Spatial Signature Algorithm (SSA): A New Approach in Countermeasuring XML Signature Wrapping Attack

Abstract

This paper introduces a new approach in countermeasuring XML signature wrapping attack called the Spatial Signature Algorithm (SSA). The motivation for proposing the SSA approach is due to the limitation of the SOAP (Simple Object Access Protocol) in handling the XML signature wrapping attacks. A different strategy is to be planned in order to deter such attack without extensive computational expense. Spatial Signature Algorithm builds upon the notion of ratio signature that is recommended by a research in biotechnology. The research suggests the possibility of diagnosing a specific disease based on the idea of ratios, specifically on the comparative relationship between elements to detect the emergence of certain threats. Bridging this notion to security, the principle of using space and ratio to detect abnormality is extended to the application of spatial information and digital signature to detect and combat the XML wrapping signature attack.