizing the service agent of the mobile wireless device. Optionally, the update may be wrapped. Further, the update may include a header and a plurality of parts. Such parts may include a part-header section and a part-data section.

[0194] Subsequently, in operation 1508, an anti-malware scanner installed on the mobile wireless device is updated so that the mobile wireless device may be scanned utilizing the updated anti-malware scanner. More information regarding the foregoing architecture 1400 and associated method 1500 will now be set forth.

[0195] Agent Activation Scenarios

[0196] FIG. 16 illustrates a sample service agent activation method 1600, in accordance with one embodiment. Depending on the operating system running on the wireless device, the service agent 1602 can be launched by the user-interface 1604, on-demand and on-access scanners 1606, a background process (daemon) and/or system scheduler 1608, itself 1609, and external signal/trigger 1610 originated from the service provider. More information regarding such triggers will now be set forth.

[0197] Activation Through User-Interface (Manual Trigger)

[0198] The agent can be directly launched from the wireless user-interface by the user. When the user selects an update-now button (or menu entry), the user-interface activates the agent.

[0199] Activation by the Agent (Self Trigger)

[0200] Under multi-process operating environment, the service agent stays resident and awaits (or sleeps) for update-interval time specified in the anti-malware scanner configuration before contacting the update server.

[0201] Scanner Activation (Scanner Trigger)

[0202] The agent is launched for new updates when the on-demand and/or on-access scanner notices that the update-interval-time has elapsed since the agent was activated last.

[0203] Scheduled Activation (Scheduled Trigger)

[0204] Operating system provided scheduler like cron™ in Unix/Linux™ is utilized to schedule the agent activation. Also, if the operating system allows daemon (or background process), a simple daemon is used to activate the service agent.

[0205] Carrier/Service Provider Activation (External Trigger)

[0206] This is an ideal method for deploying urgent virus signature updates while providing load balance. The wireless device/phone may support launching an application via a signal from its service provider. When an update signal from an external source is received by the device, it launches a pre-configured application, in this case the service agent, for immediate update.

[0207] Configuration

[0208] Like other the anti-malware scanner components on the device, the agent configuration information is kept in a central location. Table 25 lists the service agent communication configuration and status variables read/updated.

TABLE 25
Variable	Example	Description
server	http://update1.mcafeeasap.co	Lists one or more update server URL's.
	m/cgi-bin/update.fcg,
	http://update2.mcafeeasap.co
	m/cgi-bin/update.fcg
method	1	Specifies server selection method.
		0: direct-method - always attempt to connect
		to the first server given, connect to next
		server if the first one fails.
		1: round-robin - attempt to connect to server
		listed after previous connected server.
last_connect	167.68.79.100	IP address port number of the last update
		server successfully connected.
last_check	20020110051530	Last time the agent made a successful server
		connection.
		Format: YYYYMMDDhhmmss
connect_timeout	5000	Server connection timeout in milliseconds.
read_timeout	3000	Socket read timeout value in milliseconds.
write_timeout	3000	Socket write timeout value in milliseconds.
connect_retry	5	Maximum connection open retry count.
read_retry	3	Maximum socket read retry count.
write_retry	3	Maximum socket read retry count.
download_dir	X$/vswsa/download	Where to store downloaded package.

[0209] Service Package

[0210] The term “package” refers to any data/information uploaded/downloaded to/from a remote update server. Each package is made up of a header and parts. Each part consists of part-header and part-data sections. Designed for simplicity, endian-ness independence, and extensibility, the anti-malware scanner package format is an HTTP-like transmission format that allows multiple inclusion of any types of data. The package format is composed by subsequent entries:

[0211] Table 26 illustrates an exemplary format.

[0212] where:

[0213] ENRTY-NAME is the object identification name, and LENGTH is the length of the subsequent DATA section in bytes. The part-data section is made up of a binary chuck of data whose length is LENGTH. The format described above simplifies package creation and information access thus keeping the device application footprint small.

[0214] The part-header section can contain other useful information, for example, content type, compression method, signatures, checksums, etc. Also, it's possible to contain information that does not carry any data by setting the ContentLength: to zero and by making the <FIELD> carry data. As given in the example of Table 27, the device identification number is uploaded to a server by setting the ContentName to $DEV-UID, including a field names X-DEVUID, and setting the ContentLength to zero. See Table 27 for a package containing device ID number.

TABLE 27
ContentName: $DEV-UID
X-DevUID: 091200831080281
ContentLength: 0

[0215] The content name part can easily contain pathname information that make the format suitable for multi-level packaging transfers. Table 28 shows an example package uploaded to a server. It contains three separate information: 1) device identification number, 2) device log information, and 3) product and component version information (catalogue).

[0216] Upload Package

[0217] Three types of part contents are uploaded to a server for back-end processing are: 1) device identification number, 2) device system/log information in XML format, and 3) component version information. The device identification number is used by the back-end to validate a device connection. Uploaded system and log information is processed and stored in a back-end database for reporting. Product/component version information, catalogue, is used by the back-end server in selecting an installation package to download.

TABLE 28
Content	Required
Name	Field	Description
$DEV-UID	X-DevUID	Contains 16-byte device identi-
		fication number given in the X-
		DevUID field. Content length
		is always zero.
$DEV-LOG	none	Contains system activity and virus
		detection log information to be
		stored in the back-end database.
$DEV-	none	Virus signature database version,
CATALOGUE		scan engine version numbers, and
		other component and product
		version information is included in
		the catalogue. The back-end update
		server uses the version
		information uploaded in
		determining whether to download
		a new installation package.

[0218] The upload package is created from data provided by individual components that are registered with the service agent to upload/report its information to the back-end server. The service agent simply requests the registered components for upload data. Table 29 illustrates sample upload parts.

TABLE 29
ContentName: $DEV-UID
X-DevUID: 091200831080281
ContentLength: 0
ContentName: $DEV-LOG
ContentType: text/xml
ContentLength: 1252
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“ISO-8859-1”?>
<log>
<event time=“20020110110323”>
<severity>0</severity>
<message>Device was updated successfully</message>
</event>
<scan time=“20020110121545”>
<name>Nasty</name>
<type>trojan</type>
<action>2</action>
<infected>Address.prc</infected>
</detect>
.
.
.
</log>
ContentName: $DEV-CATALOGUE
ContentType: text/xml
ContentLength: 815
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“ISO-8859-1”?>
<catalogue>
<product>
<id>7002</id>
<version>1.0</version>
<name> Wireless</name>
</product>
<component>
<name>engine</name>
<version>4.10.08</version>
</component>
<component>
<name>PD</name>
<version>4288</version>
</component>
.
.
.
<catalogue>

[0219] Client Authentication/Verification

[0220] The server uses the device identification number specified by the X-Device-UID field to verify and retrieve client-specific information. This verification is done as soon as any part of the HTTP POST data containing the device identification is received.

[0221] Event Log

[0222] Also given in the client upload package is a wireless component/application log entries. Like the catalogue information, the log entries are formatted in XML form. There are two types of log entries: detection log and application event log. The detection log entry contains detected malware name, its type, infected filename, and the action taken by the scanner. Application (or component) event log entry lists severity of the event and a short message describing the event. Both the detection and the event log entries have a timestamp specified in UTC. Table 30 illustrates a pair of XML formats.

TABLE 30
Format 1 Event Log Entry Format
<event time=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss”>
<severity>severity-value</severity>
<message>event-description</message>
</event>
Format 2 Detection Log Entry Format
<detect time=“YYYYMMDDhhmmss”>
<name>malware-name</name>
<type>malware-type</name>
<infected>infected-file</infected>
<action>scanner-action</action>
</detect>

[0223] The log entry time stamp given in UTC has the following format in Table 31.

TABLE 31
YYYY ::year (e.g. 2002)
MM   ::month (01-12)
DD   ::day of the month (01-31)
hh   ::hour of the day in 24 hour format (00-23)
mm   ::minute (00-59)
ss   ::second (00-59)

[0224] Table 32 illustrates a sample log.

TABLE 32
ContentName: $DEV-LOG
ContentType: text/xml
ContentLength: 659
<?xml version=“1.0” encoding=“ISO-8859-1”?>
<log>
<event date=“20020108110323”>
<Severity>0</severity>
<message>PD updated</message>
</event>
<detect date=“20020108110645”>
<name>Nasty</name>
<type>virus</type>
<infected>paint.exe</infected>
<action>cleaned</cleaned>
</detect>
<detect date=“20020108110815”>
<name>Nimda</name>
<type>trojan</type>
<infected>hello.exe</infected>
<action>deleted</cleaned>
</detect>
<event date=“20020108111010”>
<Severity>2</severity>
<message>failed to scan kernel32.exe</message>
</event>
<log>

[0225] Component Catalogue

[0226] The device catalogue (version information) uploads lists on the anti-malware scanner components. This catalogue information along with the device identification number is used in constructing a download package for the specific-device/client. Each catalogue entry given in the client upload package follows the format in Table 33.

TABLE 33
<catalogue>
<product>
<id>product-id</id>
<version>version-number</version>
[<name>product-name</name>]
</product>
<component>
<id>component-id</id>
<version>version-number</version>
[<name>component-name</name>]
</component>
.
.
.
</catalogue>

[0227] Upload Information Gathering

[0228] Except for the device identification information, the service agent does not directly generate or format the data in the upload package - the service agent uploads data obtained from its clients. The service agent uses a set of callback functions supplied by its caller (or client) to request upload information. The service agent API SaSetParameter (and SaSetParameters) is used to by service agent client(s) to specify how to obtain upload data from each component.

[0229] Below steps describe the upload process

[0230] A. Initialization

[0231] 1. each client is notified by the SA to construct a package part to upload.

[0232] 2. the SA prepares package header that contains total package size information

[0233] 3. device-identification part is constructed

[0234] B. Login

[0235] 1. connect to a remote server

[0236] 2. send package header and device-identification part $DEV-ID

[0237] C. Transmit

[0238] 1. For each registered client, request a block of data from the client and then transmit.

[0239] D. Cleanup

[0240] E. Notify clients upload status

[0241] Package Download

[0242] After uploading a package, the service agent awaits for the server to download an installation package. The package header specifies the total package size, and the SA uses it to determine if the package contains installation part(s). The package size specified is greater zero, the SA downloads and saves the entire package data onto a download directory and calls the component installer. Each install part in an install package is identified by the content name that specifies the data format. The installer uses the format identifier in selecting an appropriate unpacker/decompressor for extracting and installing files contained in the part. Table 34 illustrates a sample installation package.

TABLE 34
ContentName: $INST-SIS
ContentType: binary
ContentLength: 200105
[200,105 byes of SIS data]

[0243] Client-Server Communication

[0244] FIG. 17 provides a method 1700 for client and server package handling. As shown in FIG. 17, during a client process 1701, a package is prepared by a mobile wireless device to be uploaded. See operation 1702. This client package is then posted for access by the server in operation 1704. This prompts the initiation of a server process 1705.

[0245] During the server process 1705, the client package is received in operation 1706, after which the client is verified in operation 1708. If an error is detected in decision 1712, an error message is posted in operation 1710. If not, however, the database is updated based on the client package in operation 1714. Next, a server package is generated in operation 1716, after which the server package is posted for access by the client in operation 1718.

[0246] The client process 1701 then proceeds by receiving the server package in operation 1720. If an error is identified in decision 1722, the process is terminated. If, however, no error is detected, the contents that are listed in operation 1724 are installed in operation 1726. Further, the catalogue is updated in operation 1728.

[0247] The client-server communication is thus initiated by the service agent by posting an upload package to a remote server. When this HTTP(S) POST is made to the server, the client connection is verified and the entire client package is received. After receiving the client package, the server updates database with the uploaded information, and then returns a package generated based on the information uploaded. The client installs components in the server package and updates its installed component catalogue.

[0248] Client-Server Protocol

[0249] The device update process may take place by preparing the package format (MPF) that may be basically composed by an UID entry, an XML file containing device catalogue information like dat/engine/applications versions and log entries and eventually quarantine files.

[0250] Once the package is prepared, the service agent (SA) may lookup its configuration searching for the URL to which to post the request. The URL may have the form shown in Table 35

TABLE 35
http://CARRIERDOMAIN/cgi-bin/update.fcg
or
https://CARRIERDOMAIN/cgi-bin/update.fcg

[0251] for HTTP over SSL connections. The package may be sent to the remote back-end agent (RBA) with a standard HTTP POST request like given that in Table 36.

TABLE 36
POST <CARRIERDOMAIN>/cgi-bin/update.fcg HTTP/1.0
Host: <CARRIERDOMAIN>
Content-Type: binary/MPF
X-Device-UID: <DEVICE-UID>
Content-Length: <SIZEOF-PACKAGE>
[<SIZEOF-PACKAGE> bytes of binary data]

[0252] After that, the RBA may be invoked and it may unpack the package looking for the catalogue information coming from the device (i.e. details of what happens inside the RBA are described in another document). Based on the device current catalogue, the RBA may prepare a custom package whose format may be device dependent to better utilize intrinsic device capabilities and hence reduce the code footprint of the SA application. The RBA may send the prepared package as data inside the HTTP POST response given in Table 37. Then, the connection to the RBA may be closed and the SA may be free to process the package.

TABLE 37
POST <CARRIERDOMAIN>/cgi-bin/update.fcg HTTP/1.0
Host: <CARRIERDOMAIN>
Content-Type: binary/MPF
X-Device-UID: <DEVICE-UID>
Content-Length: <SIZEOF-PACKAGE>
[<SIZEOF-PACKAGE> bytes of binary data]
HTTP/1.0 200 OK
Host: <CARRIERDOMAIN>
Content-Type: binary/MPF
Content-Length: <PACKAGE-SIZE>
[<PACKAGE-SIZE> bytes of binary data]

[0253] Secure Communication and Authentication

[0254] The service agent uses system-provided secure channel (e.g. SSL) for server communication and authentication APIs for downloaded package verification. Data uploaded from a device to a server is done through secure channel to protect private information. The download package containing virus detection files and component upgrades need to be cryptographically signed and authenticated. Without proper authentication, the device may be vulnerable to a third party attack.

[0255] Table 38 illustrates an exemplary service agent API.

[0256] Installer

[0257] The anti-malware scanner installer is tasked with extracting and installing components. This includes the update or install packages the service agent receives from a back-end server. The configuration manager coordinates between the service agent and the installer to retrieve updates, and shuts down the on-access scanner so as not to cause a conflict when installing components.

[0258] Installation Package

[0259] The installation package contains one or more wireless installation components encapsulated in parts. Each part contains binary image of the component, version information, and special pre/post scripts used to install the component. The installation package format and its part format is identical to the service package uploaded to a server by the service agent.

[0260] One exemplary format is shown in Table 39.

TABLE 39
The installation package is made up of multiple parts:
<PART0>
...
<PARTn>
Each installation part is made up of part-header and part-data:
<PART-HEADER>
<PART-DATA>
Installation part-header is made up of part-data and component description:
ContentName: <content-identifier>
ContentType: <content-type>
ContentLength: <content-length>
ComponentID: <component-ID>
ComponentName: <component-name>
ComponentVersion: <component-version>

[0261] The content-identifier uniquely identifies the content information, content-type describes the content format/type of the part-data, and content-length provides the length (in bytes) the part-data included. Component-id is the wireless component identification number used in referencing a particular component, component-name specifies the component name, and component-version provides the version information. The example of Table 40 is an installation package containing PD and engine updates. The first part contains the virus signature file scan.pd, and the second part contains scan engine update with pre and post installation scripts to execute when installing the engine.

[0262] Content Name

[0263] The installer uses the content names in identify the install algorithm. Table 40 lists the content names accepted by the installer.

TABLE 40
Content Name Description
$ENGINE      scan engine
$PD          virus signature database
$PDn         virus signature database containing a limited
             set of detections; where 0 ≦ n
$PDU         virus signature database update
$APP         Wireless application
$CONFIG      Wireless application configuration
$APP-1       contains an application to be executed and
             removed (e.g. special virus cleanup app)
$PRE-SCRIPT  script/application to be executed before a
             component is installed
$INST-SCRIPT script/application for installing the component;
             default install algorithm is by passed when this
             script/app is included
$POST-SCRIPT script/application to be executed after
             installation

[0264] Content Type

[0265] The content type provides the stored part-data (component install image) format type, either binary or text, and the component classification names. Table 41 lists the component classification names used in an install package.

TABLE 41
Content Type Description
pd-file      virus-signature data
container    part-data containing one or more parts
script       system-specific script file
lib          run-time library (e.g. DLL)
app          application binary

[0266] Component Identification

[0267] The component identification specifies the wireless component number. It is used to reference a specific component in the wireless component catalogue on the device. See Table42.

TABLE 42
Component ID       Description
1000               full virus signature database
1001, . . . , 1099 virus signature database subset
2000               scan engine
3000               main application
5000, . . . , 5999 special applications
ContentName: $PD
ContentType: binary/pd-file
ContentLength: 156
Component ID: 2000
ComponentName: PD
ComponentVersion: 2.0.1
[156 bytes long scan.pd image]
ContentName: $ENGINE
ContentType: binary/container
ContentLength: 650
ContentPriority: 0
ComponentID: 1000
ComponentName: scan engine
ComponentVersion: 4.3.21
ContentName: $PRE-SCRIPT
ContentType: text/script
ContentLength: 35
/etc/rc.d/init.d/vmax stop
ContentName: $BINARY
ContentType: binary/lib
ContentLength: 256
[256 bytes long scanengine image]
ContentName: $POST-SCRIPT
ContentType: text/script
ContentLength: 34
/etc/rc.d/init.d/vmax start

[0268] Installation Process

[0269] FIG. 18 illustrates the various steps 1800 of the package installation process, in accordance with one embodiment. Once an installation/update package has been downloaded, the service agent notifies the installer to extract and install/update new components. See operation 1802.

[0270] 1. obtain package information

[0271] a. enumerate through enclosed contents/parts (1804)

[0272] b. order components by priority

[0273] 2. notify components

[0274] 3. for each component:

[0275] a. extract components to a temporary storage (1806)

[0276] b. execute pre-install script if included (1808)

[0277] c. copy/move extracted component

[0278] d. update catalogue

[0279] e. execute post-install script

[0280] 4. notify components

[0281] 5. cleanup (1812)

[0282] The installation notification is sent out to components running on the device before and after an installation. See operation 1810. The notification information includes the component identification number of the component being updated.

[0283] Installer API

[0284] An illustrative installer API is shown in Table 43A.

TABLE 43A
InsPackageInstall
Description
The InsPackageInstall call installs the anti-malware scanner
installation package.
Prototype
int InsPacakgeInstall(void);
Parameters
none
Return Values
0 on success. −1 indicates error.

[0285] Platform Abstraction Layer (218 of FIG. 2)

[0286] The wireless platform abstraction layer (PAL) is a middle-ware API designed to provide components with a platform-independent system interfaces. The abstraction layer is divided into following seven categories.

[0287] FIG. 19 illustrates the components 1900 of the platform abstraction layer 1902 and the manner in which they interface with the mobile wireless device 1904 and operating system 1906 thereof. See Table 43B for a list of such components.

TABLE 43B
1. Storage I/O APIs for accessing files (or stored objects) and
   directories, (1908)
2. Dynamic memory allocation APIs, (1910)
3. Process/task control calls (1912)
4. Network I/O calls (1914)
5. System event handler APIs (1916)
6. System identification and resource information routines (1918)
7. Miscellaneous APIs (1920)

[0288] More information will now be set forth regarding the various components of the platform abstract layer.

[0289] Storage I/O (1908 of FIG. 19)

[0290] Storage I/O API is used by wireless to access and modify data objects (or files) stored on a non-volatile storage device (e.g. flash memory, hard disk) and managed by a file system or file system like storage and retrieval system. The API is divided into three categories: 1) I/O routines for reading/writing data to/from single object or file, 2) calls used to copy, move and delete a stored object, 3) and routines that provide object enumeration from a storage. See Table 44.

TABLE 44
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
FsFileOpen	const FILEPATH*	HFILE	Opens the specified file using the specified.
	pFilePath,		FILEPATH is a system-specific data
	fmode_t modes,		structure used to define a specific-file path.
FsFileClose	HFILE hFile	In.	Closes specified file handle.
FsFileRead	HFILE hFile,	size_t	Returns the number of bytes read into
	void* buffer,		‘buffer’ after attempting to read
	size_t cbLength		‘cbLength’ from file handle
			‘hFile’. (size_t) − 1 is
			returned on error.
FsFileWrite	HFILE hFile,	size_t	Returns the number of bytes written from
	void* buffer,		‘buffer’ after attempting to write
	size_t cbLength		‘cbLength’ bytes to file handle
			‘hFile’. (size_t) − 1 is returned on error.
FsFileSeek	HFILE hFile,	off_t	Returns current file handle offset position
	off_t offset,		after moving ‘offset’ bytes from the
	fpos_t whence		location directive ‘whence’.
			(off_t) − 1 is returned on error.
FsFileSetSize	HANDLE hFile,	off_t	Sets the files size to ‘cbNewLength’
	off_t		bytes long. −1 is returned on error.
	cbNewLength
FsFileDelete	const FILEPATH*	int	Deletes the specified file.
	pFilePath		−1 is returned on error.
FsFileRename	const FILEPATH*	int	Renames a file, moving it to different
	pOldPath,		directory if required.
	const FILEPATH*		If a file with same path exists, the call
	pNewPath		returns an error. −1 is returned on error.
FsFileCopy	const FILEPATH*	int	Copies a file to a different location. If
	pSrcPath,		‘bOverwrite’ is not set (= FILE)
	const FILEPATH*		and a destination file exists, an error
	pDestPath,		is returned.
	BOOL bOverwrite
FsFileCopyToDir	const FILEPATH*	int	Copies a file to the specified directory
	pSrcPath,		location. If ‘bOverwrite’ is not set
	const DirPATH*		(= FILE) and a destination
	pDestDir,		file exists, an error is returned.
	BOOL bOverwrite
FsFileStat	const FILEPATH*	int	Returns information (including file size,
	pFilePath,		permission) on specified file.
	FILESTATE*
	pFileStat
FsSetMode	const FILEPATH*	int	Sets the file access permission to the mode
	pszPath,		specified.
	faccess_t
	accessMode
FsDirRoot	void	HDIR	Returns the root directory handle.
FsDirOpen	const DIRPATH*	HDIR	Returns a directory handle for the specified
	pDirPath		directory.
FsDirClose	HDIR hDir	int	Releases resource taken up by a directory
			handle.
FsDirFirst	HDIR hDir	const	Returns the first directory entry.
		DIRENTRY*
FsDirNext	const DIRENTRY*	const	Returns the directory entry listed after the
	pDirEntry	DIRENTRY*	entry pointed by the ‘pDirEntry’ pointer.
FsGetFilePath	void* buffer	FILEPATH	Converts system-specific file path into the
		*	FILEPATH structure and returns its
			memory pointer. The returned pointer
			needs to be released using the
			FsFreeFilePath.
FsFreeFilePath	FILEPATH*	int	Frees system resource associated with the
	pFilePath		structure pointed by ‘pFilePath’ pointer.
FsGetDirPath	void* buffer	DIRPATH *	Converts system-specific directory path
			into the DIRPATH structure and returns its
			memory pointer. The returned pointer
			needs to be released using the
			FsFreeDirPath.
FsFreeDirPath	DIRPATH*	int	Frees system resource associated with the
	pDirPath		structure pointed by ‘pDirPath’ pointer.

[0291] Network Socket I/O (1914 of FIG. 19)

[0292] See Table 45 for an exemplary network socket I/O API.

TABLE 45
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
SocketOpen	int domain,	HSOCKET	Creates a network socket and returns its
	int type,		handle.
	int protocol
SocketConnect	HSOCKET hSocket,	int	Initializes connection on a
	msec_t timeout,		socket. −1 returned if error.
	SockAddr
	sockAddr,
	NETPORT_T port
SocketBind	HSOCKET hSocket,	int	Sets the socket to bind to port ‘port’.
	NETPORT_T port		Client IP address is set to
			INADDR_ANY. −1 returned if error.
SocketAccept	HSOCKET hSocket,	int	Accepts a connection on a socket and
	SOCKADDR* pAddr		returns connected client IP information in
			‘pAddr’. −1 returned if error.
SocketReceive	HSOCKET hSocket,	size_t	Reads from a connected socket.
	msec_t timeout,
	void* buffer,
	size_t size
SocketSend	HSOCKET hSocket,	size_t	Writes to a connected socket.
	msec_t timeout,
	void* buffer,
	size_t size
SocketClose	HSOCKET hSocket	int	Closes connection and releases system
			resource.
SSLOpen	HSOCKET hSocket	HSSL	Transforms a normal (non-secure) socket
			to a SSL socket, and the SSL API calls
			should be used instead.
			If the call fails, the ‘hSocket’ property is
			retained and NULL is returned.
SSLConnect	HSSL hSocket,	int	Initializes connection on a SSL
	msec_t timeout,		socket. −1 returned if error.
	SockAddr
	sockAddr,
	NETPORT_T port
SSLAccept	HSSL hSocket,	int	Accepts a SSL connection on a SSL socket and
	SOCKADDR* pAddr		returns connected client IP information in
			‘pAddr’. −1 returned if error.
SSLReceive	HSSL hSocket,	size_t	Reads from a connected SSL socket.
	msec_t timeout,
	void* buffer,
	size_t size
SSLSend	HSSL hSocket,	size_t	Writes to a connected SSL socket.
	msec_t timeout,
	void* buffer,
	size_t size
SSLClose	HSSL hSocket	int	Closes SSL connection and releases
			system resource.

[0293] Process Control API (1912 of FIG. 19)

[0294] See Table 46 for an exemplary process control API.

TABLE 46
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
ProGetList	pid_t** ppPid	int	Returns the number
			of current system
			processes and a list
			of process id's.
ProFreeList	pid_t* pPid	int	Frees process listed
			obtained using
			ProGetList.
ProKill	pid_t pid	int	Terminates specified
			process.
ProOpen	pid_t pid	HPROCESS	Returns a process
			handle corresponding
			to the process id.
ProClose	HPROCESS	int	Frees resource
	hProcess		associated with the
			process handle.
ProGetName	HPROCESS	int	Returns process name.
	hProcess,
	void* pName,
	size_t cbName
ProGetFilePath	HPROCESS	int	Returns storage path
	hProcess,		for the process image.
	FILEPATH**
	ppFilePath
ProGetCodeMem	HPROCESS	size_t	Retrieves ‘cbRead’
	hProcess,		bytes of process
	size_t offset,		instruction code/data
	void* buffer,		from process code
	size_t cbRead		offset ‘offset’.
			Returns the number of
			bytes read into
			‘buffer’.
			Return value
			(size_t)-1 indicates
			error.

[0295] Dynamic Memory (1910 of FIG. 19)

[0296] See Table 47 for an exemplary dynamic memory API.

TABLE 47
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
MemMalloc	size_t size	void*	Returns a pointer to at least ‘size’
			bytes long dynamic memory block.
MemFree	void* ptr	void	Frees dynamic memory allocated
			using MemMalloc

[0297] Event Handler API (1916 of FIG. 19)

[0298] See Table 48 for an exemplary event handler API.

TABLE 48
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
EvntSetHandler	int event,	int	Sets a callback/handler for event ‘event’.
	FNEVENT_HANDLER*
	pFunc
EvntGetHandler	int event	FNEVENT_HANDLER*	Returns event handler for event ‘event’

[0299] System Information (1918 of FIG. 19)

[0300] See Table 49 for an exemplary system information API.

TABLE 49
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
SysGetId	unsigned char	int	Obtains 16-byte device
	id [16]		identification code.

[0301] See Table 50 for an exemplary error/status API.

TABLE 50
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
ErrSetLast	VSWSTATUS err	int	Sets the last error
			to ‘err’
ErrGetLast	void	VSWSTATUS	Returns the last error
			set using the
			ErrSetLast function.

[0302] Misc. API (1920 of FIG. 19)

[0303] See Table 51 for an exemplary misc. API.

TABLE 51
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
Sleep	msec_t msec	int	suspends current execution
			and sleeps for ‘msec’
			milliseconds
MemSet	void* dest,	void*	Sets the first ‘n’ bytes of
	int pattern,		memory pointed by ‘ptr’
	size_t n		to ‘pattern’.
			Pointer to ‘ptr’ is returned.
MemCopy	void* dest,	void*	Copies ‘n’ bytes from
	void* src,		memory area ‘src’ to
	size_t n		memory area ‘dest’ and
			then returns pointer to
			‘dest’.
ExecBuffer	void* buffer,	int	Treats the ‘buffer’ as
	size_t length		executable binary image
			and requests the system to
			execute. The return code of
			the executable is returned.
ExecFile	const FILEPATH*	int	Request the system to
	pExePath		execute the executable file
			identified by ‘pExePath’.
			The return code returned by
			the executable is passed on
			to the caller.

[0304] Abstract File System Specification

[0305] The abstract file system provides an interface for supporting features in the platform abstraction layer (PAL). When porting the anti-malware scanner to new platforms, this interface may need to be implemented for every class of scannable data object on the device. The most common may be a file system. This may also include databases or custom persistent data storage on the device.

[0306] Implementing the Interface

[0307] The scanner components use the HDIR and HFILE handles to interact with files and directories. These handles are discussed in greater detail in the PAL. The abstract file system is one way of implementing these handles.

[0308] Three different interfaces need to be supported, as shown in Table 52.

TABLE 52
Abstract Directory: ADIR
Abstract Directory Entry: ADIRENT
Abstract File: AFILE

[0309] The ADIR is used to support HDIR. The ADIRENT supports both FILEPATH and DIRPATH. The AFILE supports HFILE.

[0310] For example, an HDIR is type cast into an ADIR pointer.

[0311] Thus, FsFileRead() can be defined as follows in Table 53.

TABLE 53
#define FsFileRead(hFile, pBuffer, length) \
((ADIR *)hFile )−>pRead(hFile, pBuffer, length)

[0312] This saves on the overhead of having to implement a FsFileRead() function that does essentially the same thing as the macro.

[0313] ADIR, ADIRENT, and AFILE are implemented as data structures with callback functions. The callback functions provide basic capabilities to enumerate and manipulate files. The calling application must implement these interfaces.

[0314] Data Types

[0315] See Table 54 for various exemplary data types.

[0316] ADIRENT Interface

[0317] See Table 56 for an exemplary ADIRENT API.

[0318] AFILE Interface

[0319] See Table 57A for an exemplary AFILE API.

[0320] Configuration Settings

[0321] A configurations settings object manages all configuration settings. This object is use to set and retrieve information in permanent storage. The inner logic of this object manages the way information is stored and accessed. The component manager instantiates this object and passes a configuration settings handle to all other subsystems so they can access their options. Note is that there are no structures involved and each configuration setting is referenced by a symbolic name. As long as the symbolic name is known it can be accessed. Each subsystem uses a prefix to clearly identify its configuration settings.

[0322] The following are advantages to this configuration management system, as indicated in Table 57B.

TABLE 57B
The logic of how to access information is contained within one
object. If the storage method would need to be changed for some
reason, it is only one objects implementation that changes and
none of the other subsystems get affected.
Information is stored in a way that does not allow for user
access.
If the persistent storage object is not found, default
preconfigured values are returned. This way system security is
not jeopardized.

[0323] Table 57C shows a summary of all configuration settings object interfaces are:

TABLE 57C
ScnOptsCreate ( )
ScnOptsDestroy ( )
ScnOptsGetInt ( )
ScnOptsSetlnt ( )
ScnOptsGetString ( )
ScnOptsSetString ( )

[0324] Following in Table 57D is a detailed description of each API.

[0325] Configuration Settings Storage Definition

[0326] Configuration settings are stored in a text file in XML format. A sample configuration settings file is described in Table 58.

TABLE 58
< Wireless Settings>
<ScanAllFiles=0>
<ScanExtensions=SIS,APP,EXE>
<LogMaxFileSize=5120>
</ Wireless Settings>

[0327] ScanAllFiles is the symbolic name for the scan settings that tells whether all files should be scanned or just the files with the specified file extension. Because the value is made up entirely of numbers it should be accessed as a variable type integer.

[0328] ScanExtensions is the symbolic name for the scan settings that tells one what file types should be checked for malware in case ScanAllFiles is set to zero. Because the value is made up of alphanumeric values it should be accessed as a string.

[0329] Return Codes

[0330] The anti-malware scanner core technology architecture returns a common return code. This return code architecture is designed so clear identification can be made between error return codes and simple casual notification return codes. When interfacing with the component manager several other subsystems are involved in protecting the computer systems. From the return code itself it is possible to determine what subsystem is reporting a certain return code and the reason that subsystem decided to report it. This makes problem identification very trivial and notification messages are detailed.

[0331] The anti-malware scanner return code is a 32-bit value where each bit position has a meaning. The high order bit, 0×80000000 is set for error return codes only. If this bit is not set then the return code in question corresponds to a notification return code. Each the anti-malware scanner core component has its unique bit position within the return code. Bits positions reserved for subsystem have a range from 0×00100000 to 0×7FF00000 and this allows for detailed debugging and reporting because it is possible to track what subsystems an event traversed through before it was reported. The scanner subsystems use the following bit positions within a return code shown in Table 59.

TABLE 59
VSWSTATUS_SS_CMGR 0x00100000 Component manager
VSWSTATUS_SS_OA   0x00200000 On-access scanner
VSWSTATUS_SS_OD   0x00400000 On-demand scanner
VSWSTATUS_SS_ALOG 0x00800000 Activity log.
VSWSTATUS_SS_AGT  0x01000000 Service agent.

[0332] This methodology allows for 0×FFFFF possible error codes when combined with the high order bit, and 0×FFFFF notifications when not combined with the high order bit per subsystem.

[0333] All return codes that the anti-malware scanner returns can be found in the McStatus.h include file. This include file also contains several helper macros that facilitates return code dissecting. Among these macros are ISSTATUSOK and ISSTATUSERROR that are used for quick determination whether a function call succeeded or not.

[0334] More information relating to an illustrative abstract library will be set forth in APPENDIX A.

[0335] Back-End Architecture

[0336] The back-end architecture provides the following functionality in Table 60.

TABLE 60
Provisioning—Wireless service configuration.
Reporting—usage and statistical information
from uploaded device information.
Communication—device-to-server data
communication via HTTP/HTTPS.
Database Transaction—device information logging,
status update, package selection.
Component Update—device-specific component update
package preparation and distribution.
Server-side scanning (optional)—SMTP, SMS, phone-to-
phone information content scanning

[0337] Architecture

[0338] The design goal of the anti-malware scanner back-end infrastructure is to provide a high level of reliability and scalability by distributing the workload to multiple servers. The back-end infrastructure consists of the following components set forth in Table 61

TABLE 61
HTTP server CGI program (kcgi) for client request handling
Database transaction server application (pdbserver) for
database access.
Database for client information storage.
Web-based provisioning and reporting system.

[0339] With reference again to FIG. 1, client/server communication is initiated by a HTTP POST request from a wireless device to a HTTP server running a CGI named kcgi, an executable invoked by a HTTP daemon to handle client-server communication. Once a HTTP server receives a device request, it connects to a transaction server and sends and receives client-specific data. The transaction server, PDB Server, makes database queries to store and retrieve information to/from a database system. The anti-malware client configuration information, usage information and component update packages are stored in the database. The service configuration and reporting may be accomplished via Web interfaces.

[0340] Kcgi—HTTP/Web Server CGI

[0341] The core CGI engine is implemented through a HTTP/Web server module named kcgi. It has been designed to efficiently handle multiple HTTP requests from wireless devices. The CGI is invoked by a Web server daemon (e.g. Apache) when a wireless device connects and uploads data through an HTTP POST request. See Table 62.

TABLE 62
POST /cgi-bin/kcgi.fcg HTTP/1.0
Host: <BACK-END-HOST>
...

[0342] When the CGI receives client data in the payload section of the POST request, it selects a transaction server after a round-robin lookup of a transaction server listing stored in the database and then routes the data to the selected server. Description of the transaction server (pdbserver) and the communication protocol is given in the next section. As a result of the protocol handshaking between kcgi and the pdbserver, a package is either generated or read from a local cache and is sent to the wireless device as PART (data section) of the HTTP response. In case the transaction server returns an error (e.g. authentication failure), kcgi returns an HTTP error response to the HTTP POST request.

[0343] PDB Server—Transaction Server Application

[0344] The personal device database transaction server, pdbserver, is a server application designed to be situated in-between a HTTP/Web server running kcgi and a database server(s) containing device and vendor-specific status and information. The pdbserver is a single-threaded, single-process application designed to handle multiple connections.

[0345] Command Line Arguments

[0346] The pdbserver supports six command line arguments—IP number, process user id, log directory path, upload package directory path, server listener port number, and maximum client connection.

[0347] Table 63 illustrates an example.

TABLE 63
./pdbserver --ip 161.69.79.100 --user pdbd --pkg
/pdbd/packages
--port 6179 --max-clients 256

[0348] The example command line instructs pdbserver to register with a database as a server with IP “161.69.79.100”, execute as a user “pdb” process, find packages in the “/pdbd/packages” directory, listens to connections on port 6179 and allow up-to 256 simultaneous client connections at a give time.

[0349] By default pdbserver saves posted log files under the “./”+<ip>+“:”+<port> directory. For the above example, pdbserver saves posted log files into the “./161.69.79.100:6179” directory. See Table 64 for exemplarypdbserver command-line arguments.

TABLE 64
Argument	Req'd	Default	Example	Description
--ip	✓	none	161.69.79.100	This is the IP address of the
				pdbserver saved to the
				database. The pdbserver
				binds to all interfaces of the
				system it is running on.
--port		6179	6188	Server port number.
--user	✓	none	pdbd	pdbserver process user-id
--log		<IP>:<PORT>	./161.69.79.100:617	Where to save posted log
			9	data
--pkg	✓	none	/pdbd/packages	Where to locate packages to
				be downloaded to clients.
--max-		64	256	Maximum number clients.
clients

[0350] Architecture

[0351] The pdbserver is a single-process, single-threaded server application designed to serve multiple client connections simultaneously. Communication with clients is done using custom protocol over TCP/IP. The application code consists of three parts: initialization, service loop and cleanup.

[0352] Initialization

[0353] The initialization code consists of three parts: database connection/login, registration, and network/socket initialization.

[0354] Database Login

[0355] The current pdbserver implementation uses an Oracle user id “mdb”, password “tigard”, and connection string “lara” to log onto a remote PDB server. The Oracle connection string “lara” is used to reference a remote Oracle database server and must be defined in Oracle client network configuration file tnsnames.ora. Table 65 illustrates an example tnsnames.ora for an Oracle server running on the computer at pdb00.dev.mcafeelabs.com listening to port 1521. See Table 65 for an exemplary sample tnsnames.ora configuration.

TABLE 65
LARA.DEV.MCAFEELABS.COM =
(DESCRIPTION =
(ADDRESS_LIST =
(ADDRESS = (PROTOCOL = TCP) (HOST = pdb00.dev.mcafeelabs.com) (PORT = 1521))
)
(CONNECT_DATA =
(SERVICE_NAME = pdb00.dev.mcafeelabs.com)
)
)

[0356] Registration

[0357] Once a database connection is established, the pdbserver registers itself with the database. The back-end database keeps a list of pdbserver information for load- balancing purpose. The stored information can be obtained by a kcgi instance using the query-servers command.

[0358] Socket Initialization

[0359] The server's listener socket is initialized with no-delay mode, and the listener port is set to a user specified port number. The reason for setting the server socket in no-delay mode is to service clients without having to wait for read/write completion.

[0360] Service Loop

[0361] The pdbserver's main loop consists of accepting a connection to the listener socket, polling each client connection for I/O status updates, servicing each client's request, and removing clients who have timed out. The client network I/O status (read-ready, write-ready, error condition) is obtained using the poll API function. After each client's I/O status is updated, the server handles I/O requests for those clients whose I/O status is set for read/write and executes clients' commands when they are ready to execute.

[0362] Protocol

[0363] The kcgi/pdbserver communication protocol consists of a command and response sets. Each command/response is made up of a minimum of 8 bytes—the first 4 bytes for command/response code and the next 4 bytes for command/response data length. The command/response code and data length information are encoded in network-byte order. Command/response data is given if the length specified is not zero. See Table 66 for an exemplary command/response format.

TABLE 66
<command/response:4 bytes> <data-length:4 bytes>
[data:data-length bytes]

[0364] FIG. 20 illustrates a transaction server command process flow 2000, in accordance with one embodiment. As shown, a command is received in operation 2002, after which it is identified as a post data command 2004, a query server command 2006, or a quit command 2008. If the command received is a post data command 2004, device information is updated in operation 2010, an update package is retrieved in operation 2012, a log is saved in operation 2014, and the response is sent in operation 2020. Further, if the command received is a query server command 2006, a server list is retrieved in operation 2016, and the response is sent in operation 2020. Further, the quit command 2008 prompts a bye operation. See operation 2018. More information regarding such commands will now be set forth.

[0365] Commands

[0366] The pdbserver accepts three commands from kcgi:post-data, query-servers and quit. Each command consists of a 4-byte command code followed by a 4-byte command argument length and data. See Table 67 for an exemplary PDB Server Command List.

TABLE 67
Command	Value	Description
post-data	0x0001	Uploads device log file.
query-servers	0x0002	retrieves the file version number of the
		latest device-specific virus
		signature file stored in database.
quit	0x0004	ends client connection to the pdbserver.

[0367] Post-Data

[0368] One of the main functionalities of the pdbserver is to verify and update individual device's status on the back-end database. The post-data command is used by kcgi to upload (or post) data sent by a wireless device using HTTP POST. Contained in the uploaded client data is a wireless component catalogue containing version information and event log. The catalogue information is used in selecting an update package to download to the device, and the log data is stored in the database for reporting. At the very beginning of the HTTP POST data is a device identification number used to authenticate the device. Both the catalogue and the log information received are in XML format. Refer to the service agent section of the anti-malware scanner Design Specification document for the catalogue and event log format.

[0369] Query-Servers

[0370] This command is used by kcgi in selecting a pdbserver, and returns a list of active PDB server IP's, port assignment, and number of clients connected to each server.

[0371] Return Code

[0372] For each command issued by a client, the pdbserver responds with a 4-byte response code followed by a 4-byte data length. Table 68A lists the current pdbserver response codes.

TABLE 68A
Response	Value	Description
success	0x0000	command executed successfully.
cmd-failed	0x8001	failed to execute command
unknown-cmd	0x8002	unknown command issued
invalid-arg	0x8003	invalid command argument given
timeout	0x8004	client failed to issue command on time
not-impl	0x8005	issued command not implemented
invalid-data	0x8006	same as invalid-arg; client data contains
		invalid argument data
no-record	0x8007	failed to locate requested (or required) data
		from database
db-failure	0x8008	database transaction failure
db-unavail	0x8009	failed to connect to database
insuf-res	0xCFFE	insufficient internal resource to execute
		requested command
internal-err	0xCFFF	unknown internal error

[0373] Configuration and Reporting

[0374] The anti-malware scanner run-time configuration is setup through a web interface and maintained in the database. New configuration settings in XML format are downloaded to each device as a part of the HTTP POST return data. Each device entry in the unit information table has a group id used to reference the configuration for a given wireless device. Currently identified configuration settings are those set forth in Table 68B.

TABLE 68B
Service-interval time - how often wireless devices contact
the back-end to upload/download data from the back-end
Scan action - virus scanner action (clean/repair, delete,
ignore)

[0375] Usage and statistical reports are generated using a Web interface from database records gathered from device logs uploaded by the service agent on the device. Two types of reports are available, as indicated by Table 68C.

TABLE 68C
Virus detection reports - statistical information on the
virus names, types, actions taken.
System activity reports - compilation of system errors and
warnings used to diagnose and troubleshoot.

[0376] Database Schema

[0377] FIG. 21 illustrates the personal device database table relationships 2100, in accordance with one embodiment. The personal device database (PDB) is a relational database made up of six tables: unit_info (2102), device (2104), eng_pkg (2106), dat_pkg (2108), detection_log (2110), event_log (2112) and pdbserver (2114). The information contained in the relational database tables are used by a pdbserver to retrieve individual devices' engine and PD information, detection and event log records, and to list available pdbserver's for kcgi.

[0378] Device Information Table (2104 of FIG. 21)

[0379] Device-specific latest engine and DAT version information is kept in the device table. See Table 69 for an exemplary device information table.

TABLE 69
device
column	type	key	example	description
id	varchar(16)	✓	MOT10A	device
				identification
				number
engver	varchar(10)		EM10A.5.2.1	latest AV engine
				version number
				for the device
				‘id’
datver	varchar(10)		DM10A.5.2.1	latest AV
				signature
				database version
				for the device
				‘id’
mfg	varchar(32)		Motorola	device
				manufacture
				name
rev	varchar(16)		A	device revision
				number
cmnt	varchar(128)		Motorola	device comment/
			Model 10 A	remark text
			for Verizon

[0380] Engine Package Table (2106 of FIG. 21)

[0381] Engine package filename for a specific device type and version is stored in the eng_pkg table. See Table 70 for exemplary device-specific engine package information.

TABLE 70
eng_pkg
column	type	key	example	description
device	varchar(16)	✓	M0T10A	device
				identification
				number
version	varchar(10)	✓	EM10A.5.2.0	latest AV
				engine
				version number
				for the device
pkg	varchar(64)		eng.m10a.050200.pkg	AV engine
				package name

[0382] DAT Package Table (2108 of FIG. 21)

[0383] The DAT package table (da_pkg) contains device and version specific DAT package name information. See Table 71 for exemplary device-specific DAT package information.

TABLE 71
dat_pkg
column	type	key	example	description
device	varchar(16)	✓	M0T10A	device
				identification
				number
version	varchar(10)	✓	EM10A.5.2.0	latest AV signature
				database version
				number for the
				device
pkg	varchar(64)		dat.m10a.5.2.0.pkg	signature package
				name

[0384] Unit Information Table (2102 of FIG. 21)

[0385] Every personal device has an entry in the unit_info table. Stored in this table are: 16-character fixed-length unit identification number, device identification number that specifies the device type, unit-group identification code that provides group association of a particular unit and virus scan data files and engine version numbers on the device. See Table 72 for an exemplary unit information table.

TABLE 72
unit_info
column	type	key	example	description
unitid	char(16)	✓	C000A100008001234	personal
				device unit
				identification
				number
deviceid	varchar(16)		M0T10A	device
				identification
				number
group	char(8)		VZ200	unit group
				identification
				number
status	int		1	unit activation
				status
engver	varchar(10)		EM10A.5.2.1	AV engine
				version on
				the unit
datver	varchar(10)		DM10A.5.2.1	AV signature
				version
				on the unit
contact	char(14)		20011224161525	last log upload
				timestamp (UTC);
				YYYY + MM +
				DD + hh +
				mm + ss

[0386] Detection Log (2110 of FIG. 21)

[0387] Virus/malware detection log entries posted by a device are kept in the detection log. Each log entry has unit identification number, timestamp, what was detected, and action taken by the scanner. See Table 73 for an exemplary malware detection log table.

TABLE 73
detection_log
column	type	key	example	description
unitid	char(16)		C000A100008001234	personal
				device unit
				identification
				number
when	char(14)		20011224161030	reported
				detection
				timestamp (UTC)
detected	varchar(32)		abc@mm	malware name
type	varchar(16)		worm	malware type
infected	varchar(128)		system.dll	object (e.g.
				file) infected
action	int		1	AV scanner
				action

[0388] Event Log (2112 of FIG. 21)

[0389] System log information upload by devices are kept in the event log. Each log entry consists of unit id, log entry time, severity of the event, and event description. See Table 74A for an exemplary event log table.

TABLE 74A
event_log
column	type	key	example	description
unitid	char(16)		C000A100008001234	personal
				device unit
				identification
				number
when	char(14)		20011224161025	reported
				detection
				timestamp
				(UTC)
severity	int		1	severity-level
				of the reported
				event
message	varchar(160)		DAT updated	event
			successfully	description

[0390] PDB Server Table (2114 of FIG. 21)

[0391] PDB server table lists active pdbserver instances and the number of clients each server is servicing. As a part of initialization process, each pdbserver registers its IP and port to the table, and maintains a client counter in the table. See Table 74B.

TABLE 74B
pdbserver
	column	type	key	description
	ip	varchar(15)	✓	PDB Server IP number
	port	int	✓	PDB server port number
	clients	int		number of clients being
				served by IP:port

[0392] PDB Logger

[0393] The PDB Logger (pdblogger) is a separate application designed to process posted device log data as an off-line process. The system event and detection log information stored in a log directory is processed and recorded onto the event and detection tables by this application.

[0394] FIG. 22 shows an exemplary client information flow 2200, in accordance with one embodiment.

[0395] APPENDIX A

[0396] Abstract Library

[0397] The design goal of the wireless abstraction library is to shield the application from platform-specific implementation details while providing consistent interfaces to the following subsystems in Table 75.

TABLE 75
dynamic memory allocation
process enumeration and control
threading and thread synchronization
storage I/O
network socket I/O
string conversion
system event handling

[0398] Initialization

[0399] An application using the API Library is required to make a call to the AlInitLibrary function before calling any other API functions. Also the user application is required to call the AlCleanupLibrary before terminating to release any system resources internal to the library. See Table 76.

TABLE 76
Initialization API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlInitLibrary	void	int	initialize library
AlCleanupLibrary	void	int	release system resource used

[0400] Error Functions

[0401] The abstraction library provides two functions to set and retrieve the last-error code for the calling thread. See Table 77.

TABLE 78
Error API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlErrGetLast	void	AlErrorCode	retrieves last-error code
AlErrSetLast	AlErrorCode	void	sets the last-error code

[0402] System Information API

[0403] See Table 79.

TABLE 79
Child Process API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlGetDeviceID	text_t* pId,	int	retrieves the system
	int iSize		identification string

[0404] Process API

[0405] The abstraction library provides a set of functions for a child process execution, process list enumeration and process termination.

[0406] See Table 80.

TABLE 80
Process API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlExec	text_t const*	int	loads and executes
	pProg,		a new process
	text_t const*
	pCmdLine
AlProGetList	AlPID* pPIDs,	int	retrieves system
	int iMaxPIDs		process list
AlProFreeList	AlPID* pPIDs,	int	releases memory
	int iPIDs		used to store
			process list
AlProOpen	AlPID pid	AL—	converts process
		PROCESS—	id to process
		HANDLE	handle
AlProClose	AL_PROCESS—	int	release process
	HANDLE		handle returned
	hProcess		by the AlProOpen
			function
AlProKill	AL_PROCESS—	int	force terminates
	HANDLE		a given process
	hProcess

[0407] Dynamic Memory API

[0408] The abstraction library provides two sets of dynamic memory allocation methods for multi-threaded applications. Under operating systems like Unix/Linux and Windows NT (Win32), a block of memory allocated from one thread using the malloco function can be de-allocated in another thread, but under systems like Symbian 6.x, memory de-allocation must be performed by the thread that created it. The AlMemSAlloc and AlMemSFree functions are provided to allocate/deallocate dynamic memory from the process thread, and the AlMemAlloc and the AlMemFree functions are provided for thread-specific memory allocation/de-allocation. Under Unix/Linux and Win32, both AlMemSAlloc and AlMemAlloc are mapped to the POSIX malloc. See Table 81.

TABLE 81
Dynamic Memory API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlMemSAlloc	unsigned int	void*	allocate memory from
	uSize		the parent thread's
			heap
AlMemSFree	void* ptr	void	free memory allocated
			using the AlMemSAlloc
			function
AlMemAlloc	unsigned int	void*	allocate memory from
	uSize		the calling thread's
			heap
AlMemFree	void* ptr	void	free memory allocated
			using the AlMemAlloc
			function

[0409] Thread API

[0410] The library provides thread creation and termination functions. The AlCreateThread creates a new thread, the AlWaitThread provides thread termination waiting function, and the AlCloseThread is used to release system resource associated with a thread. See Table 82.

TABLE 83
Thread API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlCreateThread	int	AL—	create a new
	(*pThreadProc)	THREAD—	thread
	(void*),	HANDLE
	void *pData,
	int iStackSize = −1,
	int iMinHeap = −1,
	int iMaxHeap = −1
AlWaitThread	AL_THREAD—	int	wait for thread
	HANDLE		to terminate
	hThread,
	int iMsTimeout
AlCloseThread	AL_THREAD—	void	close and release
	HANDLE		thread resource
	hThread
AlGetTls	void	void*	returns the
			pointer thread-
			local storage
AlSetTls	void	void*	sets the pointer
			thread-local
			storage
AlSleep	int	int	suspends the
			calling thread

[0411] Synchronization API

[0412] The abstraction library provides three types of thread synchronization objects: mutex, semaphore and critical section. Both unnamed and named mutex and semaphore objects are supported. See Table 84.

TABLE 84
Synchronization API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlCreateMutex	text_t	AL—	create a
	const *pName	MUTEX—	new mutex
		HANDLE
AlOpenMutex	text_t	AL—	get handle
	const *pName	MUTEX—	to an
		HANDLE	existing
			mutex
AlGetMutex	AL_MUTEX—	int	lock a
	HANDLE		given mutex
	hMutex
AlReleaseMutex	AL_MUTEX—	int	unlock a
	HANDLE		given mutex
	hMutex
AlCloseMutex	AL_MUTEX—	void	close and
	HANDLE		release
	hMutex		mutex
			resource
AlCreateSemaphore	text_t	AL—	create
	const *pName,	SEMAPHORE—	a new
	int iCount	HANDLE	semaphore
AlOpenSemaphore	text_t	AL—	open an
	const *pName	SEMAPHORE—	existing
		HANDLE	semaphore
AlGetSemaphore	AL—	int	wait
	SEMAPHORE—		on the
	HANDLE		specified
	hSemaphore		semaphore
AlReleaseSemaphore	AL—	int	increase the
	SEMAPHORE—		count of the
	HANDLE		specified
	hSemaphore,		semaphore by
	int iCount		a given
			amount
AlCloseSemaphore	AL—	void	close and
	SEMAPHORE—		release
	HANDLE		semaphore
	hSemaphore,
	int iCount
AlCreateCritsec	void	AL—	create a
		CRITSEC—	critical
		HANDLE	section
AlGetCritsec	AL—	int	wait for
	CRITSEC—		ownership
	HANDLE		of a
	hCritsec		specified
			critical
			section
AlReleaseCritsec	AL—	int	release the
	CRITSEC—		ownership of
	HANDLE		a critical
	hCritsec		section
AlCloseCritsec	AL—	void	close and
	CRITSEC—		release
	HANDLE		the specified
	hCritsec		critical
			section and
			its resource

[0413] Storage I/O

[0414] The Storage I/O API is used by the anti-malware scanner to access and modify data objects (or files) stored on a non-volatile storage device (e.g. flash memory, hard disk) and managed by a file system or file system like storage and retrieval system. The API is divided into three categories: 1) I/O routines for reading/writing data to/from single object or file, 2) calls used to copy, move and delete a stored object, 3) and routines that provide directory object enumeration. See Table 85.

TABLE 85
Storage I/O API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Descriptions
AlFsFileOpen	text_t const	AL_FILE—	open a file for
	*pFName,	HANDLE	reading/writing and
	unsigned int		returns file handle
	uMode
AlFsFileClose	AL_FILE—	int	release and close
	HANDLE		file handle
	hFile
AlFsFileRead	AL_FIL—	int	read file data
	HANDLE
	hFile,
	unsigned
	char* buffer,
	int nSize
AlFsFileWrite	AL_FIL—	int	write data
	HANDLE		to file
	hFile,
	unsigned char
	const* buffer,
	int iSize
AlFsFileSeek	AL_FIL—	long	reposition read/
	HANDLE		write file offset
	hFile, long
	offset, int
	iWhence
AlFsFileTell	AL_FIL—	long	obtain read/write
	HANDLE		file offset
	hFile
AlFsFileSetSize	AL_FIL—	long	change file size
	HANDLE
	hFile, long
	lNewSize
AlFsFileDelete	text_t const*	int	delete file
	pFName
AlFsFileRename	text_t const*	int	rename a file
	pOFName, text_t		or directory
	const*
	pNFName);
AlFsFileCopy	text_t const*	int	copy a file
	pSFName, text_t
	const* pSFName
AlFsFileStat	text_t const*	int	obtain a file
	pFName, struct		or directory
	AlFileStat*		information
	pFStat
AlSetFileMode	text_t const*	int	set a file or
	pFName,		directory attribute
	unsigned long
	ulMode
AlFsBuildPath	text_t const*	text_t*	construct a path
	pDName, text_t		from directory and
	const* pFName		file paths
AlFsGetRoots	text_t	int	obtain a lists
	**pRoots, int		of roots.
	iMaxRoots
AlFsDirOpen	text_t const	AL_DIR—	open a directory
	*pDName	HANDLE
AlFsDirClose	AL_DIR—	int	close directory
	HANDLE		handle
	hDir
AlFsDirNext	AL_DIR—	int	obtain a
	HANDLE		directory entry
	hDir, struct
	AlDirEntry* pDE
AlFsIsDir	AlFAtt attrib	int	test for
			directory
AlFsGetTemp	text_t* const	text_t*	returns a full
	pDirectory		path for a
			temporary file

[0415] Network Sockets API

[0416] Both standard and secure (SSL) socket API's for developing client/server applications are provided in the abstraction library. See Table 86.

TABLE 86
Socket API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlSockCreate	int iDomain,	AL_SOCKET—	creates and returns a
	int iType,	HANDLE	handle to a socket
	int iProtocol		object
AlSockClose	AL_SOCKET—	int	closes a socket handle
	HANDLE
	hSock
AlSockBind	AL_SOCKET—	int	binds a network address
	HANDLE		to a socket
	hSock,
	AlSockAddr *pAddr
AlSockAccept	AL_SOCKET—	int	accepts a connection to
	HANDLE		a socket
	hSock,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSockConnect	AL_SOCKET—	int	establishes a connection
	HANDLE		to a peer
	hSock,
	AlSockAddr *pAddr,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSockRecv	AL_SOCKET—	int	receives data from a
	HANDLE		socket connection
	hSock,
	unsigned
	char *Buffer,
	int iSize,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSockSend	AL_SOCKET—	int	sends data on a
	HANDLE		connected socket
	hSock,
	unsigned char
	const *Buffer,
	int iSize,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSockAddrBuild	text_t	int	converts a hostname
	const *pHName,		and port into a
	int iPort,		socket address
	AlSockAddr *pAddr

[0417] See Table 87 for a secure socket API.

TABLE 87
Secure Socket API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlSSockOpen	AL_SOCKET—	int	converts non-
	HANDLE		secure socket
	hSock		into a secure
			socket object
			for SSL
			communication
AlSSockClose	AL_SSOCKET—	int	closes SSL
	HANDLE		socket
	hSSock
AlSSockBind	AL_SSOCKET—	int	SSL version of
	HANDLE		AlSockBind
	hSSock,
	AlSockAddr *pAddr
AlSSockAccept	AL_SSOCKET—	int	SSL version of
	HANDLE		AlSockAccept
	hSSock,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSSockConnect	AL_SSOCKET—	int	SSL version of
	HANDLE		AlSockConnect
	hSSock,
	AlSockAddr *pAddr,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSSockRecv	AL_SSOCKET—	int	SSL version of
	HANDLE		AlSockRecev
	hSSock,
	unsigned
	char *Buffer,
	int iSize,
	int iMsTimeout
AlSSockSend	AL_SSOCKET—	int	SSL version of
	HANDLE		AlSockSend
	hSSock,
	unsigned char
	const *Buffer,
	int iSize,
	int iMsTimeout

[0418] String Functions

[0419] The string functions in the Platform Abstraction Library provide a platforn-specific string type to/from an UTF8 string conversions and string type-specific allocation functions. See Table 88.

TABLE 88
String API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlStrCpyFromTStr	char* pDest,	char*	copy and convert
	text_t const* pSrc		platform-specific string
			type to an UTF8 string
AlTStrCpyFromStr	text_t* pDest,	text_t*	copy and convert a
	char const* pSrc		UTF8 string to a
			platform-specific string
AlTStrAlloc	unsigned int uSize	char*	create a buffer for a
			single-byte zero-
			terminated string
AlStrDup	char const* pStr	char*	duplicate given single-
			byte zero-terminated
			string
AlStrTrans	text_t const* pTStr	char*	convert a platform-
			specific string to an
			UTF8 string
AlStrFree	char* pStr	void	release memory
			allocated by the
			AlStrAlloc, AlStrDup
			and AlStrTrans
			functions
AlStrIStr	char const* pString,	char*	locate ‘pPattern’ in
	char const* pPattern		‘pString’ and return a
			pointer the beginning of
			the found string
AlTStrAlloc	unsigned int uSize	text_t*	allocate and return a
			pointer to a buffer large
			enough to hold ‘uSize’
			long text_t string
AlTStrDup	text_t const* pString	text_t*	duplicate a platform-
			specific string and
			return a pointer to the
			duplicated string
AlTStrTrans	char const* pString	text_t*	convert an UTF8 string
			to a platform-specific
			string
AlTStrFree	text_t* pString	void	release memory
			allocated to hold a
			text_t string by the
			AlTStrAlloc, AlStrDup
			and the AlTStrTrans
			functions
AlTStrLen	text_t* pString	int	return length of a
			platform-specific string

[0420] System Event Functions

[0421] The system event functions provides an application with a method to install an event handler for a given system event. See Table 89.

TABLE 89
System Event API
Name	Arguments	Returns	Description
AlEventGetHandler	int event,	int	obtain exist-
	AL_EVENT_CBFUNC*		ing
	pCbFunc		handler
			for
			specified
			event
AlEventSetHandler	int event,	int	set a call-
	AL_EVENT_CBFUNC		back
	cbfunc		handler for
			specified
			event

[0422] API Reference

[0423] See Table 90 for an exemplary API reference.

[0424] While various embodiments have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. Thus, the breadth and scope of a preferred embodiment should not be limited by any of the above described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A method for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, comprising: receiving a scan command from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device; instantiating a component manager of the mobile wireless device in response to the scan command; executing an anti-malware scanner utilizing the component manager; and scanning the mobile wireless device utilizing the anti-malware scanner.

2. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the instantiation of the component manager further includes allocating memory of the mobile wireless device to the component manager.

3. The method as recited in claim 2, wherein the instantiation of the component manager further includes loading anti-malware scanner configuration settings in the allocated memory.

4. The method as recited in claim 3, wherein the anti-malware scanner is executed based on the configuration settings.

5. The method as recited in claim 4, wherein the anti-malware scanner scans the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings.

6. The method as recited in claim 5, wherein the anti-malware scanner cleans the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings.

7. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the component manager logs the scanning of the mobile wireless device.

8. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the scanning includes on-access scanning and on-demand scanning.

9. The method as recited in claim 8, wherein the on-access scanning is disabled during on-demand scanning to preserve resources on the mobile wireless device.

10. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the component manager generates a call back function to control the anti-malware scanner.

11. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the component manager controls a plurality of functional modules.

12. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the component manager is platform independent.

13. The method as recited in claim 12, wherein the component manager is capable of interfacing with any one of a plurality of mobile wireless device platforms.

14. The method as recited in claim 1, wherein the mobile wireless device is updated based on an external trigger.

15. A computer program product for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, comprising: computer code for receiving a scan command from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device; computer code for instantiating a component manager of the mobile wireless device in response to the scan command; computer code for executing an anti-malware scanner utilizing the component manager; and computer code for scanning the mobile wireless device utilizing the anti- malware scanner.

16. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the instantiation of the component manager further includes allocating memory of the mobile wireless device to the component manager.

17. The computer program product as recited in claim 16, wherein the instantiation of the component manager further includes loading anti-malware scanner configuration settings in the allocated memory.

18. The computer program product as recited in claim 17, wherein the anti-malware scanner is executed based on the configuration settings.

19. The computer program product as recited in claim 18, wherein the anti-malware scanner scans the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings.

20. The computer program product as recited in claim 19, wherein the anti-malware scanner cleans the mobile wireless device based on the configuration settings.

21. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the component manager logs the scanning of the mobile wireless device.

22. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the scanning includes on-access scanning and on-demand scanning.

23. The computer program product as recited in claim 22, wherein the on-access scanning is disabled during on-demand scanning to preserve resources on the mobile wireless device.

24. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the component manager generates a call back function to control the anti-malware scanner.

25. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the component manager controls a plurality of functional modules.

26. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the component manager is platform independent.

27. The computer program product as recited in claim 26, wherein the component manager is capable of interfacing with any one of a plurality of mobile wireless device platforms.

28. The computer program product as recited in claim 15, wherein the mobile wireless device is updated based on an external trigger.

29. A system for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, comprising: means for receiving a scan command from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device; means for instantiating a component manager of the mobile wireless device in response to the scan command; means for executing an anti-malware scanner utilizing the component manager; and means for scanning the mobile wireless device utilizing the anti-malware scanner.

30. A system for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, comprising: logic for receiving a scan command from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device; logic for instantiating a component manager of the mobile wireless device in response to the scan command; logic for executing an anti-malware scanner utilizing the component manager; and logic for scanning the mobile wireless device utilizing the anti-malware scanner.

31. A method for scanning a mobile wireless device for malware, comprising: receiving a scan command from a user utilizing a mobile wireless device; instantiating a component manager of the mobile wireless device in response to the scan command, wherein the component manager controls a plurality of functional modules of the mobile wireless device and is capable of interfacing with any one of a plurality of mobile wireless device platforms, the instantiating including: allocating memory of the mobile wireless device to the component manager, and loading anti-malware scanner configuration settings in the allocated memory; executing an anti-malware scanner utilizing the component manager based on the anti-malware scanner configuration settings; and scanning the mobile wireless device utilizing the anti-malware scanner based on the anti-malware scanner configuration settings.