Container Kernel Access Security via Signal Interception
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Solution Overview
Problem
In container-based virtualization systems, there is no effective method to capture and secure kernel access operations by processes within containers, which poses a security threat to the host and other containers since they can directly access the host kernel.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that detect process launch operations in user mode and capture signal processing operations in kernel mode by causing executable instructions to jump to a self-defined function, passing signal numbers, and capturing signal processing operations, thereby securing kernel access operations by switching them to a lower privilege level for execution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If container-based virtualization is used to improve system performance and resource utilization, then productivity and efficiency are improved, but security reliability deteriorates because containers can directly access the host kernel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a kernel module as an intermediary between containers and the host kernel. This kernel module intercepts and monitors system calls and signal processing operations, acting as a security gateway that allows performance benefits while preventing unauthorized kernel access. The intermediary captures operations before they reach the host kernel, enabling security control without sacrificing container performance.
2Ease of operation
If direct kernel access is allowed for container processes to maintain simplicity and ease of operation, then ease of operation is improved, but security reliability deteriorates due to potential host compromise
Solution Approach 1:
The kernel module serves as an automatic intermediary that transparently monitors container processes without requiring changes to container operation. It intercepts system calls and signal operations automatically, maintaining ease of use while implementing security controls in the background.
Solution Approach 2:
The kernel module implements feedback mechanisms by monitoring container operations and dynamically responding to potential security threats. It captures system calls and signal processing operations, analyzes them, and takes appropriate actions to prevent unauthorized kernel access while allowing legitimate operations to proceed.
3Device complexity
If no kernel access monitoring is implemented to maintain system simplicity, then device complexity is reduced, but security reliability deteriorates due to inability to capture malicious operations
Solution Approach 1:
The kernel module is integrated into the existing kernel architecture, adding monitoring capabilities without requiring a complete system redesign. It hooks into existing system call interfaces and signal processing mechanisms, implementing security monitoring with minimal additional complexity while significantly improving reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
The present application discloses a method and apparatus for capturing an operation, and security control in a container-based virtualization system. A specific implementation of the method for capturing the operation includes: detecting, in a user mode, a process launch operation in a container of the container-based virtualization system; and performing, in a kernel mode, a step of capturing a signal processing operation, if the process launch operation is detected, the step of capturing the signal processing operation comprising: determining a presence of an unprocessed signal in the process; causing an executable instruction indicated by the unprocessed signal to jump to an entry address of a self-defined first function, and passing a signal number of the unprocessed signal to the first function, if the unprocessed signal exists; and capturing a signal processing operation corresponding to the passed signal number, if the first function is called. This implementation implements the capture of an access operation by a process in a container to a host kernel, so that security control can be subsequently performed on the captured operation to ensure the security of the system.